The (Hefty) Possibility of Summer

One of my favorite summer memories involves a garbage bag.

Classic summer, right? 😉

Okay so maybe not. But if you will, picture two large plastic bags on the grass, with a green garden hose coiled nearby.

And these two trouble makers problem solvers pursuers of possibility (who did not live near a pool at the time)

Summer memory fun

My sister B and me, Lake Michigan 

Then add water. Up to our chins. Until we are blowing bubbles across the surface of our

non-Olympic regulation size Hefty pools.

And we’re grinning.

Because we really, really wanted to go swimming.

And so we found a way. Mostly. Even if that meant we gripped the edges of our bags

to keep our personal pools intact.

Ah, summer and possibility. They go together like garbage bags and swimming.

Even now I feel there’s something about the sun popping up early and sticking around way after dinner that promotes more adventure.

two hummingbirds bird feeder“Hey, you wanna go swimming?” 

But this summer I keep thinking, do it for the process

Because it’s nice to swim (whatever your pool may be)

and blow bubbles on the surface

or go for a hike, or take photos of hummingbirds in your backyard

or write a story, draw a picture

just because

happy monday cute illustration girl

Sure I’m mostly still a problem solving, direction oriented, check off the box on my to do list kind of person…

Coleen Patrick illustration greeting cards Etsy Shop

Here are some of my drawings turned greeting cards in my new Etsy Shop

…but it’s really nice to let summer take over for a bit.

Do you have a favorite summer memory?

Happy Monday!

 

Summer at a Snail’s Pace

Snails Crabtree Falls

Meet my new guru!

 

 Virginia waterfall hikes

We met last weekend at Crabtree Falls in George Washington National Forest.

 

Just in time, because tomorrow marks the summer solstice here in the Northern hemisphere.

For me, June has always meant it’s time to slow down a bit. Maybe because the majority of my years have been defined by school and summer break. I realized today, that there’s only been a handful of summers that were not sandwiched between school years (either for me or my kids).

Anyway, it’s summer, and I’m back in snail mode.

snail cllose up photo macro

 

Snail mode is not really a physical pace (although it can be). Here it’s more of a mind-set.

 

brain out to lunch tweet

 

I’m going to be less concerned with the overwhelming, the never-ending measuring stick, and more in tune with

family

nature

road trips

reading

summer book crush Collage

The Art of Chasing Normal and dozens of great reads are only .99 this weekend! Just click on the image to get to the Summer Book Crush site. 

 

snail reading doodle

doodling

joy

intuition

Oh and forget perfectionism. I’ve got more important passengers.

watermelon passenger

So yummy pretty.

 

And I’m taking a deep breath of gratitude for where I am right now.

snail macro photo

What does summer (or the change of seasons) mean to you?

Happy Weekend!

 

 

 

 

Expectations, Success, & the Sun-streaked Possibility of Summer

I like the idea of summer. It really does feel like a new beginning. Or at least a chance to catch my breath.

Even though I’m not in school anymore, I’ve been anticipating the shift into this new season.

Yeah there may still be work to do (and troubles to deal with) but I’ve been looking forward to longer days, sunnier days…days that somehow seem open for MORE.

Well, more of the things that seem to allow you the space to breathe.

Our days can be packed with obligation. Too many times I’ve ended a day staring up at the high bar of expectation feeling like I just missed it. Again.

There’s a lot of noise when it comes to the definition of success. Not only with work, but health, relationships, and life in general.

Not enough. Do more.

But there’s something about summer that leaves room for the good kind of more.

More color, more fun, more daylight, more possibility.

More space to be you.

 

every summer has a story

 

 

What do you love about summer?

🙂

Check out super cool writer, Emily R. King! Emily lives on an island in the Pacific Northwest–and she’s been shark cage diving!

 

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For the Love of Vacation: Family, Fun and Some Bison Slobber

 

 School is out.  Summer is here.

And that means vacation time!

car packed vacation_opt

“Those that say you can’t take it with you never saw a car packed for a vacation trip.”

 

I love family vacation for the break from routine–and the change of scenery.

 ireland road _opt

Ireland

 san francisco vacation view_opt

 San Francisco 

 

Niagara Falls

 

I love vacation because you can sleep in–or take a nap.  Anytime.  Anywhere.

 VLUU L210  / Samsung L210

My son sleeping on an airplane shuttle

 

I love vacation because I don’t have to make dinner and travel offers opportunities for new experiences.  Curious what 55 degree water feels like?

unexpected cold swim vacation NY _opt

It’s cold, really cold.

Stony Brook State Park, New York 


And of course, when you travel, there’s always the fun of meeting new friends.

 bison car trip_opt

That’s a bison.  In our car.  

Oh, the slobber.


But the thing I love the most?  Spending time with my family.

 family vacation fishing dodie smith quote _opt


Are you travelling this summer?  What do you love about vacation?

 

**I will be on a blogging break for the next couple of weeks (although I’m sure I’ll be blogging in my head).  See  you all when I come back–hopefully with lots of cool pictures and NO bison slobber. 🙂