Monday, July 7, 2014

What Does Summer Bring?




A perfect summer day is when the sun is shining,
the breeze is blowing, the birds are singing, 
and the lawn mower is broken. 
  
James Dent

Mr. Dent makes a good point. Unless of course the lawn mower is broken for an extended time and you lose the children or pets in the lawn. I suggest borrowing a mower if there's any risk of that happening. :)

What does summer mean to you? 

Gardening?

Extra writing time?

Lazy vacation days?

Savoring good books?

Time with friends and family?

Fun with the kids or grandkids?

Campfires, marshmallows, and fireworks?

For me, it's all of the above, since my online classes don't resume until September. Just like last summer, I'm working on a book, and keeping the weeds at bay in the garden. Soon I'll be sharing zucchini and tomatoes with everyone I know. I'm spending time with my favorite (and only) grandson, too, which is by far the most fun of all.

There are many ideas for summer fun for kids, but what about us adults?  Here are a few things I'm going to do. Maybe you'd like to try them too. 

  • Visit local historic or tourist spots. How many of us locals don't take time to see the sights? It's time to start.:)
  • Picnic in the backyard or park. Grab a few of your favorite people, pack some goodies, and enjoy the sunshine.
  • Check out antique stores and flea markets. Think of the writing ideas you can get perusing antiques, bargain hunting, and people watching.
  • Get to know someone. I've been meeting a friend from church for lunch - she's a delightful 80 years young with the best sense of humor. It's been a treat to get to know her better. 
  • Write something completely different. If you write non fiction, try fiction; if you write web copy, try poetry. Try a writing prompt, submit an essay to an anthology, write captions for pictures or cartoons.


I'm visiting Everything Home with Carol and sharing summer learning activities for kids. If you have a moment, please hop over and check it out!

Do you have any fun ideas to add? What do you like to do in the summer?

Happy writing,

Karen


31 comments :

  1. Sounds like fun. I'm looking forward to some lazy weekend days to sit and read.

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  2. I'm with Dent! Although that just means I need to fix the lawn mower.

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  3. We have a lot of historical places in our state. I like visiting museums, too.

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  4. Reading books, and writing Book Reviews for my blog(s).

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  5. Reading books, Going to VBS, Sitting out in our back yard. Visitation with my friend from church. Of course, most of these are things I do in other seasons.(except VBS)

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  6. No matter how packed summer becomes, there's something lazy about it in my mind. Maybe it's the extra daylight that makes being outside longer possible or maybe it's walking in mornings just before the day becomes hot. I love all things about summer.

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  7. Natalie,
    Sounds like a good plan! Hope you get to do that very soon. Maybe your daughter's new driver's license will help the reading cause along. :)

    Alex,
    Well, hopefully you don't have a giant lawn to mow! lol :)

    Diane,
    I agree, museums are nice too. There are a handful around here too. :) Have fun exploring!

    HP,
    Sounds good! Hope you've found some good books. I need to do a review or two soon as well. :)

    Cecelia,
    Sounds like your summer is filled with interesting things. :) Hope you have fun!

    Lee,
    I'm with you, it does seem lazy in some ways. Perhaps a carryover from summer school break when we were kids? :)

    Happy writing,
    Karen

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  8. those are great ideas i wish i had time for...
    i have two baseball players with tournaments all over creation, and lessons and football workouts during the week. summer is busier than school was! but we like it busy and i love cheering for my boys! vacay coming up - will read and write and relax!!

    love the poem!
    and thanks for commenting on my broken branch falls blog tour!

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  9. Hi Karen -

    Oh, I'd love to do the antique store/flea market thing! The gardening boat has sailed without me this year. I checked out annuals last weekend at a nursery, and they were pathetic. What I love about summer is the absence of: snow, ice, parking problems, boots, heavy winter coats, and humongous heating bills.

    It's also writers conference time, Rita's ice time, seeing neighbors outside time, and farmer's market time.

    Blessings,
    Susan :)

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  10. Tara,
    Sounds like you have a busy summer. I remember those days when my kids were younger, only it was with hockey and swimming. You are welcome - it was fun to stop over at the post. Wishing you all the best. Great to meet you! :)

    Susan,
    Well, we should get together and go antiquing! If only we could, right? :) As far as the garden, I'll see if I can ship you some veggies, lol. As for Rita's, I'm totally jealous. There isn't a Rita's closer than three hours from here and I sure do miss it!

    Happy writing,
    Karen

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  11. Summer means days on the lake for us. We're fortunate to have a boat, and so weekends are a wonderful time to buzz around Lake Lanier, maybe find a place to beach for the day, or just anchor in a cove and swim. Fun with family and friends!

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  12. Summer is here and school is out! In my corner of the world, summer means picnics in the yard, barbecues on the deck, and setting up the sprinkler and inflatable pool in the backyard for the kids to frolic in to beat the heat while Mom and Dad lounge on the hammock. I find ways to keep the kids learning during the summer, too--we visit museums, figure out word games, and solve math puzzles.

    Like Susan R., we visit Rita's every once in a while, but actually prefer an ice cream parlor chain called Uncle Louie G's, which sells ice cream and Italian Ice. It's a nice sit-down place to take the kids for a treat.

    Enjoy your summer! Good luck with your book!

    ~Janette

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  13. Hi Karen ... long days and lots going on - lots of sport to keep an eye on, friends to visit and do things with, family to see ... and so it goes - all too quickly sadly. I have lots of plans and must get to and get on with things ...

