SummerZen

August and September are so beautiful in the PNW. The sun is starting to get lower in the sky. Shadows lengthen, the magical glow of sunlight slanting through our atmosphere, which is often smokey, adding to the golden hue of everything. Bittersweet these last days of summer, so warm, so golden, so long, good bye.

It rained a bit this morning, the smell of petrichor is so refreshing, memories come flooding. We have dill in our backyard. The wet dill releasing its green scent brings me to my childhood. I had a scratch and sniff book about a bunny in a garden. The dill page was my favorite, I also like the peach page. Those little smelly patches were scratched bare. Peach and dill still are among my favorite scents, and always remind me of summer.

Summer is my busy season, I have my two biggest shows of the year, the local markets are hopping too. I used to travel more, do shows in Montana, Idaho and all around Oregon and Washington, squeezing in little "vacays" along the way. I had amazing adventures, visiting hot springs, national parks, and out of the way spots. As I have moved through life, I have changed my priorities a bit. I like to stay home more, with my husband and cat. The Vancouver Farmers Market and First Thursdays in the Pearl have helped my business thrive. Etsy also plays a significant part of the stay at home plan.

We absolutely love living in the Pacific Northwest (PNW), where the beauty of nature and the vibrancy of community come together to create an extraordinary lifestyle. There is so much to enjoy in this stunning region, from the breathtaking landscapes to the rich cultural experiences. One of the highlights of our summer is attending outdoor concerts, where we can immerse ourselves in live music while surrounded by the lush greenery and fresh air that the PNW is known for. These events not only provide entertainment but also foster a sense of community as we gather with friends and neighbors to celebrate the season.

In addition to music, the region offers an abundance of hiking opportunities. With countless trails that wind through majestic forests, along rugged coastlines, and up to panoramic mountain vistas, each hike presents a new adventure waiting to be explored. Whether we are trekking through the dense woods or strolling along a serene lakeside, the connection to nature is invigorating and refreshing. After a long day of outdoor activities, there's nothing quite like relaxing on our patio, enjoying the cool evening breeze while sipping on a refreshing drink. The highlight of our patio experience is often our cooled hot tub, which we dip into to relieve the heat of the day.

Another delightful aspect of summer in the PNW is the bounty of fresh fruits and vegetables that become available, particularly when working at a local farmers market. There is something truly special about interacting with local farmers and artisans, learning about their produce, and discovering the flavors of the season. The vibrant colors and fresh aromas of ripe berries, juicy peaches, and crisp greens create a sensory experience that is hard to match. Not only do we get to enjoy these delicious foods, but we also take pride in supporting sustainable agriculture and our local economy. The taste of freshly picked produce is one of the best bonuses of working at the farmers market during the summer months.

As summer rolls in, I always look forward to embracing the simple comforts of the season, particularly when it comes to clothing. The warm weather allows for a wardrobe filled with light, airy fabrics that keep us cool while providing comfort and style. I especially cherish my collection of flip flops, which symbolize the carefree spirit of summer. The ease of slipping them on and off makes them the perfect footwear for spontaneous outings and leisurely days spent basking in the sun. I find myself delaying the inevitable transition back to closed-toed shoes for as long as possible, savoring every moment of freedom that comes with wearing flip flops. Overall, summer in the PNW is a time of joy, relaxation, and appreciation for the simple pleasures that life has to offer.

What are your favorite things about summer?