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Saturday, June 21, 6:51 AM officially marks the beginning of summer solstice. If you visit my blog regularly, it comes as no surprise that as I’ve matured I find summer doesn’t hold as much joy for me as it did when I was in school. This is attributable to one main fact…I hate really don’t like the heat. But, a few years back I made up my mind to make the best of every season, to live in the now and be grateful for whatever the hour, day, month, season has to offer. As opposed to wishing for Autumn sometime around July 15th.
So, I thought it would be helpful to reinforce my positive attitude towards summer; an exercise to remind me of the joys of each season. Try to show myself, and you, that I mean what I say. I am embracing the season of summer!
This will be a little personal, since not everyone feels the same about summer’s features/benefits, but hopefully there will be a few images that make you happy for this upcoming season. In fact, I hope you’ll share with me what you love most about summer, maybe some of your summer-joy will rub off on me.
Summer vegetables, especially if you’re able to grow them in your own backyard. If life were perfect I’d have a vegetable plot like the above, but in reality I don’t have enough sun to grow more than herbs. If I had more sun, this planter below would be my speed. I like the simplicity of it. Function over form?!
Outdoor living. After most of us have been trapped indoors for several months due to weather, we all long to be outdoors, right? It’s the juxtaposition of the seasons that make us appreciate the change in weather. Whether you’re enjoying the shade of a tree with a cool beverage, or sitting on a porch swing watching the world [or neighbors] go by, summer creates the ideal climate (most of the time) to slow down and smell the barbecue.
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Outdoor Dining. Ahhh, one of the best things about summer for me is dining al fresco. We are fortunate to have a minimal number of bugs, i.e. mosquitoes, so we can enjoy the cooler evenings outside on the patio. What is it about eating outdoors that feels so special? I don’t know, but I love it.
Pools and Picnics. I don’t get the opportunity to do either of these activities often enough, but they are a strong symbol of summer’s potential for me. We’ll be hitting the pool in our community when our granddaughter visits in August, and we may pack a picnic or two during that same time. Even if it’s in the backyard, that’s the beauty of a 3 1/2 year old…they aren’t fussy about the particulars.
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Summer indoors. I’ve read many a blog post that confirms this: Most of us like to lighten things up a bit during the warmer months. I confess, there’s a part of me that wishes I had a second home by a lake or bay. I would consider using a few wicker pieces and a blue and white color palate. Stripes would play a roll and I’d probably set some of natures summer bounty around, as accessories.
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Summer plants. One of my favorite things about summer are the plants in gardens, parks and neighborhoods. Even without blossoms, trees and shrubs usually look happy and healthy. Who doesn’t love hydrangea?
{My good friend, Cayley, her courtyard garden}
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Indoor plants. I tend to buy more indoor plants during the warmer months. It seems easier to rotate them around as needed and I can give them some outdoor time on a nice day. They add so much to a room.
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Something to sip. Whether you’re sipping sweet tea, or at day’s end, something stronger, a bar set-up seems summery to me. I guess I could find a good reason to admire a well laid bar during any season, but these examples are especially summer-like.
Read a book, or two! Summer has always seemed an ideal time to put my feet up and read. I listen to Audible books while working around the house, but I still love a book in my hands, that tactile experience takes me back, and I’m sentimental about that experience.
So tell me, what are your favorite things about Summer? I wish you a summer filled with all you wish for.
Victoria • Restoring our Victorian said:
My favorite thing about summer? Is NOT being cold. I love sleeping with the windows open. Beach trips. And going to the farmers market instead of the grocery store.
It was 93° here yesterday… Which is maybe a little TOO much summer too soon, but I will take it over cold or even just autumn any day.
Karen B. said:
And still we’re friends! 🙂 I confess, I would like perfection where the weather is concerned, I don’t want much, right? My perspective is skewed since I’m sure if I “lived” a winter in your neck of the woods I’d be rushing back to the warmer climes of California. Still, I wouldn’t mind trying it sometime…fall leaves, a few snow days. xo, Karen
On Wed, Jun 18, 2014 at 5:30 AM, Garden, Home & Party wrote:
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Phyllis said:
What I love most about summer is how the pace of our lives totally changes. Even though there are still things to do and places to go, everything and everyone’s schedule slows down. There is much more pleasure in the days. Other little things…road trip exploring, outdoor dining and farmer’s markets. I, too, don’t have the sun (or the space) for a vegetable garden and I wish I did, but I get a lot of enjoyment perusing the markets and trying new recipes. I feel a unique emotion when I recall events from past summers; no other season can conjure it for me. The time is magical. Wishing you a most wonderful summer, Karen!
xo,
Phyllis
Karen B. said:
Thanks for this gentle reminder. You’re so right, it does seem like we are living a more relaxed pace during the warmer months and I truly love the longer days. I can work an 8 hour day and still come home to enjoy 30 minutes or so of time in the garden, my personal passion. I am determined to embrace each of summer’s offerings this year and grouse less about the inevitable heat that accompany the season. I’m ready for a road trip, I’ll have to make a plan. 🙂 xo, Karen
On Wed, Jun 18, 2014 at 6:20 AM, Garden, Home & Party wrote:
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debra@5th and state said:
this winter loving girl can be swayed by such beauty, except today is massively hot and humid! as usual karen i will be pinning away. happy summer!
debra
Karen B. said:
Thanks, Debra. I almost felt like by confessing that summer wasn’t my favorite season that I might sound like the wicked witch of the north. Summer is so popular! I knew my kindred spirt would be on board with an eye towards cooler temps! 🙂
Happy summer to you too…does planting take a back seat once the heat has picked up? It certainly does here.
xo,
Karen
Vicki said:
I like this. You’ve thought of so many sweet and simple things about summer. There’s always advertising pressure to make the most out of the season, and have perfectly decorated July 4th parties, etc. It’s nice to have a reminder to just enjoy the extra hours of daylight with a good book.
