Yes

I woke up this morning thinking our house was on fire…


Thankfully as I came to my senses, I realized that my hair was the culprit; An hour running away from the smoke around the campfire the night before roasting the most gooey, charred s’mores. My mouth is watering as I type this.

Now it’s afternoon. A different scent wafts through the air around me. Fresh black raspberries from our backyard bramble are baking in the oven underneath a buttery, flakey crisp. I can smell a whisper of sunscreen and chlorine as well; My Kiddo’s swim bag on the floor in the next room. 

Summer has been a joy so far (and technically, it’s not even summer yet). Summering, if you will, has been easy. But, it took me a while to get here.

I wish that Katherine May would write a book about Springing, because spring was hard for me this year. The fickle weather left my circadian rhythm stuck in purgatory. A waiting place between winter and summer. 

Reading Wintering this past January lulled me into a gentle, cozy slumber that caused me to enjoy the cold months more than I ever have. So much so, that I emerged back into the world late with the herbs rather than early with the daffodils as I have in years past.

Spring had nearly come and gone by the time I got back into the swing of things! But you know what? THAT’S HOW IT SHOULD BE. 

Barren branches don’t sprout green overnight. Wildflowers don’t plunge from barely thawed soil with bright, colorful blooms. Transitions take time. 

Modeling my life rhythms after those of nature has changed me, and for the better. Summer sun fills our bodies with vitamin D and naturally suppresses melatonin, giving us the much-needed energy to do all of the things! 

I'm happy to report that I am now wide-awake :) 

Summer solstice party invitations have been sent out and unnecessary but gorgeously whimsical decor has been bought to prepare. Whereas in winter I snuggled up solo with cocoa and a good book, I’m watching GOT with my bestie over a plate of Asian takeout and good conversation. Instead of capping my painting commissions so that I conserve energy, I’m teaching summer art camp and preparing for three upcoming art shows. My kiddo and I have enjoyed many ice cream dates with pals and impromptu play dates at the park. After months of reluctance, my family is attending church regularly again.

Summer is the season of “yes.” I have the energy for “yes.” 

Before we know it, the stunning colors of fall will be upon us, and so will the need to wind back down for winter rest. I’ll trade in a spontaneous kayaking adventure for an at-home, early pot roast dinner and warm sheets afterwards.  

But until then, “yes” is my word for the season!