June conversations often include mentions of plans for summer vacations, adventure and travel. Whether heading out alone, in a group of one’s own peers or as a family, the months from June through August are typically associated with “chillaxin.”
I have determined four items that pretty much make any place a good place during summer. Basic and simple, these babies can turn an uneventful situation into a delightful and memorable occasion. Many of us have these things on hand in the summer, adding further joy to prospective events that do not necessitate spending money or searching high and low at several department stores for supplies.
Item one: a blanket. Make that, blanket that you do not mind laying on the ground to sit upon. Whether in the yard, at a park, on a beach or in a country field, throwing a blanket down is akin to saying, “Have a sit-down, take a rest, come, relax, rejuvenate your spirit!” A blanket on the ground is also an immediate invitation to lie back and enjoy a great game of “cloud pictures.” What’s that in the wide blue yonder overhead? A sailboat! No, it’s a dinosaur! Wait, maybe a monkey standing on his head, drinking a margarita! LOL
Item two: Ice water with fresh sprigs of mint. Ok, not everyone has bushes of fresh mint growing around their house, so we’ll chop this one down to “ice water” and, leave it at that. (But, certainly, if you have mint, include it!) Aside from the fact that staying hydrated is at the top of the list of easy things to do to maintain good health, nothing can jump start a body on a hot and humid day like a few sips of wonderful ice water.
Item three: Watermelon! Want to see a child smile? Offer them a nice, cold chunk of watermelon on a hot summer day! If you’ve grown it yourself or purchased from a local farmer’s market, it is most likely free of toxins and very nutritious. It smells great, also helps hydrate the body and tastes sweet and delicious!
There you have it! Four items that can turn an ordinary summer moment into a cherished event. Four little things that take a common landscape and create a view worth drinking in, by oneself or with loved ones. I’ve been known to spend a few hours in the garden, followed by the “tossing of a blanket” in our open field, the glug-glug-glug of a mason jar filled with minty ice water, the nom nom nom of a tasty melon and the next few hours lost in the pages of a favorite story.
And, don’t be surprised if this all leads to a nice, long summer nap under the sun!
Writer Bio
Judy Dudich resides in the beautiful woods of Pennsylvania, where 24 acres of land and a home-office provide the perfect setting for her children’s home-education and her own homesteading and business ventures. Life is full of blessings (and challenges!) for Judy, as a wife, mother of 10 and Grammy to six. She is a published author, whose book, “I Surrender/A Study Guide for Women” continues to encourage and support others in Christian family lifestyles throughout the world. Judy has also previously worked in the online speaking circuit. Her passion for permaculture, re-purposing, foraging and organic gardening fills her days with learning and adventure that she loves to share.
