Summer.
These wonderful warm days beckon our full attention, promising to fill our lives with all that is absent during the winter months. Walks, swims, picnics, camping, gardening or bicycle riding, Summer is the season to do it all. With longer days packed with activity and lazily drifting into balmy nights, one can always seem to find a harmony in merely existing. Feeling good in just about everything we do, summer invites joy and fun …and the permission we sometimes need to behave like a kid again.
With my own permitted invitation to do just that, I once again regress into my annual childhood state… wanting to do it all, shed responsibility, and never say enough.
I grew up in Queens, NY, where summer was a ‘neighborhood’ in itself. Living on a ‘block’ boasting about 50 homes, 25 on each side of the street, neighbors became familiar with each other as they ventured out of their winter caves and socialized easily on each other’s front ’stoop’. Rediscovery embraced, they shared a cool drink, a good joke or the latest gossip.
Laughter could be heard over the passing traffic…inducing a smile to a passerby…relating to the pleasure of another’s good time. Yet some just preferred to enjoy the evening solitarily, sitting quietly … listening to the night…a cigarette with its subtly glowing tobacco tip piercing the dark the only indication of an outdoor presence.
Summer also brought with it an abundance of ‘kids’ and planned excursions to the beach for every sun forecasted day. Piling into the back of pickup trucks, only a spot for your butt was required. Evenings were spent ‘Hangin’ out’ on the corner, night after endless summer night. Friends brought friends, ‘regulars’ were always around, and music was forever playing. Illuminated by the streetlight and occupying the entire corner of a little side street in Queens, these groups of teens were harmless and nonthreatening…seeking only to enjoy each other, the season, and this present moment in time.
Engulfed in the pleasures only a teen could appreciate partaking of such reckless jaunts and non eventful evenings yet wanting and expecting it to last forever, time passed quickly…swallowing hours at a time. Perhaps it is the unrealized knowledge that these are some of the best of times, pleasurable memories which will follow us through life.
Whatever the reason, it unjustifiably ends all too soon.
At night’s end, ..or my night’s end that is, the outside light went on at my house, signaling time to go home. Acknowledging my responsibility I break away from my friends and head down street …hoping to extend my curfew. With a much appreciated extension granted…my glorious summer evening continues, …for a little while longer anyway…
And as things change, …so they stay the same.
For here I am again, selfishly enjoying my summer, neglecting some responsibilities and totally losing track of time. Like a kid out of school there’s so much to do…and the longer days need to be longer.
But although I’m enjoying these sweet summer days, my attention is caught by a familiar beacon …shining once more through my night. I recognize at once through summer’s dusky haze …that my ‘light is on’ once again.
Concerns for my lack of posts echo through my (e) mailbox reminding me of my other world and the deficiency of my presence in it. Neglecting my writing in lieu of summer pleasures, I ‘m simply enjoying life and all that it’s offering … I hope you’re all doing the same.
So I’m checking in, my friends, and I am fine, … and thank you… for summoning me home.
For at the end of the day, when all is said and done, and the wind is let out of the sails,
It’s the ‘fires’ of home which will burn through the night,
and keep us safe, warm and united.
…Thanks for keeping the light on.
Until next time…Liz
Tags: Fun, home, kids, light, neighborhood, night, Queens, summer
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July 14, 2008 at 8:22 am
Deb
Nice to see you back Liz. You were missed. Beautiful post, brings me right back. It’s funny how different it was for us. We never had a “play date”, we just played. Our lives weren’t so organized. I don’t ever remember my mother keeping a date book; I can’t function without mine. I often wonder what my kids will look back and reminisce on. I just hope they have fond memories. I tried.
Enjoy the rest of your summer.
See you soon.
XOXOXO
July 14, 2008 at 5:18 pm
admin
Thanks Deb…yes, those were different but fun times.
I have that same scheduling with my kids, play ‘dates’ have to be arranged as well as a ‘ride’ there and back. The ‘neighborhood’ kids do not exist up here.
Still, I guess they will look back with their own fond memories….they know nothing else. Every generation has its ‘good old days’, but ours were the best.
Talk soon…thanks for visiting. (Would love to hear about RI!)
-liz
July 14, 2008 at 6:15 pm
the fearless blog
So happy to see you back. Knowing that you have been enjoying your time and that you are well provides me great comfort and joy. Although I have missed you terribly, I realize these warm months must be enjoyed fully, especially when you live up north and winter arrives all too soon. I take for granted, I guess, our splendid Florida weather and the freedom and opportunities it provides me, yet I cannot help but dream of fall, winter and spring since such seasons escape me, at least when I am in down here. Look forward to hearing from you again and if you quietly drift away for awhile to lather in “the moment” worry not, for we shall, God willing, keep the fire burning until you return.
Take care my friend…sending good wishes your way…right now…
July 14, 2008 at 6:26 pm
admin
Mar, you warm my heart…
I have missed you as well and am torn between my two ‘worlds’. Alas, the physical is winning.
Yes, the warm, tolerable weather of Fla brings pleasure almost year round (except when it gets toooo hot I imagine!) so there is no need to cram 8 months into two. So I AM selfishly enjoying this warmth here as much as I can.
I hope you are well and life is good and your Summer is all that you want it to be. I’ll be in touch.
Thanks for visiting…and caring.
-liz
July 15, 2008 at 9:02 am
Donald
Dear Liz,
The few times that I visit is always a pleasure. Your descriptive writing has a way of sparking my memories. I remember the call of my mother echoing through the dark to signal the day has ended. I miss those days very much.
