The sun is the star at the center of the solar system. It is 109 times bigger than the earth and its hot plasma bubbles and boils and sends its rays toward us earthlings -- to give us beautiful tans or third-degree burns. What we did not know in my long ago growing up years was that it also gives us skin cancer, a truth still ignored by millions.
Whether viewed from a literal scientific point of view or a flowing poetic attitude, without the sun we would be in deep trouble. And, thus, I begin this year's summer comments.
As June becomes a reality, prepare for shooting stars, that ole June moon and other special touches of celestial magic. That requires, of course, that you leave your TV set and go out for an evening's walk.
Or hopefully, a walk along the sands of an ocean beachfront, or mountain lake, or beside a new-born waterfall created by winter’s run off. Listen to birds matching quips, and study the different shades of all the new green that already is putting on deeper shades. Most of all – just be aware of this awakening – if not already awakened time -- because you did not imprison yourself in air-conditioned comfort for a while.
It will be a time of summer challenges as well. We all know that. Flies that want you to share your back porch dinner. Wasps or bees who express their independence when you come near their humble abodes. Lawnmowers that greet you with silence when you are all ready to mow but they are not ready to run.
Water fights, water slides, water to refresh and swim in a pool, or wade against the push of a tiny mountain rapid. Think summer...think water – they are bosom buddies.
And yes summer has the patent on romance. I think both sexes would agree to this. And given a chance it really doesn't have an age barrier. In June, summer is still so young it is wearing diapers – which with all the early summer rains is more than appropriate.
And have you ever paused, if you can find enough quiet, to listen to the sound of the day stretching and stretching and finally stretching to its limit until the 21st day of this mobile month? Mobile, perhaps, because like you, when it was still winter and a four-week-plus period of time had another name, its arthritis was acting up (just like yours?). And, yes, hear the sound of all the different buds bursting as they call attention to themselves?
If some months wear a frown, then certainly June wears a smile along with a twinkle in its eye. I hope you do not argue with this obvious truth. There are exceptions to every rule however because I remember an old quote: "The coldest winter I ever spent was a summer in San Francisco." ~Author unknown, commonly misattributed to Mark Twain
But wherever you live, hopefully this June will live up to its better reputation and give you a few extra moments in which you can practice some creative summer laziness.