Isn't it high time you went on a picnic?

✯ Day 205 of Vintage 365 ✯

 

There was a sense of contentment that washed over me yesterday, stemming from the fact that the Vintage 365 project had retuned to its usual daily occurrence once more. I'm comforted by this feeling and believe that it will help fuel my blogging fires in the coming weeks (as goodness knows, I have the energy levels of a comatose slug right now ).

As well, in writing Saturday's post, I couldn't help but be reminded of the myriad reasons why I adore summer, hold it dear to my heart, often wish it would linger on until the end of time. It's far too easy to gripe about the heat (which, yes, for most of us summer does deliver in spades) instead of stopping to find pleasure in the bounty of wonderful points this season holds.

Without a doubt, one of the most delightful things to do when the dog days of summer are upon us is go on a picnic. Whether in your backyard or a hundred miles from home, a picnic - teaming with scrumptious foods, cool beverages, and a few simple ways to pass the time (vintage novels, kites, perhaps a croquet set) is a resplendently lovely way to devote your time.

Sundays, primed for relaxation by their very tranquil nature, are an ideal day in which to indulge in the splendours of a summertime picnic.

{While a trip to Grand Canyon and a feast overlooking its breathtaking views might not be the cards, there are countless other beautiful spots of all sizes that can make for a fabulous picnic destinations. Vintage National Geographic image via the owls go on Flick.}

 

Regardless of if you're more of a beach bunny or a lush green field loving gal, prefer the companionship of just one special soul or a team's worth of friends, pack lavish spreads or just tote along a few simple, hearty foods, a picnic can be tailored to your specs however you fancy.

For those, like myself, who live in a home that lacks a yard you can call your own (fellow apartment dwellers raise your hands), escaping for a few hours to a verdant park, sandy shoreline, or shady wood can feel like manna from heaven for our parched souls.

Even if you have a yard of your own in which to spread out out a checkered blanket, a change of scenery and the opportunity to eat while the golden sun dances across your skin can often be precisely what the doctor ordered.

Treat yourself to an afternoon outdoors, forget the hustle and bustle of this crazy electronic era we're living in and reconnect with with al fresco eating.

Create your own enjoyment, bring friends, let the kids have a second helping of dessert, slip your sandals off and tickle your toes with wispy blades of grass, wear your favourite vintage sundress in the whole wide world - and above all else, have fun! After all, that’s what picnics – and summer its very self – were designed for.

A return to daily Vintage 365 blogging

✯ Day 204 of Vintage 365 ✯

 

Tossing and turning were rampant as I debated earlier this week whether or not to return to daily blogging again. The most recent medical procedure I underwent (on July 8th) left me battling some unpleasant side effects, which I'd been spared from the other two I had back in June. I have not returned to the state where my health was prior to these three procedures and can only hope that as the summer rolls on, I eventually will.

In a way, I almost feel like if I were to do another "Vintage 365 group post", it would be even more justified now then at almost any point in the past six weeks, however I miss blogging. A lot.

In the wake of the events that have transpired lately, some well meaning folks have suggested that perhaps I should step back for blogging or part ways with the 365 project. Such comments were made from a place of care and concern, by those who know me best and have watched me do daily battle with my health problems for years now. However - while I know that I'm usually little more than a moment away from suddenly not being able to blog - for the time being, I'm far from throwing in the towel on either CV in general or the 365 project.

I don't know what tomorrow will bring - none of us truly do - but, right here and now, I know that I've been desperately missing blogging and am very glad to be able to resume adding posts on a daily basis.

I may, before 2011 is done and over, need to (due to my health) put together round-up 365 posts again, but as always we'll just take things one day at a time and enjoy life in the moment.

Indeed, isn't the whole season of effervescent sunshine, stunning verdant landscapes, electric warm night and fabulous seasonal eats supposed to be about enjoyment?

Sure the daily grind and demands of life may mean that you can't run barefoot through the grass, hopping too and fro over a sprinkler any time the urge strikes or ride your bike around town with your friends for hours, stopping for a cold soda pop at the corner store as the sun beats down your neck, like we used to do as kids, but even the busiest or most stress laden of us can find ways to extract fun and happiness from this splendid season.

{Then as now, always and forever, summer is at its finest when we embrace it with open arms and the wide-eyed wonder of a child. Vintage photograph via Paper Dolls for Boys.}

 

Summer is a season that is grand in scope, but built of simple pleasures. I'd love nothing more than be able to hit the open road and travel this month, but that's simply not feasible for me right now. Instead of bemoaning this fact, I need only catch the scent of a summer rain shower, watch roses swaying in the breeze, bite into a silky, juicy peach, or stand in a ray of sunlight and feel the very essence of serenity bathing over me to discover the power and possibility that summer holds.

It will be winter far too quickly, Canada being as fond of the frosty season as it is. Yet for now, no matter how I'm feeling or what I think it might be nice to be doing, I am content with the timeless, alluring, almost whimsical components that make summer the unmatched pleasure of life that it is.

I'm very happy to be blogging again, my sweet friends, and hope that no matter what's transpiring in your world right now, you're able to bask in the beauty and magic that is summer.