The art of summering is captured in the wonder of morning light, the darkness of a starry night, and the awe-inspiring beauty of nature. Poet Wallace Stevens stated, "The summer night is like a perfection of thought." I agree!
My love for summer dates back to my early childhood when I summered with my Nonnie. Each week was full of small excursions such as walking to the library and church, running around the multiple flower beds and vegetable gardens, and pinning laundry on a rope as the breeze flipped and flopped our wash. Each activity was an uncomplicated, valuable memory of summertime.
As an adult, the art of summering lifts my spirits. I wander through nature, finding ordinary items to dazzle me. Even a tiny dandelion, as simple as it is, brings joy. Now that June is here, with its kingdom of beautifully selected skies, beds of colorful flowers, and my magnolia trees, I can slow down with a more mindful approach.
Yesterday, sunlight opened the day. I felt the pangs of loss more so than before, so I decided to go on my first walk in months. I breathed in June's fragrance of fresh-cut grass and hint of lilac and lavender. I listened to the sounds of birds and the swish-swash of the water pond. I paused for a short time, just to stare at the majesty of this summer-like environment. Knowing that June is "busting out all over, I need to renew my one word commitment to enjoy life.
"It was June, and the world smelled of roses. The sunshine was like powdered gold over the grassy hillside." - Maud Hart Lovelace 
Three reading women in a summer landscape by Johan Krouthen, 1908
So what is summering to me? It is savoring stilled golden moments (as seen above in the artwork), time to enjoy the sounds of nature and the ebb and flow of the ocean, and inhale the scent of flowers. It is also a time to relax, barbecue, and enjoy life with family and friends.
Ecclesiastes 11: 7-8 reminds me to delight in the light of day, while acknowledging the limitations of life. (AI) On my spiritual journey, there will be stumbling and confusion but hope shall help me find a new path as summer blossoms unfold.
Thank you to book lover and writer, Ramona Behnke, for leading our Spiritual Journey community this June with the theme of Summering.
Since time is precious, I am also offering my blog post for Poetry Friday. Thank you to nature poet, author, and photographer, Buffy Silverman, for hosting today's Poetry Friday Roundup. She is reviewing two books: Flurry, Float, and Fly! by Laura Purdie Salas and Wonder Why by Lisa Varchol Perron. You will also see there are many other poets who are sharing their poetic goodness.
Carol, I love this, "I wander through nature, finding ordinary items to dazzle me." We often overlook the ordinary to be taken in by all the glamour and glitz. There is so much beauty in the common everyday. Leaves dancing in the breeze. Birds singing their morning song. Flowers blooming in all of their finery. Life does move on and what was is no more, may you find joy in the new paths you follow. Bob
ReplyDeleteA beautiful uplifting post! Love tagging along with you on your nature walk. :)
ReplyDeleteCarol, there is much to love in your thoughtful post. I love the simple memories you shared of time with your Nonnie when you visited as a child. I'm glad you enjoyed a walk, always a restorative practice. I'm realizing that I need to start earlier as warmer temps are settling in for us. May summer bring renewal and peace and time with your family at the beach as you walk this new path.
ReplyDeleteThank you for such a hopeful post, Carol--wishing you joy as "June ushers in renewal."
ReplyDelete"Hope shall help me find a new path" -- Unfolding is my OLW and it caught my heart in your reflection. "What was once is no longer" --yet, we grow, just as the summer blossoms unfold and grow. Beautiful reminders, Carol, of delighting in the light. I hope the summer walks will renew your spirit.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful reflection on summering. I love that you are turning from loss to hope in the renewal of June.
ReplyDeleteTime is so very precious. I send you love. Carol, your sharing what's real with you is also precious. I take each word as an extension of your spirit and friendship. It is finding a home in me.
ReplyDeleteYou have rediscovered the healing power of Nature.
ReplyDeleteThis is just beautiful!!! I love the idea of "the art of summering." Now that I'm on the cusp of summer, I need to make a list of things I want to be sure to do this summer. My last day at work is Friday, so I will make my list this week.
ReplyDeleteThe "art of summering." I love that. May the healing power of summer and nature bring you some peaceful days and moments, Carol, as "life moves on/seasons change."
ReplyDeleteI’ve been in California near the ocean wher it is chilly and foggy year round. I miss the Syracuse summer evenings, though I’m not complaining- it’s lovely here and I get to see the ocean. I’m glad you are finding comfort and beauty in summer. ❤️
ReplyDeleteSummer is such a gift, especially for us who live in places where it is usually short and sweet. I'm glad that being in nature can bring you some comfort, I know it always has for me, in tough times.
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