Down Time

Ahhh . . . summer. It's a season when we collectively agree (sort of:) to take a break from life as usual. We can blame it on our childhood where the promise of sun, splashing in water, and no school set the precedent we would find ourselves chasing for the rest of our lives during the hottest months of the year. Some don't like the idea of children or adults having a long period of idle time, but I have to say I believe it's a necessity--for all ages.

I have children and so I know that there is no truly "idle" time for me during summer, but I do enjoy the idea of blurred boundaries where shoes aren't always mandatory, bathing suits become acceptable attire, and meals are less formal--often eaten outdoors causing napkins to take flight, spills to become no big deal, and the ability to accommodate unexpected mouths at the table by simply throwing another something-or-other on the grill.

---

Coming from a gal who appreciates structure and thrives under the scenario of too much to do with too little time to get it done, I deeply appreciate down time. In fact, I think I desperately need it. My engines need time to cool off and I really do feel like I'm recovering from life in the summer months. When fall arrives it's off to the races--and I love that, too. I thrive on a packed schedule all the other months of the year.

So, with August now front and center I fully intend to press "post" on this blog entry and begin my recovery. This summer started off with a bit more adventure than usual as my whole family embarked on a three-week trip to England, Scotland & Ireland. We enjoyed afternoon tea, rode the London Eye with friends, walked by Big Ben as it rang out while we reconnected with a long lost cousin, hiked up the side of the mysterious rock formation of the Old Man of Storr in Scotland, walked by the Birnam Oak that Shakespeare passed, fed carrots to the Highland Coos, cheered on the County Clare Hurling team at a local pub, and surfed the waves off of the western shores of Ireland.
Just to mention a few things.

---

Now, I'm ready for the portion of the summer where I read for pleasure, sink my toes in the warm sand, eat fried seafood, and play cribbage. 

We should never underestimate how important down time is in our lives.
Slowing down allows us to focus on family, friendships & our faith:)
​
​Happy summer!