Summer Highlights

Julia’s post last week about navigating transitions got me thinking about how we are on the threshold of fall. Before summer ends, I decided to take a look back on the season to make sure I’ve squeezed in everything I’d hoped to do before the days start getting shorter and darker again.

Summer’s lease hath all too short a date.

—William Shakespeare

Some summers feel slow and steady, but this one flew by for me. It was busy, but it was also good. When I take stock of how I spent my free time, I see two themes emerge: friends and music.

I had some truly great moments with friends this summer, starting in June with my son’s college graduation. Because that took place in the Chicago area, Julia helped me plan a small graduation party for him at her house. Soon after we returned home to Boston, the Tartan Army invaded during the FIFA World Cup Soccer matches hosted here. My friends and I befriended some Scottish fans in kilts while dining at a scenic local spot across the bay from downtown Boston. On the July 4th weekend, my Swedish exchange student Lea from last year came back for a quick visit. My family was also lucky enough to host visits from out-of-town friends including my friend Jill from DC, my friend Marci from Chicago and my husband’s friend Mark from Colorado.

In terms of music, I was able to see a number of concerts with friends at a variety of indoor and outdoor venues, and performers ranging from Emmet Cohen’s Trio in Cambridge to Trombone Shorty and Alanis Morissette at the Levitate Music Festival. And earlier this month, Chris Stapleton‘s concert at Boston’s iconic Fenway Park felt magical. The weather was perfect, the music was spectacular, and I was so glad my friend Julie could join me and my daughter and niece for the show at the last minute.

At the beginning of the summer, Julia wrote about setting intentions for the upcoming season. A vacation is usually one of my top priorities for summer, and this summer included only a few days away. But as I looked back over how I spent my time this season, I feel pretty good about the time I spent with friends and family, enjoying music and the outdoors. I am not sure I’m ready for summer to end, but fall is not quite here yet! How are you enjoying your moments of summer?

A little taste of Chris Stapleton at Fenway!