Friday Writing Essential—In the Good Old Summertime—Friday, July 3rd, 2009

As we enter a holiday weekend here in the States, I'm sure many of us are busy preparing for family get-togethers or a relaxing long weekend. Although summer actually began on June 21^st, many consider the Fourth of July to be the "kickoff" of the summer season.

I have fond childhood memories of summers spent in my own backyard with my three sisters, the neighborhood kids, our swimming pool, pitchers of Kool-Aid and the "moustaches" they left behind on our freckled faces, and picking strawberries—stopping often to pop the plumpest red berries into our mouths, the juice trickling down our chins. Sometimes I think we ate more than we returned to my mother for her famous strawberry shortcake.

Summers seemed to last forever back then. We'd wake up every morning and tear outside as soon as we finished our hastily-eaten breakfast, only returning inside for a quick lunch in the afternoon. My skin turned a lovely golden brown from days of playing hopscotch, jumping rope, and swimming; my hair streaked blond from the summer sun. I fell into bed each night happy and exhausted. If I was lucky, I might have consumed one of my dad's famous Mexican ice-cream sundaes after my mother retrieved me, with waterlogged fingers and toes, from hours spent in the pool.

Before I fell asleep, I would take out my diary, a gift from my mother. It was covered in smooth black fabric with bright red roses; my thoughts concealed behind a shiny golden lock. A small key on a delicate red silk cord was hidden under socks in my dresser drawer. Even though I had my own bedroom, with three nosy sisters, privacy was fiercely protected.

I always tried to think of deep, profound things to write, but usually it was a simple account of the day just spent, complete with details of what was eaten for dinner that night. I dreamed of the day when I would have something newsworthy to write about from my own life.

I don't know what ever happened to that diary. I'm sure it was discarded at some point in my adolescence. As children, we often fail to realize the sentimental value such things might hold in the future. We lived for each day, our eyes sharply focused on the present.

I miss those carefree days of summer. I still swim every summer; my skin still turns golden brown and my hair still lightens; only now it's from time spent gardening instead of playing summer games. I don't keep a diary anymore, but I do try to write something every day. I'm not always successful, as I try to maximize my time spent outdoors during the too short summer months.

I have found it helpful to carry a small notebook and pen with me wherever I go. When my daughter is getting a haircut, I have it with me. When I take my dog to the nearby park, I find a big tree to sit under while she lies beside me and write, for at least a few minutes. And tomorrow, when I am at my mom's house for a family picnic, I will make sure I find time to record some thoughts of the day.

Although my days are no longer as carefree as in my youth, I find that more often than not, I can still make writing a part of my day. Small snippets of time can provide useful writing opportunities as we often work from brief notes and scraps of paper scribbled with captures of sights, sounds, and musings. It is always easier (and advisable) to record your thoughts sooner rather than later.

So tomorrow, whatever your plans for the day, try to find a few minutes to write something. Take photos if it helps you capture the moments you wish to document; you can always use them to help flesh out your writing later. Digital photography is a great boon to writers because of its ability to provide immediate feedback that can be incorporated directly into your words.

I never make New Year's resolutions anymore. Instead, I try to challenge myself a little each day, mindful of the things I'd like to accomplish. For me, it seems less daunting to make small, steady changes instead of creating lists of ambitious wishes to fail at achieving. The improvement comes—just as with any other practiced skill.

So, for today's writing prompt, and this can be posted anytime you complete it, I ask each of you to write a short piece about a summer event, memory, or possibly something you plan to do this summer. Make sure you include vivid imagery and describe how your subject makes you feel. It can be as detailed or as simple as you choose it to be, and any form of writing is acceptable.

As always, I look forward to your submissions.