greenclogs

a summer state of mind

We're heading into summer. I can feel it. Maybe it was the few days we spent on the beach in southern California. Maybe it's the last few weeks of surprisingly glorious weather during the usually gloomy April and May of Portland (although today it's finally raining). Maybe it's the end of year plays and potlucks and the sewing of graduation stoles for the seniors at Gunnar's school. However it has come about, I'm finding myself thinking about our summer plans and rhythm. Here's what I have so far. 

LESS

televison

Internet

time in the car

stress

deadlines

structure

obligation

MORE

outside time

beach

biking

relaxing

digging

books

art

talk

camping

making

rock hunting

hiking

spontaneity 

And somehow, I need to figure out how to maintain that past summertime. Slowly, I think, we're getting there. 

Summer. It's really a state of mind. 

opening day

Yesterday marked the beginning of swimming season chez Jackson. While Jeff steamed a mess o' mussels for my birthday dinner, the kids decided (okay, were convinced by me) that the pool was warm enough for a try. It's really not, but they're so happy to be in there that they just don't care.

Today, they came home from school, ran to their rooms, and ran right back out to the pool. True to their characters, Gunnar carefully inched his way into the brisk water while Annika headed for the deep end and dove right in. Jeff joined them with a quick dive, a "BRRR!!!" and a quick swim back to the steps. The pool is not quite ready for us old folks. I am so grateful that we can add the pool back into the fun repertoire for a few months - it provides a much needed diversion for all of us.

Charlie was quite fascinated by the pool activity, and thankfully did not join them in the pool. Instead he let me take cute pictures of him. He's getting so big so quickly!

Back to baby sweater knitting - I'm about 3/4 done with it so I should have something to show on Friday. Then, I think the sewing machine is calling. Patchwork? A dress for Annika? Hmm....

thinking about spring

This little guy has been sitting sadly on the shelf waiting to be finished for, ahem, nearly a year. All he needed was blind-stitching on his rear, a face, and some overalls to wear. I'm not sure what stopped me from finishing him other than inertia and crafting ADD, but today Annika and I picked him back up and finished him. He's the Big Footed Bunny from Wee Wonderfuls. This pattern is really fun to make and very well written. The only change I made is that I embroidered the eyes because he's going to a household with a 2 year old and a baby on the way. Now Annika thinks I should make the one for her that I cut out at the same time as this one. Maybe it's time.

Something about finishing made me start to think about spring - about plants coming out of dormancy, about creative rebirth that seems to happen around this time in my mind. Plans are fermenting again for herb gardens and photography shoots and day trips to see the sights and fresh, clean spaces for creating and playing. I'm sure this feels really early to those of you who are socked in with snow, but when I was in the yard today, I noticed tight buds on the fig tree and the lantana coming out of dormancy. Spring is sneaking up on us here in the desert and it's my favorite time of year. Bring on the orange blossoms and Spring Training visitors and campfires in the back yard with s'moritos inspired by Tracy. I'm ready.