“Live in the sunshine. Swim in the sea. Drink in the wild air.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson
This summer, I’m vowing to have a full-fledged, kick-ass, one-for-the-books summer. To bask, indulge, wade, love, experience, adventure, and enjoy myself (and others) silly. Hence the title, summer of love. For too many years, my summers have been like any other season, just a hell of a lot hotter. Somewhere along the way I forgot to have fun, because well, adulting tends to dampen the fun vibe as many of you know. Especially when you have kids, summer revolves around them and you’re just there to make sure everyone eats and no one dies.
So I invite you to join me in doing whatever the hell you want for the next couple months and soak up some love. Please don’t go crazy and run away from home or quit your job – simply enjoy the little things that make life great. Here’s a good example: Rob bought me a ‘luxury’ kiddy pool off IG and I plan to fill it up and lay in there any chance I get. That’s it in the picture. Isn’t it fabulous? I’ve promised not to turn it into a margarita pool (have you seen Last Man on Earth?), but I do plan on making margaritas whenever the mood strikes. No, not before noon!
Wild Air & Flip Flops
I plan to indulge in wild air and bright sunshine. To fully nest into our new abode, harvest herbs and create spaces for next year’s garden. I want to explore the forest with my daughter and soak her in before she leaves the nest too. To gather fresh figs and apples from our tiny orchard (only 4 trees) and have barbecues with friends. I’m excited to create new recipes in a brighter space and let my creativity push me. To start and nurture a new chapter with Rob. To help him build our treehouse as much as I can wearing flip-flops. And I look forward to sore muscles at the end of the day and solid sleep with no car alarms or neighbors.
Oh, and my motto shall be: if you’re not barefoot, you’re overdressed. Sounds pretty damn good, doesn’t it?
A Bundle of Change
This crazy notion of having a real summer has been caused by much change on my horizon. It’s wonderful change, but it’s radical change. At the end of this month, I leave a job I loved. My 19-year-old son heads 1,000 miles away to start his new chapter. My daughter and I move out to the country. I dive head-first into not one, but two businesses. And in August, Rob and I say our vows with the Pacific Ocean as our witness.
“If you’re not barefoot, you’re overdressed.”
– Unknown
All this looming change makes me take stock of the past and consequently, how I want to live moving forward. I’m the first to admit I’ve been stuck and stressed and I don’t want that for myself or quite honestly for anyone. Big, life-altering change always puts things in perspective for me and I welcome what it teaches along with the opportunity for a fresh start. Summer is the perfect time to slow down, be present, grateful and thrive.
Summer of Love To-Do Items
There are no ‘needs’ here… just delicious must-haves:
- Make watermelon popsicles
- Pool party with daughter & dogs
- Glamp under the stars
- Have a bonfire on the beach
- Make dandelion wine
- Picnic in the forest
- Read atleast 2 books
- Cure our own bacon & ham
- Sunbath in the buff
- Make rhubarb rosé popsicles
- Take a nap in hammock
Now it’s your turn. What are your delicious must-haves? How will you make this your summer of love? I want to hear all the juicy details in the comments below!
Here’s wishing you an abundance of summer love and a very happy 4th!
Be sure to check out the Nourished & Whole website for innovative recipes and our services/packages! Have questions? I’d love to hear from you! Email me here.
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