By Lori Welch Brown

Ohhhhhh, yeah. I feel alive, I feel the love, I feel the love that’s really real. Sunshine—I am feelin’ the love and it is real. What is it about you that makes us feel so alive and happy?! I know that there are people out there who love Seattle and rain and cold weather, but DANG. It is glorious when the sun arrives.

Although I’ve been spending more and more time in North Carolina these past few years, I’m still a Virginia girl through and through. One of the things I love most about the state I’ve called home for decades isn’t actually the summer months, but rather the change of seasons. I can’t imagine living somewhere that requires I wear a coat in June or shorts at the Thanksgiving table. No, thank you. The change of seasons gives us something to look forward to—changing wardrobes, changing temps, changing routines. Moving from indoors to outdoors. It’s exciting—and I get just as excited for fall (hello, my beautiful boots!), winter (is there anything better than the first snowfall?), and spring (hike, anyone?), as I do for summer (one margarita, two margarita…).

But summer, you are pretty special.

When the season changes, the energy shifts. It’s not even officially summer yet, and I’m giddy like a school kid ready to toss my books and bolt out of algebra class. Freedom rings and the air smells of freshly cut grass and mulch. Flowers are popping up out of the ground, and I can hear the bells of the ice cream truck. My heart is all-a-quiver.

My mind is already plotting and planning all the things I want to do and see this summer. Lie on the beach. Read a zillion trashy novels. Eat a truck load of ice cream. Go see the Nats in action. Listen to some live music. Eat a crispy, burnt hot dog. Light off some fireworks. Ride my bike early in the morning. Sit outside and share a bottle of wine with XXL. Play some pickleball. Meet up with my besties at a cool outdoor venue. Take Dozer for a hike. Nap in my hammock. Trek out to some wineries. Catch a few festivals.

There are a million things going on in the world that are stressful, but summer reminds us of what’s important—putting our toes in the grass (or sand) and spending time with loved ones. Enjoying life’s simple pleasures. Baseball. Hot dogs. Cherry pie. And ice cream. Did I mention ice cream?

Summer also reminds us to move our bodies after the long, lazy winter. I’m super motivated to move mine right now because there’s more to move and I’m tired of lugging around the extra baggage. Besides, I need to make room for all that ice cream I plan on eating as well as a few hamburgers, dogs, and some potato salad. Guess I better start pedaling ASAP.

The one thing I am going to miss this summer, however, is celebrating Father’s Day with my dad. I can’t believe it’s been almost five years since he passed. John Welch loved spending time outdoors, sitting on the porch. He even moved a little black and white TV out there one summer so he could watch baseball. The neighbors laughed at him, but he was onto something. He loved cooking out on the grill and never missed an opportunity to indulge in some ice cream. I guess the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.

Summer provides plenty of opportunities to celebrate not only the dads in our lives, but the grads too—I’m fortunate to know two this year. My friend Stephanie’s daughter, Addie, is walking across the auditorium at the University of Tennessee as I write, and my friend Dawn’s daughter, Kiera, is graduating from high school and will be off to attend the University of Wisconsin-Madison in the fall. I’m thrilled for them and all the other grads and their accomplishments. It’s been a minute since I threw a hat in the air, but I remember that excitement like it was yesterday. First of all, it is a major milestone, and second, it’s a window to a new chapter. One door closing, another one opening. A change in the seasons of your life. A new energy. A new beginning.

And that’s what summer is…a new beginning. A new chapter. A new energy. Celebrate it. Relish it. Because soon enough, we’ll be closing the door on it, ready to welcome in the next chapter—which will likely require boots and a rake. Until then, I’m walking on sunshine and don’t it feel good?! Heck yeah!

About the Author: Lori is a local writer, painter and pet lover who loves to share her experiences and expertise with our readers. She has been penning a column for the OTC for over 25 years. Please follow Lori online on Medium for more missives like this.