CFC Blog #276: Summer-themed Anti Pet Peeves
A couple weeks ago, I asked a few different community members if they would share an anti pet peeve related to summer... something small that brings them great joy or excitement but can only be found in the heat of summer, either day or night! So today's blog has many different authors. I hope you enjoy these thoughtful summer-y responses. Wishing everyone a great weekend filled with many little moments of joy!
- Amanda
Summer-themed Anti Pet Peeves
When I'm able to, I love attending any performance at the Hollywood Bowl (open during the summer) in Los Angeles, my hometown. The first Sound of Music sing-along I attended there was one of the best days of my life to date (before I got married or had either of my children :)).
- Fay Sardjono
This happened twice over the past few days, so here’s my anti-pet peeve for the summer: getting mistakenly squirted with a water gun by a child on a hot day. At first you think “wait, who did that” but it immediately changes to “ah, that felt great” :)
- Ryan Oakes
Fireflies. Every summer they always make me pause to consider what a fascinating planet we live on.
- Mike Brady
When, between 2pm and 4pm every day, my dog Buddy reminds me that it is time for the short hike into the wooded dunes near my house. He is always excited and I am initially a touch resistant—being drawn away from one more Zoom call or bit of writing. His excitement is hard to resist, so we head out. The woods are shady and the path is winding. He has his regular favorite spots. We see deer and meet the occasional dog friend. He can barely contain his curiosity and joy at the smells. Dog student-mindedness, it seems. We make our way along to return to air conditioned cool, and for him, some chicken and a nap.
- Greg Parsons
That short period of time in the summer right before the sun sets where the light gets purple and hazy - especially if I can enjoy it outside with family or friends, and maybe seeing some fireflies.
- Lauren Culbertson
I love when you're really hot and sweaty and you take a cold shower and suddenly feel like you have a new skin!!
- Flourish Klink
I am doing the dishes, not a task I love, and from the corner of my eye I see the tiniest birds darting in and out of the tiniest opening in the tiny wooden birdhouse we placed on a tree last year. First off, I was skeptical that birds could be that small! Secondly, the birdhouse had gone untouched for at least a year, so I had stopped even looking. And best of all, I forget between visits to the kitchen sink, so it seems like the first time every time!! And...
Looking out our back window and the fireflies dancing at night, just above the lawn. Again, something I should know will be there from my many years of loving to watch this magic of nature, but somehow it always seems fresh and new. And I am 9 years old again.
- Robert Genco
It’s how good and different that early morning take-out breakfast sandwich and coffee tastes when you’re starting the long-ish drive to the place where you’ll spend that summer holiday…
- Rob Rose
The likelihood of neighbors to be outside doing this or that, happy to pause whatever they’re up to for a casual conversation. For me, it creates a sense of aliveness that is distinctly summer.
- Corey Loftus
When I get to enjoy the hot sun during the day and arrive home after work to sit and cozy up with my dogs while listening to a rainy evening thunderstorm.
- Amanda Posa