Summer Memories

At the beginning of each month I look forward to receiving my magazines in the mail but, since childhood, I’ve always looked forward to the July issues the most. All of those pages so richly packed with colorful ideas for summer cooking, outdoor grilling, barbeques, picnics and road trip adventures! So much red, white and blue! July is the celebration of the birth of our great Nation that also marks the official beginning of the summer season and the arrival of sun-drenched days that creep long into the evening hours.

Yes, I am still a traditionalist about getting a real magazine! To this day, I take my time, dog earring pages to mark new ideas and tearing out others to go into my creative scrapbook for future creative adventures.

I remember the joy of combing through the mail in anticipation of finding my magazines. I would carefully take them out of their plastic wrapping and then slowly drift through them to refill my heart with beauty and  art.

Every July, the arrival of my magazines remind me of summer months spent on the East Coast where we would plan weekend trips to the shore, stopping at some of our favorite farmer markets stands along the back roads for fresh fruits and vegetables to enjoy at weekend picnics and barbecues after a full day in the sun and surf. And on the way home, after a long weekend at the shore, we would always make sure we had enough time to revisit our favorite farmer stands before they closed to fill the car up with more summer harvest delights to  enjoy during the week.

We’d also escape the heat by jumping into the car and navigate the winding country roads to one of my favorite places, the orchard farm, with the most amazing peaches you’ve ever tasted. You could smell their sweet aroma especially on a warm summer day, from miles away. And if I close my eyes, I can still smell them — what a wonderful moment in time. 

Over the years my husband and I have carried on this tradition  by visiting our local farmers’ markets. Through the years, we have enjoyed friendships with some of farmers who bless us with their love of the land, produce and harvest.

And yes, Marilyn, who owns a peach orchard, always saves us a basket of her amazing white peaches when they are in season.

I am so thankful July is here again to take in the essences of the summer harvest.

Create some of your own fun summer memories! Whether you have a farmer’s market or get to know your produce person at the supermarket, it’s so fun to know what’s in season and what you can make! Take time to talk to them. And, take time to enjoy the rich fragrance and colors of the summer harvest.