Summer's Lease

I still cannot believe summer vacation is down to its final hours.

It simply went too fast, no?

At its onset, I had 1 goal: To make this the best summer yet. "Fun, fun, FUN!" was my motto, although it felt more like a battle cry at first.

Well, like magic, it worked. I made my mind up to enjoy the days, live in the moment, and suspend all my expectations. And I cannot say it enough — this has truly been the best summer of my life yet…which means the bar has been set, and our summers are only going to get better.

The best of the best for summer 2009 includes:

Teaching our girls the words to a few "older" songs in exchange for learning the lyrics to some of their favorite tunes. Me: "The Best of Both Worlds" by Hannah Montana, "Magic" by Selena Gomez, and several Jonas Brothers' songs. Them: "Black Water" by The Doobie Brothers, "These Boots are Made for Walkin'" by Nancy Sinatra, and, of course, many, many Michael Jackson hits.

Spending entire days in the sun by the pool and bathing in the evening's moonlight on patios or porches…always in good company.

Reading, reading, reading…

Waking up when we wanted and falling asleep late.

Refilling the well and feeling creative, ambitious, and whole again.

Soaking up sand, sun, and sea last week in Florida…

"Summer's lease hath all too short a date." Well, Mr. Shakespeare, this year you totally have a point.