Have you road-tripped to Lake Arrowhead? It has that old-fashioned, East coast summer feel about it, and tends to be a little cooler there, too.
Karen B. said:
We love Arrowhead but have dear friends that have a house in Big Bear, where it also gives us some relief. I confess, our summers aren’t miserable since we’re only 6 or so miles (as the crow flies) from the ocean. I just find that as I’ve gotten older my usual high energy wanes in summer heat. That is why sitting and reading become nice ways to wile away the hot days. 🙂 xo, Karen
On Wed, Jun 18, 2014 at 7:29 AM, Garden, Home & Party wrote:
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Around The Table said:
Karen, Love all the summer inspiration here today! I like the gardening photos as well as the outdoor sitting areas .. both of which I am missing as we are under construction and living out of boxes. I’ve been buying flowers when I can and have one potted orchid midst the chaos. The weather is not too warm here yet but that should change in July. Hope you are enjoying your week. xxL
Karen B. said:
Leslie, You live where Mr. B and I are certain we should have settled so long ago. We both enjoy the cooler temps and don’t mind rain. It’s too late for more than frequent visits to the great Northwest for us. I’m sure you are making slow but steady progress. I hope you’re able to make some serious inroads during the summer on your new house. Fall will definitely be something to look forward to if that is the case! 🙂 Enjoy the rest of your week, my friend. xo, Karen
On Wed, Jun 18, 2014 at 8:00 AM, Garden, Home & Party wrote:
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Design Chic said:
LIke you, I love summer, Karen. It’s carefree with a more relaxed schedule and oh, how I love a picnic. Beautiful images…
Karen B. said:
I’m determined to picnic more often this year. I do think that for me that’s one of the most relaxing ways to wile away the day. Thanks so much for stopping by. xo, Karen
On Wed, Jun 18, 2014 at 12:00 PM, Garden, Home & Party wrote:
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kristywharvey said:
What a gorgeous post! I have to say… I love summer, heat and all. I can’t quite explain why, but I feel like I’m on some sort of break even though nothing has really changed. I let myself take it a little easier, I think! I just love the beach, so getting to hang out down there for the summer is the best part to me. Getting to see my little guy swim and run around in the sand… But, man oh man, when it’s 100 degrees, I can see why you’re wishing for fall!! No matter how you feel, you made summer look really good today! xo, Kristy
Karen B. said:
Kristy, I must agree, the summer does seem to slow things down a bit and the beach draws me to it in summer, even if it’s just to walk about the shops in Laguna Beach…seeing the ocean is calming. Kids and summer go together like hot fudge and vanilla ice cream! Yum, I’m ready for a hot fudge sundae, I should have added that to the list. 🙂 xo, Karen
On Wed, Jun 18, 2014 at 12:27 PM, Garden, Home & Party wrote:
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D'Arcy H said:
Karen, I’m with you, the older I get, the worse the heat affects me. I still enjoy summer, though, even if it’s just the IDEA of summer: waking up at 4:00 AM and hearing the birds chirping (then going back to sleep) … bobbing in our springy deck chairs, listening to the sound of a distant lawn mower (the sound of someone ELSE doing work), small planes as they land at the local airport, and the bamboo wind chime clacking in the breeze …zzzzzzz …
–D’Arcy
Karen B. said:
D’Arcy, You’re right, I do love the birds that sing and visit our birdbath during the summer months…I also love the extra hours of daylight. I need the subtle change in weather to appreciate the little changes in our seasons. Could we put in a request that it not get higher than 78 degrees? Xo, Karen
Sent from my iPad
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Linda Coble said:
Karen,
What a wonderful ode to Summer! I’m inspired to spruce up my container plants and clean up the patio furniture. Like you, I love eating outside when it’s warm. Unlike you, I don’t live in an area that’s bug free. The mosquitos are plentiful due to the water everywhere. Thank heaven for OFF Clip-Ons!
Karen B. said:
I’ve never noticed an abundance of mosquitoes around when I’ve visited. It makes sense that they might be there in light of the moisture prone areas on the island. I was truly thinking of our visits to Austin where they seem to come of the territory, water or not. Jamie has to wear OFF every time she goes outdoors for any length of time. I do like eating out doors. Thanks for stopping by and sharing. xo, Karen
On Thu, Jun 19, 2014 at 11:06 AM, Garden, Home & Party wrote:
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Teresa @ Splendid Sass said:
Karen-
I am with you on the heat I love the green and the flowers, and all of the fresh vegetables, but I am a winter person. That said, these images are stunning and celebrate summer beautifully.
Teresa
xoxo
Karen B. said:
I’m really trying to embrace the season, honest. 🙂 So far, so good. Enjoy your week and thank you for stopping by, I’m always happy to hear from you. xo, Karen
On Mon, Jun 23, 2014 at 9:45 AM, Garden, Home & Party wrote:
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Gretchen said:
All your carefully selected images make me realize how much I enjoy summer. I love spending more time outdoors. I can wear shorts and sundresses every day. I love the beach and walking on Balboa Island, the ferry and the pier on the Peninsula. I think the thing I like the most are the memories of summers past with Emily and Jeff and all the fun activities that were only possible when school was out, we had nothing but time to enjoy the lazy days of summer.
Karen B. said:
So true! I’ve improved my attitude and as a result I’m embracing summer. It’s working for far, talk to me after a stretch of 90+ degree days in August. 🙂 Karen
On Thu, Jul 10, 2014 at 9:28 PM, Garden, Home & Party wrote:
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Gretchen said:
I agree, our weather seems like heaven compared to our recent trip to the desert! Maybe we’ll miss out on the 90+ this summer….we can always hope!