Summer Memories: Five Images for a Perfect Summer

Wrap Up: Five Musts for a Perfect Summer

“Then followed that beautiful season... Summer... Filled was the air with a dreamy and magical light; and the landscape lay as if new created in all the freshness of childhood.”- Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

Summer Flowers Blooming

As I mentioned in my WordPress blog, this summer has been very busy as I spent tons of time flitting around with family, friends, and handling time sensitive issues that kept me on my toes. One of my goals for the summer was to put more energy into developing my blogging efforts. I started by revamping an old blog; basically starting it from scratch, joining a few more online bloggers’ communities, and at the top of my list was joining a Writer’s Workshop. I did that last week when I became a member of Mamakat’s Writer’s Workshop.

Kathy of Mamakat’s generously devotes part of her busy schedule, as a mom of three, to send weekly prompts to the group. We choose one from a short list, write on it and then add it to a page link where everyone gathers to click and give comments/support to at least 3 other bloggers. I love the idea because it gives me another stab at being part of a group of writers with a common goal.




This week’s prompt: What five images paint a perfect picture of summer to you? Put those five images together in a piece of writing.
I love the assignment above because summer is one of my favorite seasons of the year…. The truth is I love the changing seasons; however, summer is particularly special because you get to see a parade of bright colors and do plenty of outdoorsy things. Since this is a photo journal exercise, I will name my five musts for the summer and share relevant shots with comments. Please add yours too. Sit back and enjoy.


“The dandelions and buttercups gild all the lawn: the drowsy bee stumbles among the clover tops, and summer sweetens all to me.”- James Russell Lowell

Flowers Blooming: Flowers bloom year round but summertime flowers are the most colorful of blooms. In the summer, the earth spews forth her glorious colors by sending us a bounty of both wild and cultivated flowers. Perennials pop up to say hello again and make us smile. The rich variety and hues we see in the summer make flowers one of my favorite images to recall when I think of things I love about summertime.

Outdoor Fountains: I’ve always found active water fountains mesmerizing. When they spew water in powerful bursts through creatively designed spigots, I can sit in front of one for hours. The famous fountains are also aesthetically appealing to the human eye and serve the purpose of giving us a way to divert our attention, release pent up energy, and tune in to the sound of the water falls. I love the gentle spraying mist that keeps the air fresh and our skin moisturized. Most huge, public space fountains are turned on in the summer so it is one of my fondest images of summer time.

 

Ice Cream & Caravans: Ice cream is another all time summer favorite. The ice cream trucks come out and you can eat it on the street as you walk along sight seeing or hanging out with friends and family. New flavors are introduced and you can try a wide range of flavors from Ice cream makers old and new. Children love ice cream and nothing is more appealing than watching a kid joyfully consume a cup or cone.  I love vanilla and coffee ice cream but I am always open to new flavors. I almost forgot caravans... my memories are from my childhood in England. Families took caravan trips to different parts of the country. It was a way to sight-see and commune with nature...

Lemonade Stands: A huge summer time tradition, mainly in the USA, and one many parents love to encourage. It is inevitable that when you step out in the summertime, you will come across kids selling cups of lemonade. Young children learn customer service and math as they sell their cold drinks to passersby. It can be seen as the underpinning of an entrepreneurial spirit. I love the tradition even though I didn’t grow up with it.

Sand & Beach: Visiting the beach is synonymous with summer time. People gather on weekends or during vacation to go dip their toes in the ocean, walk on the sand, swim or surf. One can also just spend time hanging out and reading a book while getting a tan. I love water and the ocean, but I am not as fond of sand. Hence I love to look at beaches but not spend as much time on them. It is a strong image and a favorite summer time activity for millions of people around the world. What are your summer time images? Do Share. Thank you!

PHOTO CREDITS:
Summer Flowers Blooming ~ via TripAdvisor
Summer Bloom ~ via LaidoutinLavender 
Flowers Blossom ~ via Funkbutter in Photobucket
Buckingham Fountain Chicago ~ via earthinpictures

Trafalgar Sq Fountain ~ via Holidaybeds
Ice Cream cones ~ via NYMag 

Vanilla Ice cream ~ via AzcookbookCaravan ~ via Swedesres
Lemonade Stand ~ via Google Images
Lemonade Stand ~ via Better the world
Beach in Argentina ~ via Argentinatravel
Beach art by Andrew Van Der Merwe ~ via DigitalArt
All Photos ~ courtesy of Google Images

Until Next Time…
Ask. Believe. Receive. ©
Elizabeth Obih-Frank