For today’s post, I’m going off the map a bit. Usually, I blog about things that are mystery-related or somehow deal with day-to-day life in a historical time period, especially the 19th century. And I love those topics.
However, Summer has burst forth, in all her growth, fertility, and beauty. She’s just begging for attention from us all. As Alice Walker wrote, in The Color Purple:
“I think it pisses God off if you walk by the color purple in a field somewhere and don’t notice it…. People think pleasing God is all God care about. But any fool living in the world can see it always trying to please us back.”
Here’s what nature’s summer bounty has inspired these folks to do:
Writer Tiffany A. White travels to a gorgeous locale: “Paradise in the Florida Keys”
Kim Stenberg, a landscape/still life painter, does a painting of a favorite vacation spot: “By the Lake”
CORRECTION: “Birding on the Fourth of July” is actually from the blog of Daniel Huber (known on Twitter as @docforestal), self-described birder and “naturalist wannabe.” So sorry about that, Dan – your pics and blog are amazing! And thanks to Steve Creek, professional nature photographer, who has a blog of his own where you can see his terrific pics: Steve Creek Outdoors.
Writer/gardener/oceanographer Danielle Meitiv stops to smell the fennel (and other herbs in her garden): “Feral Dill and Other Essential Herbs“
Writer, tech guru, and now mad gardener Jenny Hansen rhapsodizes over her zucchini production: “Mad Love for My Zucchini”
Jess Witkins, writer, decides to make a strawberry tart (against her better judgment): “Miss Scarlett in the Kitchen with the Butcher Knife”
Ever want to make your own ice cream? Mystery writer Wendy Lyn Watson, at the Mystery Lovers’ Kitchen, has a terrific recipe: Raspberry Cheesecake Sundaes
So, what are you up to that says “summer” for you? I’d love to hear about it!
Until next time,
Kathy
Thanks for the shout out! I love the quote from the Color Purple. I know just what she means
Thank YOU, Danielle, for posting such cool content! Your garden is an inspiration. So glad you stopped by.
Ditto…there’s just nobody like Alice Walker.
Loving your Barefoot blog, Danielle!
Alas, my garden was (and still is) an exercise in futility this year. We just moved to a new climate zone and still getting the hang of things. I’m jealous of all the green thumbs in your roundup here, K.B.!
Blue, that has got to be frustrating. The great thing about gardening, there’s always another season. It took me a while to get used to just one number change in zones from what I’d been used to! And don’t even get me started on microclimates…. Also, you can always take another shot at it this year, with the cool season vegs!
Thanks for stopping by!
11 cumumbers. 4 tomatoes. 1 squash. So far.
It’s gonna be a good year for this back yard farmer.
I thought your squash all turned black, Bob! Don’t worry, I’ll catch up. I’ve had five cukes so far, and lots of herbs. Tomatoes will be ready soon! I think, though, that Jenny H. has us both beat, big time.
But if you do win the backyard farmer award this year, we’re all coming to your place when the zombies attack…
Always great to chat with you – thanks for the visit!
Thanks for the blog love! I feel my post will be a bit bitter in comparison to the other lovely titles. LOL. Glad other people are enjoying their summer activities, I noticed none of them involved baking…
Jess, I can’t wait to read your blog (LOVE the title!). I’m hoping it’s snarky as hell. 🙂
I bake! I put the Incredible Edible Crack recipe up on Monday.
I had to make the hard choice between your “edible crack” post and your zucchini post, Jenny! Jess, and all, here’s the link to Jenny’s fabulous Caramel Frosting: http://jennyhansenauthor.wordpress.com/2011/07/04/edible-crack-on-more-cowbell/
I get linkage on Wise Words Wednesday? Whether or not you’re implying that I’m wise, I’m still tremendously flattered. Thank you!
I love the summer, except it gets too darn hot in Texas. And, this year we’re incredibly dry. So, I’ve been spending some of my summer days with a great book out by the pool. That’s pretty summer, isn’t it?
Perfect summer, Tiffany! You are truly wise. 🙂
I’m with Tiffany on the Wise Words…makes me feel a bit smarter on this hot Summer Wednesday.
Baby Girl is watching a Mickey Mouse video and I’m wishing we had air conditioning! I shouldn’t complain – we only need it for a few weeks each year – but this is one of those weeks.
Summer for me is definitely about the beach, the long days and, now, my garden.
How are the melons doing, Jenny? (ok, guys, no wisecracks. Yeah, I’m talkin’ to you).
Even without AC, you sure know how to spend your summer in style!
So glad you checked out today’s post! Thanks!
It’s strawberry season, and I just made some jam out of local strawberries. That’s when I know summer has started!
Nancy
The Chick Dick Blog
http://nancylauzon.blogspot.com/
Yum! I’ve always wanted to try my hand at making jam. Super cool, Nancy!