Whether we love them or hate them, we can’t deny that, with almost a life of their own, our southern summers are full of magic and memories– a multitude of defining moments of independence found little by little until childhood becomes a thing of the past. And there is no better way to celebrate the first official holiday of summer than with a nostalgic farm-style picnic that celebrates both family and country and all the things that make us who we are. Happy 4th of July!
I look for those charmed summer reveries, clothed in a thick, close heat and colored in repurposed hand-me-downs,
A softly worn kaleidoscope of mixed and matched treasures from a time gone by.
I find myself wondering about watermelon seeds, sticky popsicles in plastic sleeves, and water that ran ice-cold straight from the hose.
Along with tube socks and muscle shirts, lost are the days of pasted hair on a damp forehead, earnest strings of granny beads, and electric fireflies who snapped and popped their way through the evening in hopes of a mate.
Yet I still strain and search for that crackling heat
and the slow, even swirl of a steady Southern summer.
So that I can sit for comfortable moment
In the distant familiar
And smile to remember who we are and where we came from.
***
For more southern summer nostalgia visit: My South, Simple Patio Picnic, or Crab Cake Sliders for the 4th here at A Southern Discourse!
Your blog is so creative. Love what you write and your displays are full of fun and beauty. Have a great summer.
Thank you, Anita! I love hearing from you!
This is so cute! Even if there were no pictures, your words would summon to mind the perfect summer day! Lovely work, friend!
Kristen,
Ha! Memories from back in “our day,” right? You know I love these summer days so much!
Beautiful words and beautiful pictures.
Thanks, Jan!
We would love your farm style 4th celebration. Your table decor is just perfect for the celebration! God Bless America!! Hope you are having a great week and thanks so much for sharing with us at Full Plate Thursday.
Miz Helen