    Enjoy the summer and your garden, and grandson - special lad ... cheers Hilary

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  14. In the summer I like to take advantage of no school and take my girls on trips. We like to learn through hands on experiences and so summer is the best time to learn and explore.

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  15. Lisa,
    Sounds like great fun! I can just imagine the relaxing fun times you must have. :)

    Janette,
    Good to hear your voice! :) Glad you and the gang are doing well. Sounds like you have all sorts of fun things to do. That ice cream place sounds great!

    Hilary,
    Sounds like you are staying busy and out of trouble then, right? lol Don't work too hard, okay? Take some time to refresh as well. I'll write you a note if you need permission. :)

    Lilith,
    Summer is a great time for learning, isn't it? So many good things to do and see, that's for sure! :)

    Happy summer,
    Karen

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  16. Baseball games, BBQ, good books, evening walks, time in the garden etc.

    Fondly,
    Glenda

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  17. I make the most out of my summers since I have them off. I usually write 2 drafts, clean and organize the house, do most of my doctor's and vet's appointments, read a lot, and I also watch movies.

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  18. Awesome ideas. Summer for me is typically not much different than the school year because we've been home schooling. Plus, in Florida it makes more sense to stay in during the summer than go out, so we've got a slightly different schedule. For us there are lots of library visits, crafts, easy indoor games, and cheese. =)

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  19. Karen, summer is not my favorite season. In fact, I'm often heard to say the only thing good about summer is summer fruit! So every summer I enjoy eating, cooking and preserving summer fruit. Also, a great way to beat the heat is to stay indoors and read good books!

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  20. Hi Karen! I laughed out loud at the 'broken lawnmower'! I think if I am not intentional, summer blows right on by without any notice. It's great to have a plan. My husband and I went to an outdoor venue a few weeks ago to see James Taylor and it was AWESOME.

    Our family reunion is in a few weeks, and then I take my dad to visit my brother in Michigan. So those are definitely times of fun and relaxation. You know what I really appreciated in your list? Get to know someone. Isn't that what we all should be doing? Extending ourselves to meet our brothers and sisters. I think that's a wonderful goal.
    Have a peaceful night,
    Ceil

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  22. My summer has many of the same ingredients! Productive garden, colorful flowers, books to read, boys at home. No lazy days or extra writing time, though. Therein lies the rub...

    Enjoy your summer, my friend!

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  23. I love spending as much time as I can outside in the summer. My garden is one of my favorite places to work and think. Plus- it is so rewarding seeing it bloom and I love the fresh veggies that come later. :)

    Great ideas for spending the summer doing interesting and fun things. I like to do many of the same things you mentioned- along with hiking and I must always take a trip to the beach.

    Happy summer to you! Glad you have so many things to make you smile. :)
    ~Jess

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  24. Glenda,
    Sounds great! I am sure you will have a wonderful time. :) Enjoy the rest of the summer!

    Medeia,
    It is nice to have a break, isn't it? Enjoy your time! :) School starts back up before you know it, right?

    Crystal,
    Yes, I can relate to the same schedule thing - we found that too back in our homeschooling days. Until the kids got summer jobs, then it was slightly different. Oh, and of course the summer included cheese! Properly refrigerated, of course. :)

    Jean,
    You know, there are things I like about summer too, like fresh produce and time off from teaching online classes. But I am not a summer girl either in that I don't like the heat. Never have, even as a kid who lived near the beach. :) Hope you stay cool and enjoy your books!

    Ceil,
    Sounds like your summer is going well! Glad you are enjoying all your adventures. :) Hope you get to know someone better this year as time allows. Our lives can be richer that way, can't they? :)

    Jess,
    I was out in my garden this morning actually, and from now on will think of you when I'm out there. :) Things are starting to bloom here too, even though I got it in late. Enjoy the fresh air and sunshine! :)

    Happy writing,
    Karen

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  25. Rhonda,
    Yes, I imagine there is rarely a lazy day at The Three! :) But you'll never be bored, right? :) Enjoy your time with the gang!
    Blessings,
    Karen

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  26. We live on a lake, so it means lots of company. Come September we're a bit exhausted. I do love mowing the lawn and weeding and paddle boating... and seeing my grandchildren catch gigantic fish... oh, and potato salad!

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  27. All the above would be my answer for summer. But I must seriously consider getting to know someone. I am still friendless in Chile and I have been thinking a lot about this. Thanks for the tips. It's winter here and we have winter showers and cold grey days in July and August!

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  28. Joylene,
    Sounds like you have a busy summer, and deserve a rest come fall and winter! Hope you enjoy your company., especially those sweet grandkids! :)

    Joy,
    Yes, by all means go out and meet others - you have so much to share! I am sure you'll be a blessing to your new friends. :) Stay warm and dry.

    Blessings,
    Karen

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  29. Reading on the beach is true summer to me. We're months away from that kind of deliciousness. Melbourne's weather this week is probably the coldest we've had all year.... so dreaming about an afternoon on the beach with watermelons for afternoon tea and a good book is my idea of perfection.
    Enjoy your warm weather. xx

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  30. Dotti,
    That's right, you are in the midst of winter! Well, stay warm for now, summer has to come eventually. :) I bet you are spending many hours these days with a warm cup of tea. Maybe someday we can have a cup of tea together. Wouldn't that be fun? Enjoy your weekend! xo
    Blessings,
    Karen

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  31. I enjoy sitting outside early in the morning or late in the evening. Outdoors, that's what I love about summer. No daily demands, just leisure time. Hope you have fun with your grandson.

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Thanks for stopping by and sharing your thoughts. Have a blessed day!