It is a long weekend in the USA and a time of reflection for many. Memorial Day is a time to remember those who have served our country – living and dead. Also, the historic Indy 500 takes place. Most of all it is a time for family and friends to enjoy one another. Summer is finally here and gardens are blooming. I do like this transition to summer time, before it is too hot but not cold enough for a sweater or jacket. I do like northern Indiana and the seasons. I just read someone’s Blog and she was talking about 108 degrees – I can skip that.
This is a great weekend to start some summer habits of being active and being ‘green’. I am trying to be more observant of how I can help save resources and leave less of an impression on this planet. I challenge each of you to do the same. Don’t use the styrofoam plates and cups this year – it doesn’t take much to wash real ones or at least use the waxed paper variety. Fill your thermos with ice water instead of grabbing another plastic water bottle. I have found a new refillable Water Filtration Bottle that purifies the water you take with you. There are so many little things we can do. Enjoying the outdoors and being active in it is also a great habit. Turn off the TV, DVD player, Computer (oh, my gosh, did I say that!) and get out to move in the fresh air. You will start interacting face to face with people instead of through a keyboard and your body will thank you for the activity. Well – maybe not the first day or so but by the end of summer when good habits are established it will.
And – if it does rain where you are and you are tired of walking through puddles you can always check out the craft and art projects you have going or want to start. It is a good weekend to pull out the drawing supplies and move forward in the habit of expression. The best part about drawing or painting of landscape or people is the observation skills. You need to notice, reflect and analyze what you are seeing. Makes you think about what and how things are made or grow.
Enjoy your weekend. I plan to spend some time on my deck watching the lake – while it is still too cold for most boaters- the birds, and maybe the turtles lounging on the seawall. The flower beds might get a bit of my attention, I saw a couple weeds this morning and gardening can be both good exercise and creative. Mostly it is a time to relax and recall – we’ll top off the weekend on Monday is our 35th wedding anniversay!
