Playworks sells toys that invite play and enhance early childhood development [fun for all ages]

In learning about seasons, we learned that summer begins with the summer solstice and ends with the autumnal equinox. This year that means 21 June through 21 September. As indisputable as these dates are, traditionally in the US we think of Memorial Day as the beginning and Labor Day as the end of summer.

So now that the days are longer, sunnier, and warmer, what are you looking forward to doing? I'd propose scheduling time for daydreaming and following your fancy. You might be surprised to find where it takes you.

I enjoy brisk walks along the beach as the sun settles into the sea. The warmth of the sun, the tickle of the off-shore breezes, the sound of the tide rolling or roaring to shore all make me feel alive and at peace.

Last fall while walking along Butterfly Beach in Montecito, California, I had the unexpected delight of coming upon a man following his fancy. With a long handled shovel he was quietly and methodically cutting grooves in the sand. As I watched, the consecutive grooves evolved into exquisite circles and spirals, works of art, however transient. With the incoming tide, the ocean would erode the sculpting and reclaim the sand.

I asked the man what inspired him to take up this pastime. He had always, he said, been fascinated by circle and spirals, and one day he decided to experiment with creating these forms in the sand at the beach. As simple as that, he took up his shovel and followed his fancy. As I watched, his actions reminded me of active meditation, and I thought how fortunate I was to be in that place at that time.

So, what will you do this summer to feed your fancy? There will likely never be a better time than now to figure that out. Find an inviting spot in the cool of the shade, make yourself comfortable, and dream. Then follow those dreams.