Saturday, August 24, 2013

I'm doing some canning



Summer, I am ready to bottle you up and preserve you for a long dark winter day when I crave the warmth of the sun. But that's not likely. I crave raindrops more than sun rays. However, it's never a bad idea to be prepared.

All things leave a mark on us... even seasons. Particularly seasons. The things we fall hopelessly  nostalgic over... the sweet fragrance of a strawberry patch, our grandmother's lilac tree, the first quiet snowfall of the year... so many of them are seasonal. And we are full of whimsy and longing when one season starts to fade and another peeks around the corner with promises of familiar creature comforts.

At least, I am. Full of longing. Especially at the end of summer. I'm a girl who needs to be watered on a regular basis. And this year it has been way too dry, and I am feeling a little too parched.

The summers of my past have left an imprint on my soul that brings about a mild anxiety that I can't shake. I think I have conditioned myself to feel anxious in the warmer months, which leaves me longing for fall way too early. I shouldn't wish my life away.

 I do recognize and appreciate the good things that summer brings. A friend of mine just took me through her expansive organic garden and filled my arms with pea pods, fresh basil and ripe delicious tomatoes. I have spent long glorious hours wandering beaches and wild spaces with the sun on my shoulders and sand between my toes. I've eaten more peaches this year than I can count. And strawberries, and raspberries and watermelon.. I could eat watermelon for breakfast, lunch and dinner. I've picnicked with friends, went away on a little road trip and I've stolen entire afternoons to read great novels. I have so much freedom in the summer. That is truly wonderful.

But I am still ready to throw in the beach towel and do a rain dance. A few drops fell today. That is encouraging.

12 comments:

  1. In my part of the world most of the year is hot and burning summer and we crave the 25 degree C winter which lasts for about a month and half in December and early January. More than the heat it is the monotony of the 'season' that gets tiring. It's been a life long wish of mine to see the colours of fall and to touch snow. :) Love from Asia. Pj

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  2. All those yummy fruits. I'm so ready for Autumn to make an appearance, I stand with my nose pressed against the window pane watching and waiting.

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  3. we are so opposite in this area ~ i crave the sun and it's rarely too warm for me :) i get sad & anxious about the weather in sept - even though i love the fall

    silly how often we ache for something new, something different

    thanks for sharing a summer gratitude collection, as tough as my summer has been it reminds me to be so deeply grateful for all that is wonderful ~ like blog friends who brighten my world <3

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  4. oh my. such beautiful words, and so true. to everything . . . and all that. we turn with the planet, and for that i am grateful.

    xoxo

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  5. i love the seasons....all of them, but i think summer is my gift every year after our incredibly long winters.

    i've decided i love a bit of rain, too....as long as i have my rain jacket and my rain boots :)
    xo

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  6. Hmmm...maybe wait on that rain dance until after we have left your lovely city! LOL! Blue skies and sunshine please! Aw yes, if we could only bottle summer and open it up when we needed it. 34c today. I don't need it that hot. I could use some of that when it gets down to -40c. ;)

    xo Catherine

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  7. I, too, have been longing for autumn. It's 102 degrees today and far too hot to do more than sit and long for fall. I'm with you, friend.

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  8. Just found your blog and I love reading your words...They touch me deeply and I look forward to visiting you again....

    I love all the seasons but summer has always represented freedom so I guess it's my favorite even though I have to admit I am looking forward to fall's cooler days....

    Your photographs are gorgeous and beautifully edited....

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  9. I also just found your blog and I agree...your words are magic. I grew up in the Pacific Northwest and since I have moved away it's as if my soul had dried up and curled in upon itself. Every vacation I go back and soak up the cool moisture just to sustain myself in between trips. One day I'll stay on vacation....

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  10. I miss you... just wanted to say so.

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  11. Hi there, I stumbled upon your blog. Really love your photography! I'm from Victoria too, but on the other side of the world (Australia!). Best wishes with it all and you're welcome to visit my website/blog (stephanie-louise.com & stephsilverlining.blogspot.com) and I'm also on twitter too :) @StephLwriter. How can I follow your blog?

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