So you read this title and thought: It’s happened. The woman is delusional or has been living in a cave. Doesn’t she know that a pandemic spread across the world cancelling life as we knew it? Doesn’t she know that violence is destroying some of America’s most renowned cities and wildfires are raging? Doesn’t she know that the political divide has never been deeper, and that the fate of our nation rests on the outcome of the next election? Yes, yes, and yes. I know all that.
But I’m also aware that while we’ve been distracted, concerned, confused, fearful, and maybe just plain mad about all the above, summer simply made her seasonal appearance. And, at least in our corner of the world, she did so in a spectacular and satisfying way.
Although September in Colorado brings many beautiful, warm days, summer always seem to be officially over when school starts—either in classrooms or virtually as this year. So I’m already reflecting on what was so special about a summer that may have slipped by unnoticed.
My husband and I had extra time on our hands which we chose to spend outside walking, swimming, or gardening whenever we could. We actually got tan through the sunblock this year! That’s summer.
After five years in this house, we finally had our own charm (the group name) of hummingbirds. One morning I counted five at the feeder at once! I know for some of you that’s still a paltry few, but since sightings have been so rare for us it was exciting enough for me to put up an extra feeder. Each morning and evening I’ve been charmed by their antics. That’s summer.
Our flowers outdid themselves. The clematis and rose bush in our front yard bloomed not once but twice, and the pots of annuals on the deck performed profusely too. There’s just something about going out barefooted early each morning to water your plants. That’s summer.
The farmers’ market brought fresh green beans, peaches, and homegrown tomatoes, and my son’s vegetable garden produced a bountiful harvest, too. That’s summer.
We’re blessed to have two parks near us and though organized sports leagues were cancelled, the sound of children playing was reassuringly normal. We heard the crack of the bat from pick up baseball games, got to pet all the dogs on their way to the dog park, and even caught sight of a kite stuck in a tree. That’s summer.
Did you miss it? If so, it’s not too late. Set aside your worries about all the things you can’t do much about anyway and get outside so God’s gift of summer can speak to you. You’ll find her message quite soothing and satisfying.
Thanks for putting the focus where it belongs, on God’s beautiful world instead of the ugliness of people and the sickness going on. Smiles from me to you, Nancy.
Thank you, Betty. Hugs and smiles back to you!
I loved hearing about your beauty-full summer, Nancy. On the calendar, we still have over three weeks of summer left, and you’ve motivated me to keep soaking it in. Thank you!
Something tells me we need every moment we can get!
And as you say goodbye to summer, you’ll have the gorgeous aspen gold to look forward to! There are things I miss about Colorado, but Kentucky, with all its majestic trees, is tough competition in the natural beauty contest!
Knowing how close it is to TN, I agree, Pat! Missed my spring beauty trip to the South and may not have a fall one either. Stay well.
Nancy, dear friend Nancy. Loved reading your thoughts about summer. Summertime is my favorite time of the year and I don’t even mind when it really gets hot and humid. I will read your summer article again when the snow is piled around me. Any thoughts about winter? Thank you so much for sharing in words the wonders of summer. Hugs. Phyllis Murphy
Thanks, Phyllis! Hopefully we’ll have a wonderful fall to enjoy, too–then winter! Hugs.
Ah, yes! Loved these sweet words of great images that bring joy! Thanks for sharing! I hope you received a rather lengthy (emailed) letter from me a few months ago. I sure have enjoyed your writing and using your book with a group of dear ones in Fresno, California.
Tanya, I didn’t get a letter from you! Please resend, and I’m happy my book is useful to you. Thanks for letting me know.
Nancy, as always you gave us a thought-provoking message. Fall planting is in progress in my retirement community, so I can look forward to more flowers even as the summer blooms hang their heads and fade. As you enjoy Aspen gold (and whatever else), I’ll think of you while I enjoy the gold of oaks and the red of maples. Peggy
Peggy–I’m guessing there are some fall pansies in those plantings! Love ’em. I bought a few just to brighten up my summer pots before they all freeze. Thanks for writing.
Thank you, Nancy. This summer I’ve taken walks almost every day, and each time I think “Why didn’t I do this every summer?!?”
Good for you, Sue. Guess that means you’ve got a good area for walking. Yay!
Unique summer but fun spending so much time
with you my dear. You huzzband
Yes, it has been. Glad we like so many of the same things (minus golf!)
I so loved reading this! We have had the most bountiful tomato plants in our raised garden this year and the tomatoes are bigger than we have ever grown! We planted a new honeysuckle that had beautiful blooms and have enjoyed the beautiful hanging baskets too. Thank you dear friend for your sweet words again!
Gay Hope, my dad couldn’t believe that we plant honeysuckle out here but I love it, too! He spent most of his adult life trying to pull it out of bushes back in TN. The fragrance is a “homecoming” one for me though!
Sweet, wholesome and anchoring affirmations for the soul!
Than you for, as always, reminding us of the beauty of
observation and gratitude.
Alice, I’m just so glad that, in spite of everything, we can still see the beauty of creation around us.
Good stuff, Mom! Thanks for the vegetable garden kudos! 🙂
Happiness often begins with thankfulness, and we have much to be thankful for…(in spite of the circumstances!)
Love you.