I have always been a fan of summer reading. The pleasure of kicking
back and reading a book just for fun has stayed with me each and every
summer since childhood.
Once or twice a week during our summer holidays, my friend Caroline
and I would ride our bikes to the village library and check out as many
books as our bicycle baskets would hold. Our treasured library cards
were always maxed out all year long, but even more so during the lazy,
hazy days of summer. I remember the excitement of bringing those
books home and setting them on my dresser, carefully deciding which
title would be the lucky first read.
My mom always insisted on lots of fresh air and exercise, so the books
would have to remain on my dresser, unopened until after dinner. Then
I would grab my bathing suit, towel and sunglasses and hop on
my bike once again. This time headed to the beach with friends for
the rest of the day.
Such happy, carefree, childhood days.
We were so lucky to live right near the shores of Lake Michigan.
I treasured my yearly summer beach pass. As we rode down the tree
lined streets headed to the lake I remember laughing and telling
jokes and stories with my friends. The streamers of my handle bars
flying along side me as I peddled as fast as I could towards the lake
past pretty houses and lush green lawns. Soon we would be there
for the rest of the afternoon. Sand between our toes. Seeing who
could stay underwater longest. Who could swim the fastest. How
many popsicles we could buy with the money we kept in our beach
totes.
Precious moments that are fleeting and never to be recaptured again.
All grown up for many years now, I continue to think of summer as a
lazy and dream filled time. I still head to the library once a week and
check out lots of titles. It's a time to loose myself once again in
the joy of summer reading. Decorating books. Cookbooks. Whatever
my heart fancies.
Magazines through the mail or picked up on a whim from the
grocery store.
And of course a good "beach read". Nothing too heavy. Something
easy and uncomplicated to open up and lose myself in for a couple
of hours. Soft music in the background. The slight breeze of the
overhead ceiling fan. A delightful way to spend a hot and hazy
afternoon.
But then of course ….
There is always the temptation of an afternoon nap.
Big Texas Hugs,
Susan and Bentley
