"Since retirement, summer no longer has the delicious
allure of a respite from the hectic days of teaching. My move to NC
has put me in the thick of summer humidity and mosquitoes after 26
Seattle summers. (Can you tell that I'm finding it hard to embrace summer in my new state?)
This theme is an invitation to each of you to help me find "summer
love". Do you have particular spiritual rhythms for summering? Is there a
book out there like Katherine Mays Wintering for summer?"
I've spent a lot of time musing about summer ever since I sent out this prompt for June. I borrowed this sentence from a summer book catalog:
"Long summer days call for
slowing down,
recharging, and
reconnecting with what matters most."
This list is my attempt to create a feasible summer rhythm.
Welcome mornings with breakfast, a walk outside, and quiet reflection.
Plan ahead to avoid the heat of the day whenever possible.
Embrace fresh produce by visiting farmers' markets.
Plan ahead to avoid the heat of the day whenever possible.
Embrace fresh produce by visiting farmers' markets.
Let summer be a season for slowing down.
Finish my Storyworth book.
Watch more movies.
Nap as needed.
I look forward to reading your summering posts.
Leave your link below.
When I wrote this post on Wednesday night, I left off two important parts of my summer rhythm. I'm taking a trip in August to immerse myself in Seattle's summer and reconnect with friends.
And just yesterday, I learned about an online book group that is reading (I'll be rereading) Gracing by Hannah Packard Crowther. I look forward to revisiting this book that I love.
Back cover of the book:
A lovely invitation:
"...living in heaven while standing on earth."
I love the gentle intention of creating a "feasible summer rhythm" Ramona. I hope you find that slow-down, that recharging, that reconnecting your soul savors.
ReplyDeleteYes, yes, and yes. I'm at a great point of summer...it is all possible right now. There is not yet a wasted moment of being over busy or not getting something done, or even too many mosquito bites to interrupt my quiet times. All of summer is before me to enjoy, with school ending in just six more school days. It's delicious. I look forward to all the things on your list. My post is very similar.
ReplyDeleteI am working on a summer rhythm. My daughter and her family are vacationing in the Seattle area. I’m so jealous of their cooler temps. I love how your list ends with the permission to take naps. Why not?
ReplyDeleteRamona: Thanks for sharing your sentiments. I can relate. Give me cool weather anytime. I also agree with your list poem... perfect! It takes time to adjust to a new climate. I send you the best of wishes and thanks for hosting.
ReplyDeleteOops... previous comment from Karen E.
ReplyDeleteRamona, thank you for this wonderful theme as for hosting SJT this month. Summer love is waiting for you as you already have a morning program in progress and a nap in a cool room. It is difficult for me to have a good summer rhythm right now but I am working on balancing the paperwork with enjoying the season. I think I need a blog post on finding a workable rhythm. Thanks for reminding me to "Let summer be a season for slowing down." Have a wonderful trip to Seattle where you will delight in the weather and connecting with friends.
ReplyDeleteRamona, thank you for hosting SJT this month. When we retire, summer takes on a whole new life. It is no longer a time of recharging our bodies and minds after a year of teaching. A new rhythm needs to be established, and I like the one you are setting up for yourself. Bob
ReplyDeleteHi! This is Ruth, and I can't seem to make InLinkz work or even log in as my own self here. But here's my post. If someone could add it I would be grateful. https://thereisnosuchthingasagodforsakentown.blogspot.com/2025/06/sjt-june-summering.html
ReplyDeleteRamona, thank you for hosting. Your list of rhythms for the summer sound so lovely and hopeful. Even in the heat you can participate in all that goodness. I have been unmotivated to write lately. Sorry for this very weak post.
ReplyDeleteI love that back book cover you share. It looks so inviting--
Gracing is "like being joined at the hip with God" Sweet.
Ramona, this poem is the rhythm and feel of summer in one place and your motivation, from a book, is also an important part of summer no matter where you live! Where I now live, in Northern NJ, it has been rainy and cold or very hot and very humid without rhyme or reason! I love your idea of embracing Thursdays and will try to remember to find some order to my own summer by then!
ReplyDeleteI read Carol V's post about summering, but I missed this one! I made my own "Summering" list: https://www.marcieatkins.com/2025/06/12/poetry-friday-summering/
ReplyDelete