I love summer.
Last night, on a whim, I ventured up Baseline Road in Boulder to “The Rock” in the Flatiron peaks. It’s a long, windy road – somewhat difficult to navigate in the darkness. What was even more difficult to map was the trail that led to “The Rock.” It was black. I’m not talking, dark – I’m talking pitch black. We used our cell phones to light our way. Once we reached “The Rock” it was hard to catch my breath.
Millions of tiny lights danced before my eyes. I could see the whole city. Not a single tree was in front of me. It was truly breathtaking. I didn’t even know where to begin taking in the beauty.
I started on the south side of town and weaved my way through the darkened residential areas. The street lamps emitted a soft orange glow that looked almost mysterious from my birds-eye view. I moved through the CU campus where there were quite a few more lights flickering in the distance. I could see the light on top of the Atlas building that fades from green, to blue, to purple, to yellow, to orange, to green. My eyes stayed on that light for a few minutes, just watching the light change colors.
I explored the yellow glow of the moon hovering over Denver off in the distance.
I watched stoplights turn from green, to yellow, to red. Brake lights and headlights from driving cars. Everything looked so small. So peaceful. It’s amazing how different the world looks from the top of the Flatirons.
I love summer.
Sundresses and ice cream cones. Enough said.
I love summer.
It’s supposed to thunderstorm tomorrow. I can’t wait. Thunderstorms are my favorite.
First comes the scent of rain. It’s impossible to explain. It’s a musky mix between nature and man. I open all the doors to the house and direct every fan to blow the fragrance around my apartment.
Then, the slow drizzle commences. It starts with small little droplets of salty rainwater, then transforms into larger dollops splashing against the windows. The windows streak and I trace the pattern of slipping raindrops from the dry side of the glass. The pitter patter of rainwater washes away all other noise.
The thunder and lightning begin their show. They take turns onstage booming and flashing, booming and flashing. I still count in between thunder and lightning to see if it’s striking nearby.
Thunderstorms are therapeutic. Not only does the scent calm my nerves, but the constant sound of raindrops crashing on the roof is hypnotizing.
I love summer.
It’s funny to me how everyone’s mood changes during summertime. Maybe it’s because summertime is the sunniest time of year. It’s warm, people spend time outside and seem to have more free time to do what they want.
Who knows? But I do know that the world is a much happier place when it’s summertime. People come out of their homes. They barbeque. They go to the pool. They meet new people and try new things. Summer brings sheer happiness.
I love summer.
