I share your feeling of sadness with the summer solstice when one knows the days will inevitably start to shorten. But it always reminds me to make the most of every daylight hour before daylight saving finishes.
Our coast has stark dry eucalypts, coastal scrub and pines so even in winter, we're not allowed to light fires, but we can still celebrate in many unique ways.
Of course, down here where I live, in the southern hemisphere, we're celebrating the winter solstice and hurrah, hurrah, every week from now on the days will be lighter for 5 minutes longer so the legends say. I'll swim tomorrow to celebrate!!!
I totally get it, Mona. Those are wonderful memories and traditions. There is a sadness In remembering and wishing for those days again. Fun, safe, secure.
Happy Solstice! Here in Vermont, much like the UP, the days are longer, and I love sewing in the early evening light - my favorite time of the year for quilting. I miss it when it gets dark. I should be out walking and enjoying the outdoors, but there is something about the creative process when the Golden Hour is so much longer. Listen tonight, and perhaps you will hear the gentle hum of a busy sewing machine.....
What a sweet tribute. My memories of Lake Superior and the camp sharpened. I can smell the trees
and feel that cold, clear water. I can hear and see my relatives busy with camp chores while telling stories of moose and bears. I too grieve the shorter days and those faded memories of the UP and my Finnish roots. I fully embrace the memories and am grateful for them. Yes- the sad passing of the longest day. At this moment, life is long.
I'm The Boy Who Hated Summer (because of the humidity, the bugs, and I'm not a beach person) so the first day of summer to me is when I begin the countdown to the first day of fall. It's September 23 at 2:50 am ET and I can't wait for the crisp fall air, the hot tea, the smell of the heat coming on, and the days when I can wear pants again.
(Don't be funny, I mean I hate wearing shorts in the summer.)
Jun 21, 2023·edited Jun 22, 2023Liked by Ramona Grigg
Loved this. Solstices became anchor points for me to emotionally stabilize and for the first time, I took off on Summer Solstice. I wanted to be out, be in the sun, and relax. It’s been a good day but I’d like to do something special for each.
It’s so interesting you got to see celebrations and have fond memories.
I share your feeling of sadness with the summer solstice when one knows the days will inevitably start to shorten. But it always reminds me to make the most of every daylight hour before daylight saving finishes.
Our coast has stark dry eucalypts, coastal scrub and pines so even in winter, we're not allowed to light fires, but we can still celebrate in many unique ways.
Of course, down here where I live, in the southern hemisphere, we're celebrating the winter solstice and hurrah, hurrah, every week from now on the days will be lighter for 5 minutes longer so the legends say. I'll swim tomorrow to celebrate!!!
I totally get it, Mona. Those are wonderful memories and traditions. There is a sadness In remembering and wishing for those days again. Fun, safe, secure.
That’s beautiful. Thank you for sharing!
I’ll definitely be doing something special for the summer solstice. It won’t be a bonfire. But it’ll be something!
Happy Solstice! Here in Vermont, much like the UP, the days are longer, and I love sewing in the early evening light - my favorite time of the year for quilting. I miss it when it gets dark. I should be out walking and enjoying the outdoors, but there is something about the creative process when the Golden Hour is so much longer. Listen tonight, and perhaps you will hear the gentle hum of a busy sewing machine.....
What a sweet tribute. My memories of Lake Superior and the camp sharpened. I can smell the trees
and feel that cold, clear water. I can hear and see my relatives busy with camp chores while telling stories of moose and bears. I too grieve the shorter days and those faded memories of the UP and my Finnish roots. I fully embrace the memories and am grateful for them. Yes- the sad passing of the longest day. At this moment, life is long.
What a lovely memory to have. Growing up, we had no community at all really. I've always envied those that did. I'm glad you did.
I'm The Boy Who Hated Summer (because of the humidity, the bugs, and I'm not a beach person) so the first day of summer to me is when I begin the countdown to the first day of fall. It's September 23 at 2:50 am ET and I can't wait for the crisp fall air, the hot tea, the smell of the heat coming on, and the days when I can wear pants again.
(Don't be funny, I mean I hate wearing shorts in the summer.)
Sweet memories near and dear to my heart.
Thank you for the reminder.
I also mourn the summer solstice because as you say - the inevitable shortness of sun light begins.
As a former Michigander, I think fondly of trips to the UP. My wife is also intensely saddened by the shortening of the days.
Loved this. Solstices became anchor points for me to emotionally stabilize and for the first time, I took off on Summer Solstice. I wanted to be out, be in the sun, and relax. It’s been a good day but I’d like to do something special for each.
It’s so interesting you got to see celebrations and have fond memories.
I guess he knows me too well...