Summer Love
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A Guide to Some Simple Summer Pleasures
Summer's different this year. It seems a bit hotter, more stifling. Typically, around this time, we're on our way to Europe for a shopping trip with a side of adventure. This year we're grounded.
But here in California, the watermelon is still sweet, our back yards have never looked so pretty, and a quick road trip feels like a huge adventure. Feast your eyes (and minds) on some small lovely things that have kept us inspired these first few weeks of summer.
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When it's sweltering hot outside, a grapefruit salad can be just the perfect, simple, hydrating meal. Or sometimes (like tonight) I just cut a baby watermelon in half and eat it with a spoon right out of the rind.
Sunday Suppers' Spring/Summer cookbook is a simple resource for the healthy, beautiful food we all need after a long spring indoors. Give the Dark Chocolate Olive Oil Cake a whirl.
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Every year in April I mark my calendar for Alvin Ailey's annual performance at Zellerbach Hall here in the Bay Area. I love to see the new program each year, but my very favorite piece Revelations always brings me to (happy) tears at the end of the performance. This year, no Alvin Ailey, but I've watched Revelations on video when I want that lovely feeling of having my heart captured and soul moved by art. Revelations
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A nice cool bath, with fresh lavender or eucalyptus in the water is a simple luxury that makes me feel so special. I just add my favorite playlist, a big glass of spa water and a good book.
For the first time in a long while, it feels like there's abundant time to have rich conversations with my like minded friends, and with people in my life with whom I don't always see eye to eye.
Difficult Conversations: How to Discuss What Matters Most is an old, but good guide for having productive conversations in all parts of life. It's worth a read.
Now is a good time to change from winter flannels, or spring jerseys to crisp white summer bedding. It looks and feels so nice and inviting. And for an extra nice night's sleep, try Yoga Nidra, a sleep meditation. It's divine.