Summer's over in, by my count, 12 minutes. As I cycled home from work today, I passed by a city-run outdoor pool in a riverside park (Gibbons, for my Londonite readers), and lamented the fact that the lifeguards and swimmers were all gone, and the water level had already been lowered in preparation for end-of-season maintenance. I felt a moment of sadness as I cruised on past into ever-lowering sun.
I thought this simple view of color and light would reinforce why we seem to think about summer the other 9 months of the year. Funny, but the other seasons don't seem to be as memorable when they slip into the past.
Your turn: Why does summer hold such a treasured position on our collective psyche? How has it been special to you?
But there's more: You'll notice many of my recent entries and images (to wit, click here) are summer-themed. I guess it'll be a while before I let go of the season. Hope that's OK with y'all.
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21 comments:
Well its so important to us Canadians because our winters are so cold and long lol. We can't wait to feel the heat of the sun warm our skin...be outside without layers apon layers protecting us from the harshness of our cold.
The freedom to run on the grass, jump in the pool...sit on the deck among our flowers and gardens. Just having more living space...our yards in summer become more living space, thats it! lol
I like summer, but with the exception that school has already started we've got a healthy period of it left (having only recently broke the streak of days over 100F). Then again I hate the cold intensely and I really hate to think summer is gonna be over. Maybe I need to move further south.
Michele sent me.
I guess some of my most memorable times of life took place in the summer like the rare family vacations.
michele sent me
As I'm from the land of almost permanent summer (Australia) it reminds me of home...but I must add that I prefer summer when I don't have to actually dress in business attire!
Michele sent me.
It's important to us Aussies because, yay, summer is on it's way!! Be kind and share some of the heat with us, we've been shivering over here for long enough. This photo is a taste of what's to come.
Here from Michele's, Carmi
Oh, I should do a post to answer that one, Carmi! (maybe I will, but not just this second.)
I would briefly say that summer is so much of a joy for the carefree-ness that is initially rooted in childhood - time for playing outside from sun-up till sun-down, stopping only to satisfy needs (ie, eating). Whereas fall/winter had that dreaded schedule-keeping of school and whatnot. For the "four seasons climates" there's that early darkness in winter along with the cold winds forcing kids to stay indoors from sun-up to sun-down and then some. As adults, I'm sure the feelings remain the same, thus the "collective psyche" of the seasons.
Yep, I could do a whole post on that one! :) (Michele didn't send me, but that's okay too. -right?)
Hmmm, I'm not a big summer person. We have such a long one here, we won't see Fall until November. I suppose I would feel different if I had to shovel snow in the winter, but since winter means putting on a a sweater, summer isn't so unique to me.
There's an old joke around here... perhaps I've used it too much. Buffalo has two seasons: July and winter.
It feels brief, doesn't it? On the coldest day I curse fate for throwing me upon this region of the hemisphere, but on those hot days when a thin film of grime settles on every square inch of skin I yearn for a crisp autumn afternoon. I welcome the frigid, grey days of December-February.
And the NHL is in full bloom.
p
here via michele today.
I have always been more drawn to Spring, rather than summer. I love watching the new growth and agreeable temperatures.
Here in the high desert, this summer has been wrought with thunderstorms and flooding - It is raining again as we speak. Generally, the end of the summer brings about our International Balloon Fiesta- but if the rain doesn't move on, the flying season doesn't seem very promising this year.
I'm good with the end of summer. The bittersweet effect in and of itself is a wonder. All in all, I'm a fall guy.
I love that photo. Beautiful and serene, could look at it all day.
I think sunshine buoys spirits. I think it's as simple as the effect of Vitamin C/S.
To me... summer represents a freedom, or being less restrained. Likely a throwback to school, yet still holds true as adults. People just seem breezier in the summer. No wonder our most festive holidays are in winter when we need them most.
~S
Ooohh what a pretty picture.
Michele sent me this time.
Well it is important for me since it's the time for vacation and traveling. Also wearing thin clothes too! Btw, Michele sent me
Summer was when you played outside until the streetlights came on, went swimming all day, ate popsicles like they were going out of style, and got to be a kid non stop. (well, for me anyway) Summer always meant fun for us, one way or another!
Here via Michele's
Strenghtening my bond with my bf and my first ever paid vacation time :)
At 29 years old I am glad that finally happened!
Here from michele
Here from Michele today!
I love summer because it is warm and things are blooking and it is still a hang over from scgool days..We had the whole summer off! LOVED that! And I always LOVED Swimming....that is the best excercise cause it never felt like excercise to me....it just felt good!
Hard to believe that Summer is over...Didn't it seem to go by quickly?
Summer=Fun!
As a kid my mom always had fun things for us to do BUT she also believed in sleeping late and hanging out at home. I also had a fun aunt that I visited each summer. We made many memories during those visits.
Now summer is officially over when school starts for us...even though it still feels like summer until October!
Michele says hello!
i dont want summer to end either and i think i'll post a 'pix of summer' later this week...
but with me so close to getting my teaching license, i am ready for fall and ready to work and make some money!!!!
i'm also glad it's school time because i now have 2 out of 3 children in school!
In another life--I've spent a number of summers running camps. It was always sad the week after kids left and things were quiet, as we closed things up for the season... here from Michele's today
Summer. You have kids, Carmi, so that might be some of the reason it stands out in your mind so much. I know it did when I was a kid. Now I live in a much sunnier region and don't have kids so summer is a little less friendly. While I enjoy Summers, Fall and Spring are a little more in line with being outside and enjoying things.
Michele sent me by to see your pretty picture of the pool--and reflect on the Summer that's ending.
Here from Michele this time.
It's always sad when the pools are drained and the sediment shows up in the bottom or the ocean water cools down. Since Nyssa wasn't working down at the beach this summer, I don't think I even drove down there.
It's Labor Day and a huge vacation weekend. While schools most places have already started, those here in Virginia Beach start the day after Labor Day. So, kids are a bit sad as well.
Though the heat is still here and the water still warm... it's September and summer is over.
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