Don’t you remember when you were out of school for the summer and thought those long days would never end? Not a care in the world, hanging out with friends, skateboarding, riding our bikes to the pool, living in flip-flops. It was easier back then knowing someone was taking care of us.
The dog days of summer with the temperatures skyrocketing like the 4th of July fireworks to the 90’s. Loving that it got dark so late. Fire flies twinkling against the black night sky. Did you capture them and put ’em in a jar with a lid you poked holes in for oxygen? Stars were so bright you’d think you could reach out and touch one and take it to use as a lantern. Mosquitos bit your ankles and welts would form. Scratching them until they bled. One remedy to stop the itch was to put toothpaste on the bite. Bottoms of your feet got so black from running around with no shoes all day. I smile thinking back to those simple but fun-filled days.
My friends and I would sit on the front porch after dark and tell stories about hook man and the headless horseman. Really, I was a little scared. We’d look up the street where there was a wooded area and wonder if any of those creatures would appear and chase after us. It was so much fun to make up scary stories.
I think I am still a kid at heart, because I always look forward to summer and all of the fun and exciting things to do at the beach. Thinking back to childhood is fun. Go ahead, act like a kid. Kick off your flip-flops and feel the sand in your toes. Eat pizza, fries, and funnel cakes on the boardwalk. Laugh at yourself. Spend time with those you love. But…. “always remember to breathe” in the fantastical sea air and all that summer has to offer.