I love the slowness of summer. Of course, you have to move slow when the humidity outside is nearing 100% and the minute you step out the door you break into a sweat–but time also seems to slow down in the summer. Afternoon catnaps on the couch become part of the routine as does taking time to walk around the garden in the early evening to smell the scents of summer before the mosquitoes come out in full force.
Participation in my summer writing groups has also been slow–no large, chattering groups like in the fall and spring. Instead, it’s been small, intimate gatherings with just a handful of aspiring writers in attendance. I’m enjoying it. I’m not saying I don’t love the energy and spirit of the large groups–but, in the summer it seems fitting that our meetings are quieter, more reflective and relaxed.
Along with the intimacy of smaller groups comes the opportunity for more in-depth conversations between writers, more sharing of personal experiences and more time to offer productive feedback on each other’s writing. Fall will be here soon enough with its urgency and clamor of new beginnings so let’s enjoy this slow time and appreciate summer while it is still with us.