I’m getting back to being me, but still drifting a bit off course. So, I spent the last few days doing what I love- hangin’ with the Hubs and reading. Sadly, I was still cranky and the Hubs had to deal with mood swings and my general crabbiness, but he survived. Warning to the general populous: Do not engage in conversations that can become explosive- because I will blow. My triggers are sensitive at the moment. You have been warned.
With that warning in place, let’s chat a bit about fireworks and celebrations and summer. I didn’t watch and was not invited to any parties. It’s all well and good because I would have declined if I were. BUT- in the past, the 4th of July was always a big thing in my world. Probably because my family used it as an excuse to have an early birthday party for me and my cousin. All though- I don’t recall much of it being focused on birthday type things. It was mostly BBQ’s and beer, followed by explosives. We would watch fireworks and go to fairs and ride rides that were far too dangerous for anyone to be on. We tested fate at every turn…AND SURVIVES! WooHoo! When my birthday did come- three days later- it was ignored. “We had your birthday on the 4th!” I wasn’t born on the 4th. But, thanks anyway.
It’s crazy to think of all the things we did as kids. Things that built strength and bravery. Yes, we did stupid things, but I can say the same for adults at any age. Now, we overprotect our children/ grandchildren from the very things we looked forward to. Why is that? No, really. Why? It’s hot out- so you keep the kids inside, but then complain they are on the computer or phone too much. Huh? But, then you do the same thing in the winter. I remember being shown the door at 9am and being told not to come back until lunch and then being tossed a pb&j to eat on the porch. “Don’t come back until dinner!” was hollered out the door as I climbed on my bike and took off to play softball in the park with all the other kids who were banned from their houses.
Summer- I loved it and hated it all at the same time. I loved it cuz, well, no school. Hated it cuz, no school. School was where my friends were. Where I was excepted for me and nothing but. I didn’t get to see many of them during the summer and didn’t go places like most. I spent all of my time staying as far away from my house as possible without going too far and being grounded to the one place I was trying to avoid, home. I babysat, rode bikes (for hours), sat by the creek skipping stones, built ramps to jump on my bike, and sometimes just laid in a field watching clouds roll by. Anything was better than home.
I miss the freedom of my 10-speed bike and free time. No limits. Get on and go. Be back by the time the street lights came on and not a minute before or a quick call asking if I could have a sleep-over at someone’s house, anyone’s house. I never had them at my house. NO! Never there. My house was not the place to be. Nope, so I rode. Miles upon miles of roads to travel. I watched fields of corn grow from sprouts to stalks. I played with friends until they all went off on family vacations. I would be there when they got back. I was always there.
I would challenge myself to make it up the hill without getting off my bike to push. It would take most of the summer of trying until I manage to do just that. Then over the school year, I would weaken and have to learn to do it all over again come next summer. I babysat so much I was gone more than I was home and I was fine with that. I looked forward to school the day it let out for break.
Summer- how I loved and hated it all at once.
Here’s hoping your summer is filled with adventure!
Until next time…Find joy. Be joy. Enjoy.
New Ink. Used Ideas. 