Remembering the Summer

View of a full moon in my backyard

We have been acclimated back home from our vacation for nearly three weeks, and as expected, the time has quickly flown by.

We have gone to many appointments that piled up with our absence last month, attended our granddaughter's swimming lessons, spent more time at Costco and Publix (our local grocery store) than is likely typical for two older adults, celebrated Mother’s Day, had my hair and nails done, cleaned mounds of laundry, rejoined my writer’s group, cared for and entertained our granddaughters at least two full days each week, and had family dinners.

  I have continued to read books about writing and completed writing.

Today is my husband’s birthday, putting the icing on the cake of this work week. We will have a festive lunch and dinner at local restaurants, which, as an experienced “foodie,” is his favorite way to celebrate. 

On Saturday, we are hosting a “baby sprinkle” (a more low-key version of a baby shower as this is our third grandchild but first boy), who will arrive any day, but hopefully, after the party, decorations are packed away. 

As an ADD hostess and lover of all event planning (especially for my family), it seems like the casual, more modest party that the "sprinkle" represents has faded into obscurity. Those pesky details get tricky toward the end, even for a small gathering: toothpicks, bags for party favors, food choices that somebody can eat without a table nearby, chair seating, gift table, balloons, decor, party games, etc.

 My goal is for my daughter-in-law to be pleased, relax, and enjoy herself. But that is a story for another day.  

Soon after the celebrations, there will be more appointments, a charity get-together, Memorial Day, Father’s Day, the 4th of July, my birthday, the pervasive hot Florida sun, writing, learning, and, of course, that new little baby boy who will eventually infiltrate all of our lives and schedules.

 It has been three years since our last grandchild was born, and it took us a minute to adapt to the changes that adding a new little human makes. Over time, those adjustments become more easily absorbed. I'm grateful for every moment I have with both of my granddaughters, even for those times that made me practice breathing and counting before speaking.

So, you get the idea. I already have a full schedule, but honestly, I like it that way. 

I never want to wake up and think, “What will I do today?”

I can’t imagine that. I have a household chores checklist and personal and writing goals. If nothing is planned outside the home, there is always something—usually a full list. 

Often, I get caught up in the doing and not truly seeing what is happening around me.

That is one reason I enjoy photography. If I can capture a moment in time, I am able, at a later date, to transport myself back to that instant and relive it with a broader perspective.

 I can remember. 

I can feel that moment again. 

I intend to take many pictures this summer because it will be one of the busiest ones in recent memory. It will also be an exceptional season that I don’t want to “fly by” without documenting.

I aim to truly see what is happening “fast-forward” around me by completing my "morning pages" and journaling.

I intend to focus on what matters at each moment and less on distractions like social media, which steals precious time.  

That is my summer goal, as well as keeping up with my writing online and for my book. 

 I want to be present for all that is to come as a family.  

Is it attainable? 

One day at a time.

What tools do you use whenever you want to remember something special from your life? Writing, photography, or something else? 

What tricks do you use to be more present to what is happening around you? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments. 

Thanks for reading! 

Keep smiling!

xx