Well, it's that time of year again.
Summer is turning its back on me, fast-walking away, I am running after it with my arms outstretched, yelling, "Noooooooooo!" I keep glancing over my shoulder at the New School Year Anxiety, which is in turn chasing me.
I always get very "nesty" this time of year. I have to stay busy, get my space in order, or I will start to think too much. Yesterday afternoon was one of those days. Yes, I was getting ready for Aidan's birthday party, but once those preparations were done I couldn't stop. I cleaned that one corner in the porch. I organized the downstairs freezer (zucchini from 2006, anyone?). I made refrigerator pickles. I cleaned out the car. Finally, as I ran out of tasks, I jumped on my bike. Just me and the Lakewalk, no one else, no destination in mind.
I tooled along on this pleasant PDD (Perfect Duluth Day) when suddenly my bike, seemingly by its own accord, pulled over to the side of the pathway. I found myself staring down at a little secluded beach I'd never noticed before. The water, crystal clear and almost Caribbean blue, was calling me. There was a footpath down.
Next thing I knew, I was floating on my back in Lake Superior in my underwear. How long had it been since I did something so spontaneous, on my own like that? I suppressed a scream of glee.
Instead, I reflected on a summer well lived. Wow, was this summer good to me. The combination of having no real scheduled job and the amazing weather created a perfect storm of living in the moment goodness. Every morning I woke up and felt the potential for a new adventure. I lived it fully. Anxiety about the new school year aside, I know I am going into the year in a really good place in my head. My tank is full, I am re-energized, and mostly I am full of gratitude for the gift of this lovely, lovely summer.
I started out this summer with a list. Did I complete it all? No. Do I regret it? Not a chance. Sewing projects? Too beautiful outside. Visit every playground in Duluth? Not even close, but I have a new definition of playground that includes Park Point, French River and a perfect evening in the backyard with the neighbors and their kids. I did so many unexpected things that weren't on the list, including a midnight hay ride at a wedding, tubing behind a boat with Edison friends and even working a fun little summer job.
Here are my favorite pics from this summer:
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| Pontooning with Boppa |
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| One of many fish caught this summer |
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| Morning cuteness |
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| The Flood |
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| More Flood |
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| Rhubarbra |
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| French River |
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| Sign cake |
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| Bravery on wheels |
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| Indian Lake |
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| Frog catcher |
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| Summerblue |
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| Happy campers |
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| Harry Potter around the campfire |
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| Aboard the Vista |
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| Agent P |
Not pictured: Fourth of July with the DeWitt-Websters, above mentioned hay ride, many days at the beach/river, making jam, the lush garden, time spent with Corryn & Carrie, the satisfied look on my face after each day.
