I feel like we hit the ground running into summer this year, and we really packed it full of happy memories. I wouldn't call it a restful and relaxing summer, though, and I'm a leeeeeetle bit concerned that I haven't properly "recharged". Usually by now, I feel rested and recharged and ready to take on a new year of school and the busyness of the holidays. Usually by now, my school supplies are all ready and I've been giddily planning for weeks. Usually by now, I've already decided on themed gifts for Christmas.
I wonder if the darkness of last summer--and in fact, this whole year--pushed me to try and frantically eat up every sunny golden moment. As much as it was busy, it was also very blessed. It may not have been relaxing all the time, but it sure was fun! I'm concerned that I will burn out quickly, having not fully recovered, but I am also grateful to have been so *present* this summer. And on the other hand, perhaps the lack of 'recharge' I feel is due to the very exhausting events of the past year. It's interesting, to me, how one of the most painful years of my life produced one of the best summers.
We started easing back into more formal school this week, and I am happy with our baby steps back. I have much to share, for things are changing and I have taken on quite a lot. It will be stretching, and good. We are in a transition year in more ways than one. This is Sparrow's last year of elementary school, and we are trying new things and making decisions about old things.
One last look at summer, however, before the leaves turn and the days darken and we are in the thick of learning and life...I want to treasure the sacred and beautiful moments we were given.
Nearly ever day, we did *something* summery. Many days that just meant a dip in our complex's pool. Often, we walked a few blocks down to a local park and played with neighborhood families. I also made it a goal to visit a new or not-often visited park or beach at least once a week.
We also did plenty of...
...shopping at farmer's markets and visiting cultural or local sites--for fun and in fitting with our educational philosophy that all of life is learning and experiencing.
We had many playdates with friends...I feel as though I wanted more, even, and a few friends we only saw once or twice all summer. But overall, I believe we are blessed to overflowing with a diversity of friendships.
We even went camping with some friends...
...and made LOTS of s'mores! Or "snores", as Ginger called 'em...this particular picture was not taken during a camping trip, but at our "end of summer" family BBQ.
Speaking of family, we added quite a few new members! Two babies born and three weddings, one of which the girls participated in...
And the girls even starred in their own physical comic book which culminated in a themed birthday party.
It was a beautiful summer...full of happy memories. Stark, in contrast to the painful things going on around me; but beautiful nonetheless. A friend once quoted that she believed beauty will save the world, and in a way it's very true. Beauty certainly carried me through a difficult season, and I am humbled and grateful to the Lord for such a gift.
So goodbye, bittersweet summer. Summer which was mostly sweet, and always busy. Autumn is knocking at my door, and I feel readier to embrace its different beauty.
