Summer is HERE!

Well, yes, you might say:

School's out ... check.

Pools are open ... check.

Temps reaching 84 degrees ... check. (Well, some days.)

Movie theatre is PACKED on bargain night ... check.

Ice cream stands are open ... check.

However ... one thing was missing for me ...

(illustration by Artist, Tim Ladwig)

Fireflies ...

...until last night. While enjoying the cool, evening air, my sister, step-dad and I sat on their back porch and saw the most magical display of twinkling lights dancing among the evergreens. It truly took my breath away. It was as though their home was nestled in an enchanted forest with glittering fairies flitting from branch to branch ... star to star.

It was then, that my soul let out a sigh and my heart embraced the nostalgia of the nearing season and endearment of family time. Long live summer!

Oh, the summer night

Has a smile of light

And she sits on a sapphire throne.

-- Barry Cornwall