Summer Time Contest

I live in a part of the United States that has a lot of weather/seasonal changes. In the winter, we deal with snow and ice - of course, not enough snow for my sons, who would love to sled more. Fall brings us the beauty of the leaves changing colors and crisp air. Spring returns the green to our grass and trees, with flowers blooming at different intervals to brighten the days.

Then we have summer. Warm summer breezes that make you feel good about everything. Mixed with the extreme heat, sunshine and the possibilities of thunderstorms. Since I'm originally from this area, I don't mind the thunderstorms. For the most part, that's when we get some relief from the heat as the rain cools everything off.

Summer time is also when this area tends to slow down a bit. Some businesses have their employees come in a little earlier in the morning so they can leave earlier in the evening and enjoy the extra hours of daylight. Most children are out of school for part of the summer months. Sports camps, church camps, scout camps. . . they all have their prime seasons during June, July, and August. Public and private swimming pools are open and you can hear kids splashing and hollering to each other during the day. We have a neighborhood pool close by and I've been helping this year with the running of the pool. My major responsibility is making sure we have a lifeguard on duty each afternoon and it's been fun to have a 'reason' to go down to the pool every so often.

Because as I've become 'more adult,' I've forgotten about the joy of summer time. Those carefree days when you could run around outside and play, without worrying about a coat and hat and mittens. Running through the neighbor's sprinkler as you hurried to a friend's house to see what mischief was on the day's agenda. Rolling down a grassy yard just because it was there. Staying up late to watch the fireflies come out and aahing at that magical moment when their lit up bodies rose from the grass and flew off into the night.

Summer also seems to be the time of year when it's 'okay' to read for pleasure. Certain books are even designated as 'great beach reads' and magazines include lists of books to take on your vacation. Just like we throw off the heavy coats of winter, we can throw off the heavy responsibility of reading 'enlightening books' that help us grow and mature. A friend mentioned she had been waiting until summer to read my latest book - even though her job goes year round. A mindset that we tend to have drilled into us at some point in life.

This summer I've resolved to enjoy more of the longer days; to go to the pool for no reason at all; to read books that touch and intrigue me, whether a beach read or not; to explore the area around me. As Alexander Green says in his book, The Secret of Shelter Island: "Life is not a practice round. This is it."

What about you? Any special summer plans? And what books - besides your own - would you recommend for a read, summer or otherwise? I'll pick one lucky commenter and send a copy of my book for you to read. . . now or whenever!