Summer started on June 20 this year, but for the purposes of today’s blog (7 things I’ve loved about summer so far), I am proclaiming May the start of the season.
Here are the 7 things I’ve loved about summer so far:
My daughter’s wedding
Between July 31, 2020, when Stewart proposed to Tenley and May 15, 2021, when the ceremony took place, there was so much planning. There were plenty of fun moments (the dress-purchasing trip definitely comes to mind), so many decisions (final calls about guest lists are tough) and general wedding hullabaloo. Ultimately, it turned out to be a meaningful and lovely event. Welcome to the family, Stewart.
Photo credit: Gandy Photographers
The Orlando Fringe Festival
My wonderful colleague and friend, Katie Parsons, directed a play at the Orlando Fringe Festival and was in another play at the same event. Not being one to turn down an opportunity to see live theater, especially when someone I know is involved, Wayne and I went to the Orlando area. It also doubled as a visit with Wayne and Patience (my son and daughter-in-law), who live in Sanford.
Also, congrats to Katie (and creator Loreli Zarifian) for their play, “Frigorific,” being staged at the Soho Playhouse in New York City next month! If you’re one of my NYC friends, here’s info on tickets. Please go see it so I can live vicariously through you!
My niece’s wedding
Have you ever had so much fun dancing and visiting with people that you neglected to take pictures, even though you felt it was one of the times your dress, hair and makeup had come together in a way you liked? That was us on June 5, when my niece, Elizabeth, got married. All of the leadup to this wedding, including being one of the hosts of her bridal luncheon, was an uplifting time too.
The joy of getting my hair and makeup done twice in three weeks
Because of wedding-o-rama, I got my makeup and hair done twice in three weeks. When I decided to get my makeup done for my niece’s wedding, it was a slight comedy of errors because I didn’t decide to do it until late. Then I made an appointment at the local Aveda institute, and it turns out they were only doing eyes (due to COVID-19) — something I didn’t know until I arrived. So I came out of THAT with super dramatic eyes and no foundation or blush. I scurried home and did all of that. It all worked out, but caused a moment of slight frenzy. I would never have done my eyes the way the student there did them, and they really were a unique look (and undoubtedly better for the pictures I didn’t manage to take (see above).
Did I dream up that “toes in the sand” moment?
It’s been so long since I’ve spent any quality time at the beach. I definitely didn’t go last summer. Because I was at the Camp Gordon Johnston Museum the last three Sundays, and because it’s right across from the beach, I parked at the beachfront last Sunday to grab just a few moments near the waves. I’ve had a lot on my mind, and although it was only about 10 minutes, I was reminded that the saying on numerous walls of numerous beach vacation homes is true: “The cure for anything is salt water: sweat, tears or the sea.” (I believe Isak Dinesen originated that quote.)
Don’t judge our marriage by our plates
It’s our 29th anniversary today. Wayne cooked a lovely dinner last night of Coquille St. Jacques and spinach salad with orange vinaigrette dressing. For pictures of THAT lovely meal, I strategically placed the plate so it looked whole. IN reality, most of our plates are showing the mileage of 29 years. We’ve talked about replacing them so many times, but keep putting it off.
Where does this fit into something I loved about summer? Let’s just say I think/hope my perspective is healthy. New plates would be nice, but less debt and a happy marriage is better.
TBD
That’s right. Number seven is “TBD — there’s still more summer left.” I have a family member facing a huge health challenge; I hope he and his family have some opportunities for peace and light before fall approaches. I have a few things on my mind that it’s been difficult to see past, and I’m ready for those to roll on back out to sea with the tide. I have to hope there is more good ahead.
How about you? What has made you happy this summer?
This is a response to a Mama Kat prompt.
Wife of one, Mom of two, Friend of many. My pronouns are she/her/hers.
What a lovely post! I really can’t understand how doing eyes vs. full faces for COVID makes a difference. Maybe so you can stay masked? Regardless, your smile in these photos say it all, and I love your bit about your chipped dishes.
Ha! The dishes really deserve their own post. It’s just gotten comical at this point. Here’s to a great rest of the summer for all of us. Thanks for dropping by.
So fun! Your life sounds normal. We are just far. more cautious these days, so. normal is a ways out for us.
Hmmmm. Maybe I made it sound more normal than it is? That said, I fully respect everyone’s choice that decides to be conservative. Planning these weddings was especially a concern — the CDC made an announcement about being able to be outdoors unmasked (if I recall correctly) the week of my daughter’s wedding. But we were still concerned all throughout the planning. Her deal was, “I’m getting married whether it’s 20 people or 200.” My niece and her fiance sent out a card in the invitation directly addressing COVID-19. They’re all tough decisions, Carol. Hopefully if I write a similar post in summer 2022, we’ll all be able to talk true normalcy.
A perfect summer so far, Paula! Family, friends, frivolities and faces! It just doesn’t get any better!
And congratulations you your anniversary. Those plates say it all: A little weathered by LIFE, but still going strong!
Ha ha! I definitely need to write a whole post about the plates. Maybe when we finally replace them and I do a tribute. 🙂
Loved all your summer memories and especially love your ‘do! You look adorable in that haircut. And how nice to have TBD, somehow gives hope.
I think we all definitely need the hope.
You have been busy in all the best ways! 🙂 Everyone looked gorgeous for your daughter’s wedding. What a great excuse to get a little pampered with hair and makeup. Happy Anniversary!
Thanks! It was all fun (even with the inevitable “planning a big event amid a pandemic” headaches). The irony of thinking, though, that we were on our way out of pandemic craziness in May. What a summer it’s ended up being (so thanks for the reminder to look for the happy.