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      Oh how I love the summertime. I will always be on summer mode from Memorial Day on. I know I am an adult and there is no “summer vacation” once you get into the real world. But I can’t shake it from my being. It is like an excitement of endless possibilities. Of all the summer aspects I adore, and there are many, I have a particular favorite that brings me joy.
      On a clear summer night, when the sun has been down for an hour or so, and it is starting to spawn that cool air, I look to the sky. I am hoping for that clear brilliant blue/black with the stark contrast of the bright stars. It is my absolute favorite. I am talking where it is like a dark inky color and not a cloud to be seen. Every star just beaming with light and brilliance. I take a deep breath; sit in a chair, lean back and just dream.

      Now it is a variation on the cloud game when you were a child. Envision lying in the grass with your friends or beloved sister, Johanna, who for all of her sensibility was an absolute natural at cloud images. If I could find a black panther crouched and ready to pounce, Johanna would just say
      “Oh is that anywhere near my rare albino ocelot drinking from a refreshing river, over there to the right?”
      And I would look and the devil be smacked, there would be an albino ocelot. She could have made a career of finding the most fabulous images in clouds, but oh that sense of responsibility led her to work in a more traditional field. Johanna, it is never too late to change the course of destiny.
      So when the universe aligns and brings me my inky clear sky with every star just screaming for me to admire them, I am transported to another level. I encourage you to try it some summer night. With loved ones or alone, it is equally enjoyable. Just let your mind run its wonderful course and find whatever you like in the stars. Of course naturally you look for constellations. And my favorite is Cassiopeia, the Queen in her Chair. Shocking, yes I know, but as long as I find Cassiopeia, life is good.
      Then I start to make my own star constellations. One may be Fritz diving with his perfect form. One may be my loved and exalted and still mourned Mason, with his head tilted just a bit. One may be my mother still just emanating good and right. But I also picture snakes and mountains and diamond tiaras, there are no rules, nor boundaries. Maybe that is why I love it so much. So much of our lives are structured and dictated by what needs to be done. These summer evenings let me soar to wherever.
      Too many times in life, you don’t take the time to dream. You don’t take the time to play. You are on the treadmill and focused on what you need to accomplish. I encourage you to focus on what makes you happy, what brings you peace. Once in a while, kick back and let your thoughts soar. It’s summer. The world will come calling at any point and need you to pick your sickle back up. But make it a priority to at least gift yourself the luxury of the sky.
      Take the time and enjoy your summer. Take your time and enjoy your summer sky. It is a beautiful gift of nature and God and once you realize the joy, you will be back. For every star, there is a dream. I wish you every dream and every star in the summer sky. May love, fortune and blessings shine in your life.

– Natalia Kilkenny