It’s funny how I find myself doing the same thing for my 13 year old Eric. He is the only one left at home.
Thanks for the memories!
July 16, 2008 at 9:14 pm
admin
Thank you Donald!
Yes, there are certain memories of our youth will always be special to us. I think although we’ve all grown up in different areas (or even decades), there is a common thread we can all seem to relate to.
Thanks for visiting…stop anytime!
-liz
July 19, 2008 at 3:22 am
Lana
Enjoy the Summer without guilt…that’s always the best part of Summer! (I grew up in Nassau County, btw. North shore.)
July 19, 2008 at 12:11 pm
admin
Thanks Lana…
You actually come from a very close area to me so you understand the length of winters chill first hand.
I am enjoying the summer thoroughly and hope you are doing the same. Thanks for visiting..I’ll be back full time soon.
Take care..
-liz
July 19, 2008 at 4:33 pm
RainforestRobin
WOW!!! What a packed post! There is so much to comment on here…but first I have to say…I am blown away that you grew up in Queens, NY…That’s city isn’t it? It sounds like it. So then I thought how did this remarkable woman grow up in the city and later go on to fall head over heels in love with nature…and not only fall in love with it but know it, feel it….understand it? Now that is a remarkable story. See you have the complete energy of someone who grew up in the woods. : ) I know, because I did.
Then I thought….but look at how aware she was as a kid, how much of her surroundings she took in and remembers. So THEN I thought is it just that she was born aware and that’s that…she applies that awareness to wherever she is…the city, the woods, etc.
I was so proud of you that you didn’t spend your summer blogging. I figured that you had just taken time off to “live” the summer. I applaud you for that! If my blogging weren’t work related I don’t know if I would blog at all….I really don’t know. I might just for the love of writing and getting to express my thoughts, feelings and photos. But if someone said to me….”You can never blog again.” I would not grieve. LOL It’s not that I hate it or dislike people…I genuinely love them and am great with and around people. It’s just that I LOVE the wild and could spend all my spare time in the woods, photographing. Probably - eventually - my heart would call me back from time to time to write posts….so that I could express what was inside.
Anyway I loved the “light on” theme here and the way you said…thanks for leaving the light on…also I could feel those summer nights in Queens…you wrote it so beautifully that I felt as if I was there and could hear the sounds and see the people. It’s amazing writing.
Please take all the time you want to enjoy your summer. We only live once…maybe. Regardless, I believe we should live it all as FULLY as if it were our last.
Hugs and love, Robin
July 22, 2008 at 7:28 pm
admin
Robin it is SO wonderful to see you!! I have missed you my friend.
Yes, it IS kind of funny how I can relate so well to nature..there wasn’t much around of it growing up. But as much as my memories of my younger days are fond, I would never go back to that busier life at this stage of my life. I love the quiet of the country and the beautiful green that surrounds me. The Wildlife is a gifted treasure…even if it is only momentarily glimpsed… (I saw my first bear three weeks ago even though they are routinely spotted by many). The only regret is that although here is a safer place for my children to grow up, they will never experience the joys of “neighborhood hangin’ out”.
I hope you are enjoying your summer as well and fitting in the hikes you love so much. Yes we do only live once…and I second your opinion, …live every moment like it’s your last.
Thank you so much for visiting, commenting and understanding my frame of mind…
…I knew you would.
Take good care..
-liz
July 26, 2008 at 3:57 pm
Nards
Just dropping in and hoping all is well - Nards
July 27, 2008 at 3:43 pm
admin
Hi Nards! so nice to see you!
All is well…still enjoying the warm weather…(in between the thunder storms!)
Hope you and the ‘boy’ are having a great summer as well.
Fall (and school) will be back all too soon.
Take care of yourself and thanks for ‘checking in’ with me..I’ll see you soon..
-liz
July 31, 2008 at 2:17 pm
RainforestRobin
Hi Dear Liz, I just stopped by to say hi and let you know I was thinking of you. I am SO glad you are taking this time for yourself and to be “with” the summer. I am hiking when I can get away from my desk and book related work. We are going to visit some more ruins this weekend; so that will be a bit of a break…need one badly. I am so looking forward to NO computers, phones, emails, etc. I never miss those things when I am away.
Hope you are doing really well and doing the things you love,
Hugs to you,
Robin
August 6, 2008 at 6:02 pm
admin
Robin! So nice to know I’m in your thoughts!
I AM doing well and hope you are as well.
Can’t believe it’s already August!!! Where is the summer going so fast??!!
Keeping busy working, and playing…going rollerblading tonight (still determined to learn! …I can’t “stop” yet without a wall)
Anyway, I do miss writing and ‘talking’ with all my friends…I miss you all too.
Stay well and happy and enjoy every minute!
Hugs back to you..
liz
August 8, 2008 at 9:09 am
Greg
Hi Liz! So glad to hear you’ve been absent from the blog for all the best reasons!! If only we could harness the power that makes summer days fly so quickly out of our hands…meanwhile, kudos to you for being out there, making the most of each precious moment…
and also, kudos for this lovely memoir-y post about those Suh-uh-mer Ny-iiights (tell me more…).
Now get out there and make some August fun!! : )
August 29, 2008 at 2:21 pm
admin
Thanks Greg! So nice to see you here.
Alas this wonderful season is drawing to it’s close. I’m sad to see it go.
I hope you’ve been enjoying your own summer and have made some new memories to fondly look back on. Our memories can be our personalized inspiration for the future.
Thanks for visiting!
-liz