Tags
200 words, Alberta, Calgary, Canada, Diana Schwenk, Diana's Enormous Book of Quotes, First World Problems, Gratitude, happy, Life's like that, perspective, reality check, summer
Summer afternoon—summer afternoon; to me those have always been the two most beautiful words in the English language.
For me too, Henry. For me too.
Feeling that warm sun on my skin.
Eating ice cream on a park bench.
Taking evening walks when it’s still light out.
Riding my brand new bike on Calgary’s many pathways.
Summer really makes me happy.
But here’s the thing. We haven’t really had much of a summer this year. It’s been all rain, rain, rain. I keep telling myself better summer days are coming. I mean yesterday wasn’t bad. It was sunny in the morning and it didn’t rain all day. I rode my bike and sat out on a patio with a good friend but…
…there’s not much time left for ‘better summer days.’ I’m seeing signs of fall. Wasps are acting all aggressive already, as they do in the fall and today I noticed leaves are turning and some are on the ground and I’m just not happy about it!
But I have a home, food in my stomach, good people who love me and I’m reminded gratitude is what REALLY leads to happiness.
~ DIANA’S ENORMOUS BOOK OF QUOTES ~
Alan A. Malizia: Contagious Optimism! Co-Author said:
Make the most of it. The summer, as any season, is like a life time; gone in a blink of the eye.
-Alan
LikeLike
dianasschwenk said:
So very true Alan. ❤
Diana xo
LikeLiked by 1 person
roughwighting said:
How I love this quote. How I agree with Henry James! Here in NE, we wish we could have some of your rain. The dry brown grass and drooping leaves on the trees are sad, but I must admit, I’ve L O V E D all the hot sunny days. Okay, I’ll share. Sending some of them to you now for the rest of August. xo
LikeLike
dianasschwenk said:
Thanks and sending you some rain in return! ❤
Diana xo
LikeLiked by 1 person
rachelcarrera said:
What a beautiful sentiment. It’s wet here, too. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
dianasschwenk said:
Thanks Rachel, hope you get sunshine soon! ❤
Diana xo
LikeLike
elizabeth2560 said:
I had heard that summer has not been all that great. Perhaps it has been waiting for me to come 🙂
LikeLike
dianasschwenk said:
maybe…hurry up then! 😉 ❤
Diana xo
LikeLiked by 1 person
Jean said:
Summer’s nearing end makes one wistful and nostalgic fast. But yes, with loved ones it doesn’t matter what the weather maybe.
LikeLike
dianasschwenk said:
Wistful is a great word Jean! ❤
Diana xo
LikeLike
Wyrd Smythe said:
I’ve noticed all the stormy weather up your way on my weather app. I take it that’s not a normal summer, eh?
LikeLike
dianasschwenk said:
It goes in cycles Smitty and we did have a very mild winter… 🙂 ❤
Diana xo
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wyrd Smythe said:
Per the whole climate-change thing, that may be the way of it now! Mild winters, “exciting” summers.
LikeLike
dianasschwenk said:
We have a pretty dry climate here but they’re predicting we’ll be like the tropics here in the future.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wyrd Smythe said:
One of the funnier posters I ever saw showed a bunch of people laying out in beach chairs among palm trees and sunshine. The big bold print on the poster read: “Canadians For Global Warming!” XD
LikeLiked by 1 person
dianasschwenk said:
haha I could see that! I always joke that I’m just waiting it out in Calgary for the west coast to disappear so we can finally be that port city. :p
LikeLiked by 1 person
cyclingrandma said:
Sounds like a lovely, happy summer!
LikeLike
dianasschwenk said:
summer is synonymous with happy in my world Lisa! ❤
Diana xo
LikeLike
utesmile said:
I do love summer afternoons too, lazy ones…. may be even under a palm tree 🙂 You know me…… Love your post! Wishing you more sunshine!
LikeLike
dianasschwenk said:
Thanks Ute, we had a pretty good weekend – I went on two bike rides! ❤
Diana xo
LikeLiked by 1 person
Healing Grief said:
You are right Diana, happiness, summer and gratitude is something we can create everyday if we choose, even in the rain, or with the wasps or through difficult times! Happy riding when you can 🚴🌞🌞🌸🌺🌻
LikeLike
dianasschwenk said:
yes, I still want the sun, but I’m with you in principle Karen. ❤
Diana xo
LikeLiked by 1 person
joannerambling said:
When people chose to be happy, allow themselves to be happy then life is better
LikeLike
dianasschwenk said:
So very true Jo-Anne. ❤
Diana xo
LikeLike
Chatter Master said:
I hope for a bit of sunshine for you Diana. We’ve had burning sun for so long. The rains today are welcome here. 🙂
LikeLike
dianasschwenk said:
So glad you got much needed rain Colleen. ❤
Diana xo
LikeLiked by 1 person
Val Boyko said:
Carpe Diem … especially the sunny ones Diana 😊
LikeLike
dianasschwenk said:
Yes – thanks Val! ❤
Diana xo
LikeLiked by 1 person
Louise Gallagher said:
yesterday I spent the afternoon on the deck spray painting mirror frames for my daughters wedding in September. I gave thanks to the clouds for not forcing me inside with their rain. I gave thanks to the wind for not blowing hard as I sprayed.
And I hear you Diana — fall is quickly approaching and I haven’t yet seen many signs of summer!
Hugs my friend.
LikeLike
dianasschwenk said:
So glad you spent your day being creative in such a beautiful place Louise and I’m not surprised you gave thanks through it all. ❤
Diana xo
LikeLike
Ann Koplow said:
I am happier after reading this post. And I wish lots of sunshine and beautiful Sundays for you, Diana. xxoo
LikeLiked by 1 person
dianasschwenk said:
Thank you beautiful Ann – I wish the same and more for you! ❤
Diana xo
LikeLiked by 2 people