Oh, what do you do in the summertime, when all the world is green?
Do you fish in a stream, or lazily dream on the banks as the clouds go by?
Is that what you do? So do I!
Oh, what do you do in the summertime, when all the world is green?
Do you swim in a pool, to keep yourself cool, or swing in a tree up high?
Is that what you do? So do I!
Oh, what do you do in the summertime, when all the world is green?
Do you march in parades, or drink lemonades, or count all the stars in the sky?
Is that what you do? So do I!
(words and music by Dorothy S. Anderson)
As a child, this was one of my favorite summer songs. I catch myself singing it a lot these days, it must be the child still in me. I do know that I will be fishing in streams as I lazily dream, and swimming in pools to keep myself cool. I won’t be marching in parades, although I will be watching parades and drinking lemonade and counting stars in the sky.
But most of all, I would like to add my fourth verse to this fun song.
Oh, what will you do in the summertime when all the world is green?
Will you peacefully read, until you feel free, while the hours slip carelessy by?
Is that what you do? So do I!
Summer Days to me always meant . . .
free hours to READ and
READ and
READ.
(photo is 4 years old, it’s one of my daughter’s bridal pictures, showing what she loves to do)
As a child I would head to the library on the first day of summer and then race home to sit under a shady tree and escape into another world.
As a mother I would spend hours reading under shady trees to my children.
And, now I either hide under my shady hat (by the pool) or relax in the outdoors in the evening with my pile of treasures.
Here’s my summer reading list (so far)
What is on your summer reading list?
P.S. I just finished “Beautiful Ruins” and all I can say is; It’s just that, beautiful. Here is one gift the author gives to you, “The smaller the space between your desire and what is right, the happier you will be.”
As always, thanks for dropping by. Have a wonderful day and weekend, go grab a great book!
nofearoffashion says
Never!!!! You cannot have the time for reading so much. You cook, you blog, you jog, you go to friends, you fly-fish, host parties. I don’t believe you. Where would you find the time to read? I know I can barely read a magazine, let alone a book.
trinagrandinetti says
Here you go, making me laugh again. Ok, here comes the truth, I could share my whole life story with you but that would mean we should do lunch. Therefore, here is the short version, many years ago when my husbands business began growing and getting crazy (to say the least), we made the decision that in order for this business to succeed and, our children to succeed as well, I would need to give up my career as an educator and raise them full time. As they grew older, especially those teenage years, they needed me even more. When my youngest went off to college, I thought of returning to teaching but my husband thought I deserved some freedom in life so I gladly took it. I guess you could say, I support my husband’s working habit (I’m quite good at it). But back in May you posted a comment about how generous your sweet husband was and you said, “Now I’m not a ‘kept woman'”, I hope I don’t fall into this category. I am definitely not the wonder woman you may think I am, very far from it, I’m just married to a Super Man, who has generously given me the opportunity to spend my time helping others and blogging, reading, entertaining, etc.
nofearoffashion says
I had a totally different woman in mind when I said “kept woman”. And you are right, your husband is also very generous: he was able to give you (both) a life with less stress. Because raising children and both having a career is really stressful. Especially at times when one (or more) children get ill. And you always feel guilt. At least that is what I read. Women especially seem to be born with a lot of guilt feeling anyway, but if you have to do too many tasks you always feel as if you are not doing anything 100%.
Not everybody is able to make such a choice. You could and it made you both happy. Case closed.
I think that acknowledging each others added value to the deal is at the heart of making it a success. I have seen marriages with such arrangements where the husband felt he did all the work and she was not entitled to anything. Needless to say these marriages ended bad. Raising children well is the most important task of parents.
So enjoy your freedom. You are heartily welcome to it.
Jean at Dross into Gold says
These look like interesting suggestions for summer reading. I haven’t been reading too much recently, but I may have to find the time. The picture of your daughter is lovely!!!
trinagrandinetti says
Jean, if you have time for one book, Beautiful Ruins will NOT disappoint. Thanks for the comment about my daughter, it was one that just captured so much emotionally.
Lady of Style says
Gorgeous post, I enjoyed the lyrics and the beautiful photo of your daughter, Trina.
I love my terrace, my sunlounger, magazines and books on a sunny day. Which we had more…
Annette
Join my giveaway: Fabulous clutch
Lady of Style
acolourfulcanvas says
Beautiful photo of your daughter! I just put a library request in for Beautiful Ruins, and it should be ready for pick up soon. I’m looking forward to reading it. One, because I think it will be an enjoyable read, and two, because it will be a way to connect with you.
Sue xo