Yesterday was the official first day of summer and for some reason it feels to me as if the season is already half over. Maybe it's because my son's last day of school was only a little more than a week ago, on 6/11, shortening his time off. Maybe it's because the weather here in Minnesota has been ... odd, first hot then cold then rainy ... spring weather. Maybe it's because I know that these next 2 1/2 months are going to be very busy writing months (workaholic tendencies kicking in). In any case, I feel the end of summer already looming.Crazy, I know, but along with that feeling comes a sense of - almost - panic. Why? Because my summers often come to a close with a list of unfulfilled expectations. I didn't do this and that and the other thing because of this and that and the other thing. Then invariably, as fall approaches, I'm hit with a sense of remorse because many of those undone things involve my kids and they'll be heading off to school.
Well, not this summer. This summer, I'm starting off with a list in the hopes that setting a plan in motion!This summer, I will:
1. Go to the Minneapolis Institute of Arts with my son. (This has been on my list for a good year or more.)
2. Spend at least one day shopping and hanging with my daughter. (I'd love to make it 2 or 3 days, but goals should be realistic, right?)
3. Relax on the beach for a few days with my family. (We have a week at a lake cabin already scheduled, but the key will be the RELAXING part!)
4. Go to the Basilica Block Party. (Buy tickets this week!)5. Go mountain biking with my son at least once. (I'd love to do this 2 or 3 times, but we get back to that realistic thing.)
6. Get up to my hometown at least once. (Realistic. Again.)
7. Have a couple campfires out back with family and friends. (Gotta get my S'more fix somehow since my camping days are over.)
That's it, I think. Doesn't seem overly optimistic, does it? So before summer slips away from all of us, how 'bout you? What are you planning for your summer? And is there any must-do I'm missing?
Oh, and I almost forgot. Got my new cover for my November Super a couple days ago. Shhh, I'm not really supposed to have it yet, but waddya think?
Happy Summer Solstice, all!
Helen
25 comments:
I never make plans, but I should. I need something to look forward to other than sitting inside, working.
But I did get my s'more fix the other night. We usually do a bon fire at least once a week here in the summer. Got a fire pit right off our deck, so it's easy, and the hubby likes to play with fire. (Boyz, will be boyz.)
I've had a weird niggle to go to the MN zoo, lately. Haven't been there since the kids were, well, kids. Hmm...
sounds like a very realistic and potentially achievable list. good luck!!
Wow, Helen! Great list! And you're writing too? I'm impressed! We've had record setting temps here in VA, so I feel like summer has been here for awhile. After belly-achin' about cold weather, I feel bad being crabby about hot weather... but 95 degrees!
Michele, the MN zoo has some fun new stuff, so I've been thinking about that, too. Haven't been since the kids were little.
Leanne, I have a whole 'nother list of work to-dos and another one for household projects. Those are the things that make this list difficult to accomplish. I tend to be work, work, work.
Yeah, it's been hot all over the country for this last month. Summer's just kicking in up north!
Helen - you left one HUGE item off you list: WIN THE RITA in Orlando!!
I'll be right there rooting you on, girlfriend. And I've got big plans to celebrate with Kylie, Betina, Kathy and Christie as well!!!
Goals: Last summer, every time I went to the cabin (which is supposed to be my get away place) it was with laptop and wireless internet in place. I worked every day I was there. My goal this summer is to UNPLUG at the lake! No e-mail. No work unless I WANT to work but no more sense of obligation that I can't afford to take the time off.
That's my goal.
Fingers crossed!
I'm a list girl, but I'll have to admit my lists are all about work. I love your idea about making a 'summer fun' list. It's so important for kids to have something to look forward to. As a kid, I remember feeling disappointed a few times when fall rolled around and I hadn't done anything significant all summer. I itched for one 'last hurrah' before summer ended. This calls for a family meeting and some fun-agenda making, although the beach will have to wait until my son's cast comes off :).
The biggest thing on my list for this summer (and I think it qualifies as both work and fun) is attending RWA Nationals. I'm all set and can't wait!
I love your new cover! BTW, I just finished Along Came A Husband. It brought tears to my eyes in a good way. I absolutely love your writing and the Mirabelle series. Thanks!
Love that cover! Bright colors really makes it pop. Is the ribbon an Xmas thing? Or?
Looooooooooove the new cover!
Ooh, Helen, love the cover!
My calendar is full for this month and part of next month. Almost every square has something written in it! Most of the notes are for my daughter's softball games or swimming lessons or birthdays, etc.
As for home projects, I'm not much motivated this summer as I have been in the past. I need to rip the carpet up off the basement stairs and paint them, but am procrastinating. I'm loving my time off from school, though!
LOL, Cindy! The on my OTHER list! And that's a great goal for you. Yes, you should unplug at your cabin. I'm unplugging next week! Yay!
Thanks, Rula. Glad you're enjoying Mirabelle!
A family meeting is an awesome idea, then you've all got input and stuff to look forward to!
Thanks, Leanne and Michele! I'm loving this cover too!
Michele, all November and December Supers get a holiday ribbon on top. I was surprised to see blue this time round. I think they're usually always red. Fun way to mark the holidays.
Hey, Deb! Kid summer activities do keep you busy. At least they used to for me. It's difficult to work in much of anything else sometimes. As for projects ... I have this feeling mine will go undone this summer!
Your new cover is gorgeous! Where is the book set? The building on the cover alone would make me read the cover blurb - but when you put that man in front of the building, I'm there!
Congrats!
My summer list... well, I leave for Chicago tomorrow for the Authors in Motion book tour, which should be fun. Then RomCon in Denver in early July. A Fool's Gold book out June 29, an anthology out in August, a September release, so I'll be promoting all of those. And oh yeah, on top of that, my editor expects me to WRITE. LOL
I can relate to your panic!
Hey, Susan! The book is a whirlwind - a race to steal several ancient Greek statues. The H & H travel from Washington DC, to Rome to Athens to Moscow and finally to Istanbul! Had so much fun writing this!
Hey, I read about your book tour on the WisRWA member loop. Sounds like another type of whirlwind. Wish you were coming to Mpls! Good luck!
Frankly, my goal is to learn to take one day at a time. I'm getting better at it now that I have grandkids and I know that I can miss a lot today when I'm planning tomorrow and the next day and the next. I'm not giving up the calendar, mind you. Just trying to remember that little ditty about why they call today a present.
I went to the zoo a few weeks ago with the 2nd graders, and there are cool new critters. (Probably hot critters today.)
Helen, love the colors on the new cover--really pops--and you know how much I love that title. Great titles are so hard to come by, and you have a winner with THE MOON THAT NIGHT!
One day at a time, Kathy. I get it. Especially with little kids around!
I understand having realistic expectations. It seems like summer is the busiest time of the year. Go figure.
The cover is just lovely. The art department did a nice job.
I agree-- great cover, Helen! Sell a million!
Me-- I'm gonna sit back and sip iced tea and appreciate every steamy uncomfortable day I've got. Summer isn't Florida's best season, but any time is great when you're with people you love, doing something you love.
Which brings me to you guys. You're the best-- both the rider and the readers! I love being with you guys and feeling the wind ruffling through my hair here in the convertible.
Thanks Gigi!
Thanks Betina! Enjoy your tea and those steamy hot days. You're so right, as always! See you soon!
Sounds fabulously exciting, Helen! And I agree with the title kudos. Very intriguing title to go with scrumptious artwork.
Summer is everyone's waiting for. It is one of the most exciting seasons. I think before the summer come. We must have our list on what are we going to do during that summer days.
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