Well-lived

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:

Pontooning with Boppa

One of many fish caught this summer

Morning cuteness

The Flood

More Flood

Rhubarbra

French River

Sign cake

Bravery on wheels

Indian Lake

Frog catcher

Summerblue

Happy campers

Harry Potter around the campfire

Aboard the Vista

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.