The Joy of Summer, Part 2

Happy Tuesday, Dear Readers. I hope you had a good week, and were enjoying the sun if you were able.

Summers in Colorado, being on the eastern side of the mountains, means an extra-long twilight; there is the twilight-set as the sun goes over the mountains, and then the actual sunset as it sinks below the horizon. It is during this twilight time that, if there are any clouds in the sky, they are made resplendent with sunset colors. It is a peaceful, beautiful time that I love to sit and watch; a reminder of simple beauty existing no matter what else is happening in the world.

Summers also mean that everybody who lives at in my HOA with a fishing pole and some time on their hands will at some point try fishing in the ponds on the HOA's grounds. The ponds are connected to the protected wild-space to the west of us, so there are always fish swimming about. Yesterday I saw no less than a dozen people spaced out between the two ponds, obviously enjoying their time outside.

The one thing I have noticed this summer is an uptick in summer showers during the afternoons; mostly light and gentle rain that lasts from 30 minutes to 2 hours, with the occasional thunderstorm. The mornings start off bright and sunny and hot, only for a general cooling off and the peaceful sound of rain. I love the sound of summer rain, and how it makes the world more vibrant as a result; the plants visibly perk up, even as the world is made quiet from the rain.

I know there is a lot of ugliness in the world right now, but please take time from doom-scrolling through the news and take some time to appreciate the simple beauty of the world around you this week, Dear Readers. I find it to be essential for good mental health.

Until next week, Dear Readers.

-A.M.W.