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!

 

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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