Summer Love

The sun dominates the skies, spreading warmth and cheer faster than a contagious smile. There's a heat in the air that seeps into your bones, eliminating the lingering chill. Sunglasses and tank tops and flip flops become a regular part of your wardrobe and your skin adopts a darker glow despite the sunscreen you put on. These are the things that make Summer my absolute favorite season.

When you live in the Southwest, the transition between seasons is less pronounced and the beginning of Summer isn't as noticeable. But when you live in the Pacific Northwest (or anywhere farther north), you count down the days waiting for the change to happen. Something happens to people when the sun suddenly comes out after weeks (and what often seems like months) of hiding. It's the opposite of the roaches scattering. People come out to play!

It isn't just the sun and the warmth that makes Summer so awesome. There are many other reasons to rejoice. Kids love it because school is out. Families take vacations and the 4th of July brings bright and shiny sparkles with good times and great food. It's the perfect time of year to cruise down Highway 101 or catch some awesome thunderstorms in the midwest, and everyone breaks out their swimsuits to take a dip. The cherry on top is the smell of sunscreen, which I love.

The start of Summer also marks a very important personal event, our anniversary. I hadn't planned on getting married on the Summer Solstice originally, but when I looked at the calendar the date jumped at me, and the timing was perfect. It was a beautiful day, and I love that it took place on the start of what I consider the best part of the year.

In the spirit of the season, I invite you to bust out your best shades, shorts, and sandals. Break out the road map and fill up your cooler, hit the road and enjoy the wind in your hair. Smell the Summer flowers and read a book under the shade of a huge tree. Take it easy, kick it, and barbecue some tasty food. Soak Up The Sun, enjoy the Endless Summer Nights, take a stroll Under The Boardwalk, and don't forget: Everybody's Free (To Wear Sunscreen).