What is summer fun made of?
Bikes and ball games, and swimming pool nights;
And that’s what summer fun is made of.
There is something magical about summer in a small town. Perhaps the magic happens in cities as well, but my lived experience has mostly been in small, rural communities. As a kid, I vividly remember riding my bike all over town during the summer. That little slice of freedom without a driver’s license allowed me to go wherever I pleased. Now, in my 50’s, with a license in my wallet, I still love the simple joy of riding my bike on a beautiful day.
One of my favorite childhood pastimes was spending time at the ball fields. I helped my dad in the Lions Club concession stand and played on the church softball team. Later, I spent countless summer evenings watching my children play through every level of competition. So many memories were made on those fields. Now my grandson is playing his first year of t-ball, and a new generation of ball field memories has begun.
What is summer fun made of?
Shorts and ice cream, and campfire s’mores;
And that’s what summer fun is made of.
This summer, we are being more intentional about camping. Exploring new campgrounds and camping with new friends has broadened our experience. To me, there is nothing quite like an evening around a campfire and the delicious taste of a perfectly toasted s’more. I love waking up close to nature, listening to birdsong, and settling into a slower pace of life. I didn’t camp much as a child, but I’m making up for lost time as an adult.
As much as I enjoy these summer moments, I will admit that I don’t love the heat. Still, I appreciate all the ways summer offers relief. Shorts and summer dresses are my favorite wardrobe staples. Cooling off at the pool or paddleboarding at the lake ranks high on my list as well. And my all-time favorite treat is ice cream. These little splurges of coolness refresh my body and soul.
What is summer made of for you? What takes you back to being a carefree child? What energizes or inspires you during this season?
These are the moments worth cherishing. Soak them up the way you soak up the sunshine. Before long, this season will slip away, but its treasures are here for the taking today. Embrace all that summer is made of.