It’s Summer. Do Summer things.
Go outside. It’s beautiful outside. Or, if you live in California, it will be, just give it a couple hours until the marine layer burns off OR just wait until August. Whichever you like, because it’s Summer, and, in Summer, you get to do whatever you like. Go to the beach, go to the park, go to the bench near your office at lunchtime. Put on your sunglasses and sit quietly with yourself. Bring friends, giant iced coffees, and a cookie to share. Watch the world go by in slow motion. That’s what Summer is for.
Eat things that require that you hold them in your hands, like BBQ ribs, hot dogs, and overripe peaches that dribble syrupy juice down your forearms. Get messy. That’s what Summer is for.
Lay on a blanket in the grass, drinking chilled white wine and eating cheese and grapes. Watch a movie with a crowd of strangers in a park. Lean into your date, and let your weight support each other. When it’s dark and no one is looking, kiss. That’s what Summer is for.
Sleep in. Wake up late and stay in bed. Lay in the stripes of light that sneaks in between the blinds. Read trashy magazines or revisit your favorite book. Write something down. Just lay there. That’s what Summer is for.
Make cocktails with gin and fruit and herbs. Get a little drunk in the middle of the day. That’s what Summer is for.
Go to the fair and ride creaky rides. Hold hands. Scream at the top of your lungs. Win a gigantic stuffed animal that you have nowhere to put. Eat fresh grilled corn and something that was deep fried that you normally wouldn’t deep fry. That’s what Summer is for.
Spend the day on the beach and build and sand castle. Stay until the sun sets. When it’s dark, strip off your clothes and run into the ocean. Feel amazingly cold and clean. That’s what Summer is for.
Go on a hike. Go on another hike. Go on progressively longer hikes until the wildflowers go away and the creeks dry up and your feet are sore from walking. Explore until you can’t anymore. That’s what Summer is for.
Write a handwritten letter to someone who doesn’t expect it. Ride your bike to the post office. Stop at a ice cream shop on the way home. That’s what Summer is for.
Live. Eat. Flirt. Slow down. Connect. Savor. That’s what Summer is for.
———-
These are just such lovely images on a grey and rainy day.
This summer list of yours is smashing. You’re an ace list-maker. I think I will attempt to try to do most of what you’re suggesting here. Cheers!
As a person who kind of “survives” summer, you’ve just made me want to learn to love it. ‘Cause I want to do all those things. Good job!
I just got back from a paddleboard ride and showered at our anchor locker standing on my board. I love you manifesto, obviously, I’m living it!
THIS IS SUMMER, hooray! :)
I love this summer mandate!
JUST YES, ALL OF THIS. This is my favorite thing I’ve ever read about summer.
Yes, this truly is what Summer is for.
People who say Christmas is the most magical time of the year are wrong. Summer is the most magical time of the year. Perfect for ALL of THIS!
i do love summers, even if they are late ones in SF.
HELL YES!
Summer for all.
Yes, yes, yes! All of this.