The end of summer never fails to be bitter sweet. The days begin to end sooner, the nights start to become crisper, and the rain happens to come more often. We begin to say goodbye to the afternoon sails, the warm nights under the stars, and the chirping of crickets and tree frogs in the evenings. Growing up in an area that revolved around the cycle of seasons always brought such peace, but none of those transitions of seasons feels better than the slow and beautiful end of Summer.
It is this time of year that hangs in the air with such excitement to me. Around here, the streets are quieter again, the best produce finally ripens, new projects are being planned, and there is almost hushed sense of passion for the time in which we have left ourselves in this last month before fall. The best part, it all seems, is in the ease of finding your favorite spots all of a sudden vacant and serene again. The tourists have left, cottages have been closed, and it is once again us locals who are roaming the beaches. The weather is perfect, the water is warm, and the sun still is giving us her best. It is this time of year that I wait for and look forward to.
Every season has its beauty, but it is always the times between each that I find most inspiring. It is in the expectation of change that I find excitement. Whether it be the first snow, the first turn of leaves, the first day on the sailboat, or the first tulip to peak above the snow, each brings the hope of change, and the opportunity to begin anew all over again.
The summer is no different. It has been perfect in every way, a lot has been learned, and new dreams have been made. Though I look back now and believe no where near enough time was spent by Lake Michigan, I know that every moment I have to walk this shoreline is precious. It has taught me to take advantage of the simplest things and to enjoy less. There is nothing more valuable than the quiet time alone on the beach, listening to the waves, and talking with my favorite person, my husband. This to me was the perfect evening to close out Summer and in every way.
So let’s cheers to Summer’s End and hope that fall brings even more adventure, more joy, and more inspiration than Summer ever did. I feel it is going to be a good one.
photo cred : {the fresh exchange}
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