I wrote that title a bit tongue-in-cheek. Do any of us actually have lazy days anymore? Growing up, our family was fortunate enough to take a summer vacation nearly every year. It usually involved driving to water, whether it was the ocean or a pool. It would only be for a few days, but they seemed to stretch out when all you did was eat, swim, and sleep.
In my teens, the vacation spot of choice was Sun Mountain, a 5+ hour drive to the faux-western town of Winthrop in eastern Washington. The location was aptly named as I usually returned with a sunburn. I have fond memories of the flowering mountain meadows, swimming pool, and Asteroids video console in the lobby, and not-so-fond memories of the smell of Noxzema, a curtain-darkened hotel room, and painful, bright-red shoulders.
The last few years vacation time has been limited by school studies and financial commitments. This year, we have spent the summer months remodeling my new office space and I've been working on new business offerings (teaser: I'll be sharing those next month!). We had been promising ourselves that as soon as we're done with the boathouse, we'll take some time off. We have a long weekend at the ocean scheduled at the end of August. If we can just hold off...
But we couldn't. When the thermometer climbed to 90 degrees again and the air quality plummeted from wildfires, we decided to chuck it and drive to another mountain, this time with lake water. In addition to being about 15 degrees cooler, Mount Rainier is in the last glorious days of summer alpine flower color. If you live around here, you understand the marketing ads and bumper stickers: The mountain is calling.
Because it was early on a weekday, we were able to enjoy the park with fewer visitors. We only saw five other people on our hike between Reflection and Louise Lakes. At the lakeshore, it was just us and some bright blue-green dragonflies. Although hazy, the air still smelled fresh. As I felt myself unwind into the mini-pleasures (many pleasures) of the moment, I wondered why I didn't do this more often.
Have you been working hard this summer? Have you allowed yourself to slow down and savor the small things? How about just notice them? Have you let the positive ions of a waterfall or water fountain wash over you? Or really grounded yourself to the earth with the help of a mountain or by just sitting in your own backyard?
Late summer is for lazing, for luxuriating, for savoring before the heavy work of harvest season (or back-to-school or back-to-work) begins. Take a break. Take stock. Take note. Dream. Sit. Be. Still. Ahhhhhhh.
Kim
Super-Easy Cleansing Mask
Are you (and your skin) in need of some pampering in the hot summer weather? If a spa visit isn't on your short list, you can help make a vacation - or even a staycation - feel more like a treat with this simple facial cleansing mask made with four simple kitchen ingredients. Read more here.
Summer Quinoa Recipe
Keen-what now? This ancient whole grain is packed with protein and is a good source of iron, magnesium, vitamin E, potassium, and fiber. If you're looking for a fresh twist (literally!) on potato salad for your next BBQ or potluck, check out this tasty treat!
The Power of Breath
Since the world doesn't seem to be relenting in its constant "What the...?" crisis or distraction-of-the-day, here is another simple technique to keep you from ending up on the evening news yourself. Read more here.
SOAP UPDATE: I've finished trimming the goat milk and rose water soaps poured in June and will be packaging them up for distribution. If you placed an order, I'll be in touch soon for how best to get the soaps to you!
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