Writer's Workshop - Summer Lovin'

For Writer's Workshop today, I'm sharing some photos from last summer that "bring me back" to a time when it was warm, sunny, and green.

In Minnesota, going "up north" is a grand tradition. It's an institution. Many people go to cabins that have been in their families for generations. Others, like us, rent.

We've been going to the same place for about 9 years. It's way up north, away from practically everyone. There are loons on the lake and eagles in the sky. We've seen moose a few times.

We usually hang out at the little beach.

See that white chair. That's where I sit while my daughter and the other kids swim. My husband is usually behind me, on the swing, reading in the shade.

Here's what I see from my chair.

When we don't want to cook, we drive into town for a meal and shopping.

When the day is done, we head back to the cabin to light a fire and relax.

Ahhh, summer.

Summer Kid

The summer after my daughter finished 2nd grade, I told her she was now a 3rd grader. She said, "No, Mom. I'm a Summer Kid. I'm not a 3rd grader until school starts." She was adamant about it, insisting that she was a Summer Kid and the discussion was over.

As a parent, I sometimes forget how long summer felt as a kid. When I was young, I remember summer feeling almost the same length as a school year. There was no way I was a 3rd grader in the summer. That was way too far away. That was a whole different "year".

So, I understand the Summer Kid thing. Why force our kids forward too fast? Why not let them enjoy summer? Life? Why did I buy my 2012 calendar last week, in the middle of summer? A kid would never do that.

So, now my daughter is 13 and still a Summer Kid. Not an 8th grader, yet. It's 8:30 am and she, of course, is still sleeping. I tried to tell her that in September, at this time in the morning, she'll be in Geometry class. She just groaned and said, "Mom, pleeeeaasee! I'm still a Summer Kid. And can you close my door on your way out?"