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Summer’s Fleeting Joys

May 29, 2026 09:27AM ● By Marlaina Donato

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Most of us can remember the euphoria of the last day of school, which ushered in summer break and the freedom to sleep in. As adults, summer often brings a whirlwind of vacation plans, home improvement projects and family fun, leaving little time for true leisure. Despite waiting all year for the “easy” life, we might still struggle to relax.

Summer is a crescendo of lush abundance, inviting us to immerse ourselves in its vibrant colors, scents and textures. Whether savoring a bite of cold watermelon or enjoying a free concert under the stars, appreciating the bliss at hand can make a fleeting season feel a bit longer.

“In summer, the song sings itself,” said William Carlos Williams in his poem The Botticellian Trees, urging us to stop trying so hard to achieve something. Unexpected memories are made when we forget the itinerary, and epiphanies arise when we let the surf roll between our toes.

June arrives with birdsong and ethereal mornings, beckoning for mindfulness. Walking in a field at dawn reveals wildflowers that will soon be replaced by others within a few days. Newly green spaces shimmer with momentary brilliance, waiting for our sketchbooks, picnic baskets or a simple nod of gratitude.

Whether choosing a colorful scarf or saying “yes” to a date with someone new, summer’s loveliest month inspires us to infuse passion into the ordinary. This month, consider inviting friends for a summer solstice grill, make it a point to notice more sunsets and allot time daily to unplug and do nothing.

 

Marlaina Donato is an author, painter and composer. Connect at WildflowersAndWoodSmoke.com.


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