Welcoming Summer from the Shade

New Month, New Season…

Happy Sunday! Well, by the time I finish writing and publish this, most of you will be reading it on Monday—so, happy Monday too. 😊

This month marks the start of summer—the official date is around the 20th. Personally, I’m not much of a summer person. Being a redhead, the sun and I have a strained relationship. A dermatologist, upon first seeing me as a patient, said, “Well, I guess I’m getting the boat this year.” We laughed, and unfortunately, I had to agree. As a silly teenager, I used to lay out sunning in the driveway—among other questionable spots—to get burned. (I can’t believe the silly things we did back then to try and tan. I’m not even going to go into those—they’re just too embarrassing!) I didn’t say tan because tanning was never in the cards for me—burned to a crisp was more my coloring.

I stopped laying out in my early twenties after meeting a woman in her 40s (I think) at a doctor’s office. She was there to schedule surgery to remove skin cancer. She told me she used to sunbathe regularly—and yes, she was also a redhead. After talking with her, I decided it might be better to stay pale with clear skin than tan with sores. Luckily, I didn’t have to deal with skin cancer—until recently. I have a wonderful dermatologist (not the one with a boat). So, as much as I love the sun’s warmth, I can’t bask in its rays for long. Sunscreen is my friend.

Anyhow, with summer almost here, this semi-hermit will be hiding in the shade—or under a hat. 😎

While hiding in the shade or indoors, I’ll be doing my best to finish writing Dating Die-Sasters. I’m almost done with Dangerous Desires, just a few more beta readers to go, and then it’s on to the editing process. But the hardest, most loving part is nearly complete—writing it. I sometimes wonder if I’ve been procrastinating on purpose, not wanting to see my “child of sorts” leave the nest (welcome to my brain).

I’ll be doing some traveling too—which I’m really looking forward to (I love to travel!). Other than that, I’m focused on staying out of doctor’s offices, working on art projects, and writing.

So… what are your plans for summer? With schools out and kids at home, maybe there are trips to amusement parks on the horizon, or time spent with grandparents, museum visits, or zoo adventures. What will you be doing for summer break?

Share your thoughts and ideas for summertime fun—we’d love to hear them!

’Til next time…
Have a wonderful start to summer, and may your moments be filled with hugs, love, laughter, and blessings. 🌞💛