This Spring/Summer You Could...
A Bucket List
I have seen the analog lists, the bucket lists, the side quest lists…no matter what you call them, have you made one?
Summer does not officially start until June 21st, but many look at Memorial Day weekend as the kick-off. I decided to start my list a little earlier this year.
Summer used to be the time I had a short break from teaching. I am not sure if most people know, but that “off” summer break isn’t always completely duty-free. Many corporations require professional development before the school year starts. There are meetings depending on what committees you are on as well. The teacher guilt was real. But, in between all that, I lived my writer’s life.
Now, I do not have the tether of requirements by a school corporation.
When I secured my first teaching job, there was a one week summer training before the year started. One of the activities was for each new teacher to share something about themselves for an icebreaker activity. One of the entries I never forgot was a woman who said she read the books of one author all summer.
This is the idea for my COULD list. A list of intentions or reminders of the things you want to do special for the warmer months. I encourage you to make your own but will share mine as a way to get you thinking.
This Summer I Could…
Begin my 52/52 Birthday Project
The theme is Thresholds. I will be 52 this year and it makes sense to me to do one intentional thing each week for this calendar year! I have some bold plans already in the works. This project will require lots of journaling.
Join the Summer Reading Program at the Library
I loved this as a child, and have signed up the last several years at my local branch. I will do it again when I see the flyers hung at the library. I am always curious to what the theme is every year.
Commit to a 12 Hour Walk
A random IG post went by as I was scrolling and I was intrigued. I am reading the book right now by Colin O’Brady. 12 hours without any podcasts or outside stimulus? It is a good thing I am a writer.
Read Outside
I love to do this and hardly ever set time aside for it. I may couple this with my reading days I schedule for myself every week. I can mix up where I read too.
Create a summer signature cocktail
This year it will probably have prosecco in it, but I am looking forward to finding a light refreshing recipe. I think I will do a cocktail and a mocktail this year.
Go on a picnic
Chris and I have a standing monthly date in warmer months to take a lunch time picnic. We usually go to our favorite coffee shop in the next town over and then eat in the park across the street.
At Home Writing Retreat
This is happening for me at the end of the month! I am so excited for the work I am going to get done.
Away Writing Retreat
While Chris is on his solo canoe trip I will be in a lovely hotel in Canada writing and reading away! I love the little town I stay in and will be walking and taking good care of myself this week.
Go somewhere I have never been
This may have to stretch into the fall, but we will see what opportunity comes about!
Take A Poetry Walk
Just take a walk and write down phrases that come to me. Write down what I notice. Make a poem when I come home right away and not just save the notes for later.
Take a Journaling Picnic
I heard someone else do this and thought this was a great idea! I will choose some special prompts for this one.
For that cocktail…some chilled Merry Maker brew (Smith’s Tea Co.) over ice, a twist of lime, an ounce or two of Fresca. Vodka optional. This one says summer - every time! Enjoy!
Thanks for this great inspriation! I could:
Go to the Lake Superior shore more often. It's a 20 minute drive, I can buy a beach chair, bring a book to read and listen to the rhythm of the waves.
Do writer's retreat days at the library. When we used to winter in FL, the internet at the RV resort was spotty, so I went to the public library to write. It was quiet, the energy was inspiring and I got so much more done there.
Morning coffee in the garden, with a journal, no computer or phone.
Have tea parties on the deck with girlfriends.