Summer Delights
Summer in the south is distinctive. I used to dread it. The heat; the humidity. But this year, I have begun to enjoy it. Perhaps because the office is so cold, I find a walk in the heat refreshing, of all things. But here are a few of the the activities, art, and adventures keeping my summer delightful.
Flower arranging
I find so much joy in picking up flowers each Sunday from Trader Joe’s or the farmer’s market, but I struggled with arranging them in a way that I liked. I could see it in my mind, but did not know how to make it with the flowers in my hand. It sounds extra, and it is, but I took a flower arranging course at the American School of Flower Design this summer. I learned so much in such a short amount of time. I’m sure there is still plenty I do not know, but at least now I can create arrangements for my home that I love.
Long Walks
In this Georgia heat, long walks are best in the early morning or late evening. Trent and I have been getting up early once or twice a week and wandering our way to a nearby nature preserve or the neighborhood cemetery. It is incredibly restorative to be in nature for more than just a few minutes. And many mornings, we end up catching the sunrise.
I also try to take short walks on my lunch break or between afternoon meetings. Little spurts help keep the sweat at bay, but I keep an extra deodorant in my office drawer as back up.
moon witch spider king
by Marlon James
It was over a year ago when I read the first installment in this trilogy, Black Leopard Red Wolf. It was an amazing, heavy read. I knew this second book would be the same. For me, summer is the perfect time to dive into a long fantasy book. Road trips, flights, beach days, all perfect opportunities for getting lost in a magical world.
James has a unique way of pulling the reader into the web of characters. The world-building is unlike any I have ever encountered before and his writing simply blows me away. It is everything one expects from a fantasy novel while also bringing a literary element that makes it so much more.
Live sports
I’m not a sports girl in general, but I love a live game with friends. From seeing Atlanta United to the Braves, this summer has been back to back games. Arena games are hot, crowded, loud, hyped, and just plain fun. Gathering with friends to cheer our Georgia teams, participate in the wave, or sing along with the organist is like nothing else. Throw in a tailgate beforehand, and we’ve got a perfect summer day, assuming our team wins.
Evenings at the botanical gardens
I have lamented the Georgia heat enough, but it really is a factor in outdoor activities. That is why I was delighted when Atlanta Botanical Gardens announced a weekly evening event during the summer. I have used my membership (a wonderful Christmas gift) more so far this May and June than the first half of entire year. On Thursday evenings, they stay open hours past their typical 5:00 closing, providing an opportunity to explore the blooms after work and with a little less heat. The garden visit is enhanced by incorporating live music and themed cocktails; it really is a delightful experience.
higher learning
A friend shared this podcast with me a while back and I have become a huge fan. Hosts Van Lathan Jr. and Rachel Lindsay bring episodes twice a week that cover culture, politics, and many things in between. They are so well informed and researched, I learn so much listening to them. Though they discuss heavy topics, they bring humor and thoughtful insight to every conversation. But it is not an echo chamber, they often disagree with each other and sometimes with their guests. Even in those moments, they show respect, personal accountability, and humility. Their healthy disagreements are a great example of how to have opposing opinions and still have meaningful conversation, a dying skill these days. I know I’m not the target audience for this podcast, but I listen and love it anyway. I think it is great practice in appreciating the value of a conversation I am not in the center of.
cafes
Cafes are always in season, of course. But this summer I find myself seeking out new spots I haven’t been, hunting for the ones with creative menu items, a unique vibe, or just quality coffee. Atlanta is home to many fantastic coffee shops, so I am lucky there. On a recent visit to Seattle, I also made a hit list of cafes to visit and was not disappointed.
And instead of meeting friends for drinks, I’ve transitioned to cafes. They are often cozy spaces, complete with great music. Before cell phones, I remember a local cafe was my social and cultural hub. It was where I met and made friends, tried my hand at poetry, learned about community events, and performed songs I wrote live for the first time. The cafe was infinitely more than a place for a quick caffeine fix. Even if it can only be in small ways, I want to bring that cafe culture back into my life.
Stay cool out there and soak up every second of this summer.
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