Summertime: 3 Ways to Keep the Living Easy

It's officially summer time, at least in my part of the world, and supposedly, the living is easy (or so the song says anyway...)

Solstice has come and gone with it's huge super moon, and the assortment of classes, end of season performances and parties are wrapped up for the season. Whoo Hoo!

The end of spring evolved into somewhat of a tornado in these parts. I know I’m not alone, and not nearly as crazy busy as many other women in my shoes, but still. Even though it's mostly good stuff I’m rushing around doing, there are times where even a social gal like me feels like running for the hills (disclaimer: I technically already live in the hills, but I'm in town like every stinkin day)

Now summer is here, and I’m ready to savor it. I’ve been a bit freaked out about time lately, and thinking about what’s really important to me this season.

Here are my Top 3 biggies (Summer Must Haves):

1) Playing: 

Last summer, I was inspired by the good people at the Happy Family Movement to create a Summer Bucket List. We hung cards with our goals of what we wanted to accomplish on a ribbon, and tossed them in a bucket as we got them done. 

The whole thing was awesome~ the planning & collaborating with my favorite young people, the visual reminders, the number of fun things we made happen~ it was all good. In fact, we did all but 2 items~ we were thrilled with all we did get to do, and actually OK with the couple of things we bumped, because other cool stuff filled its place.

So, on my list for tonight~ sitting down with the kiddos over brownies and tea for a dreaming and scheming session for this summer.

2) Lounging

I know it’s totally a first world problem, but there are just too stinkin many options for organized summer activities for kids. 

I guess the whole idea is that boredom is bad, and constant enrichment and stimulation is good, but I'm not so sure about that.

Every day it seems like I come across several more wonderfully fun things I could sign my kids up for. Many start in the early mornings, which makes it easy to say no. As for the rest, luckily my kids are old enough to just say no, and neither has been interested in filling up their summer calendar with places they have to be at set times.

Both of my kids want time to lounge (Yes, they are wise young people, aren’t they?) That's actually good, not just because I'm lazy and want to lounge around myself, but because when they have time to relax, to sleep in, spend the day in PJs, and get bored, then they come up with a lot more independent creative projects on their own. 

In fact, after just a couple of days, they’ve started on the script for another movie in a silly series. (They love comments by the way, and are already learning about sound issues involved with filming in wind) 

I’m so glad they spoke up to preserve their free time, as I could have easily fallen for the glimmer of those enriching activities which would have not only filled their free time, but committed mine to driving and not going on holiday while they were in session.

3) Exploring

Last but not least~ this one is huge for me! 

So much to see, so little time. These days, I’m working a lot, so I have to be really more creative and flexible than ever about how I get in my adventures. But, one way or another, I’m determined to make them happen.

Exploring consists of both places and activities~ either way, there is more to see and do than I could possibly squeeze into one season.The summer break seems to be shorter than ever these days, particularly for kids involved in schools or organized activities, and I’m well aware that my kids aren’t getting any younger (and neither am I) so while balancing my lounge act, I've gotta get busy with the adventure making.

I’ll be exploring new camping destinations as well as a few old favorites, some hiking, gardening, a few artistic endeavors, and home improvement projects, and photographing the process.

I guess all 3 of my things I don't want to miss this summer look a lot like my year round list of important things. 

But, summer just lends itself to this kind of lifestyle more than other seasons, and it will be over before we know it ~ We might as well enjoy it while it lasts, eh?

What's important for you to Not Miss Out On This Summer? Please share in the comments below, and feel free to share / like over on Facebook too :-)