I do not own a summer house, a magical bungalow beside the sea, and yet there is magic in my house each and every summer. Perhaps, it is that summer is a state of mind, and it invades even the nooks and crannies of our everyday life. I do know this; there is nothing so lovely as opening the door on a summer day, or evening, and knowing the summer wind carries the wisp of unspoken dreams.
There is a word for our summer imaginings…summerscape. The landscape of our world changes. The tomatoes grow ripe on the vine. In June, my hydrangeas will be magnificent. In July, the lilies will nod as I pass by. Each day is almost like a season in itself; there is so much change in the garden with all the different blooms.
I remember my childhood…and who does not, in summer? I especially remember savoring summer moments beneath our weeping willow tree. Back then, that was my very own summer place, a little hideaway just for me.
I was one who dragged all my toys outside in summer…books, dolls, and tea party things. I was the queen of the tea party! I can assure you every doll was dressed in appropriate attire. There is magic in the outdoors and my childhood self knew that all too well! I never wanted to come inside at night. Outside, was the moon, and the stars, and the fireflies. Inside, I had to put to bed another fun and happy day.
I am grown-up now, and the landscape is different, but not so much. Summer is still a time to dream, to set aside our to-do list just a little, to enjoy this season of longer sun-lit days. Summer only lasts but so long.
As a child, I always loved my books. I had a little library in my room. Some things never change! I still have little libraries all over my house. It is hard to find a room without a stack of books somewhere. Way back when, I carried my library outside in the summer. I pretended to take books out and then I went to my weeping willow house to read them. I was a happy child with a carpet of grass, the buzz of a lawnmower not far off, and my very own house, set beneath the bluest of summer skies.
For each of us, summer means something different, whatever it is that calls to your heart. It may be your garden. It may be a hammock and some books to read. It might be long strolls by lake, river, or sea. Or. it might be a time when you travel to someplace new.
May your ‘summer house’ be a happy place with all your favorite things. And if you like, do as I did as a little girl, and bring your ‘toys’ outside: books, and sketchpads, watering cans for your plants, and candles to light your summer nights. Most of all, bring the blueprint for your ‘dreamscape’ with you wherever you go, and especially at home, in your very own summer house.
You know, there really is a bit of magic in every nook and cranny…even in the nooks and crannies of your mind. It is there that a summer wind whispers and calls your name. Surrender to that captivating and lovely breeze. May you find in the ‘summer house’ of your imagination, an endless summer to carry with you always…even into the darkest days of winter.
Summer is a pleasant time. When I was teaching, I looked forward to summer as if I was a child waiting for the county Fair to begin. My mind, mental state, and body needed to be refreshed and recharged.
Thank you for sharing your summer, past and present.
I love your memory of the county fair! Our summers do seem to define our lives from an early age. Perhaps, that is because of the freedom summertime offered, the chance to be ourselves and explore the world. We must keep that summertime spirit alive all the days of our lives.
Love the ‘
A Summer House’ post. All so true!-
Loved your ‘A Summer House’ post! So true and memorable. Childhood summer memories are the best!
I think if we can keep the child within us alive, we are forever young. Our youthful selves remind us to live in the moment and enjoy the passage of time as it happens…sunsets and sunrises are not just for children. I think God wants us to enjoy all the little things, no matter our age.
Such a beautiful reminder that every house can be a summer house! Thank you for this sweet encouragement. May our summertime treasures be many, though we sit in our own backyard. Praying for blessings of joy in the coming months for you!
Thank you! I pray the same for you as well! Blessings abound where ever we may be.:)
This was mesmerizing to read. I could visualize all of it. My grandma had a willow tree that I loved to claim too. I want to make summers like this for my children (and me too!)
So much joy to be found right in your own back yard. Sometimes, we set up a tent in the yard in summer and had a camping trip close to home!
Pretty easy to plan on short notice and so much fun. And if you forget something, you can just slip back into the house to get it. 🙂