swimming

I live in Chicago and this city feels so full of energy in the summer. There are constant festivals, events, people are hosting cookouts, everyone's outside. It feels like a constant party. You pay for it in the winter though.

I lived most of my life in South Carolina. Last year, I made the mistake of visiting SC in the summer. I had to say no to so many plans in Chicago and leave beautiful weather to visit the hottest, muggiest, no-wind-est place on earth. In Columbia, SC the pride festival is held in October because if it was held in June, people would just die. I told my friends and family that they visit me during the summer and I'll be around for the holidays.

Putting on clothes takes less time

Southern California near the coast has no seasons, just shorter or longer days. I like being able to leave at 7-8pm and ride a bike through the sunset for an hour. I ride the sun down most of the time, but those extra hours to play with a project in the evening are nice in the summer. I should ditch coordinated time all together and set my life to Sol. Maybe one day

Well, it is my least favorite season overall, but there is a wonder to summer in the south.

It's easing into it here, and the serenade of ciacadas blend with the songs of birds and frogs at various points in the day. The air is almost alive in its thickness as it wraps sticky arms around you, soothing your aches as well as drawing sweat to glisten on your brow. That sweat drips down, caressing your skin in a frantic attempt to cool you.

The smell of greenness and damp earth tickle the nose as much as gnats and mosquitoes tickle everything else. But you can sit in a swing, or a rocker and let the world wash around you, as sunlight dances with the leaves in an attempt to seduce the ground into giving up moisture.

The summer is graceful and smooth in a way winter can never achieve. It is alive and in the full strength that spring yearns for. It mocks the dwindling pulse of autumn from its sweltering throne.

Summer is less a comfort than a bear hug from a titan big brother that loves you a little too much, but even that crushing and breath stealing embrace is love as well.

The light.

That being said, I also love light during Fall and Spring. A little less during Winter.

Warm enough to have a window open while it rains so I can listen.

Sitting outside with a tallboy Chelada and a cigar.