The Lazy, Hazy Days of Summer

Where did June go? I vaguely remember the warp speed of wrapping up the school year, a week of hot weather to finally indicate the transition from a cool spring into the warmth of a Canadian summer, and I definitely remember the anticipation of preparing for the annual fishing trip with friends. But aside from those fleeting memories, the month of June has slipped by again this year, dumping us into the glorious start of summer.

The anticipation for summer begins in February when we believe we won't be able to tolerate one more hint of a snow storm, or another drive on snowy or icy roadways. That mental exhaustion slips away with the first warming rays of a March sun, giving us a glimpse of better things to come -- a brief refuge before the spring showers of April. The deafening sounds of the peeper frogs in May warn us of the impending barrage of black flies and mosquitoes that keep us itching well in to June. And then summer.....

For me, there are similarities between my expectations for summer accomplishments and my fibre fanaticism.  Each year resurfaces my hope to walk every day, finally get to that rock garden on the back hill, sort through some boxes in the basement -- these are things that miraculously reappear on an annual list, year after year.

It's easy to suggest there's not enough time, but there is.... It's no different than my expectation for my fibre arts projects -- I succumb to the lure of new projects rather than focusing on "the list" of things to finish. That's why finishing that sweater, those quilt tops and binding, or finally trying the new loom I've had since December are akin to that rock garden and those basement boxes. I enjoy spending time in July and August with family, friends, at barbecues, eating ice cream, accepting an invitation to spend the afternoon on a friend's boat, and these activities win out every time.

This year, I'm approaching things a little differently. Rather than the "To Do" list, I'm creating a "Done" list. If I finish that sweater while sitting on the deck chatting with Mom, then great.... I'll add it to the "Done" list.  If I spend an afternoon visiting with friends I haven't seen for a while, then there will be no guilt, no pressure that I didn't have time to try the loom. It's not on the list, so no worries.

In two months' time, I'll be able to look at my list of achievements and reflect back on the glorious weeks of summer with a sense of pride and accomplishment.  After all, isn't that why they call it the lazy, hazy days of summer!?