my early september pledge

"We try to hold on to the last days of bare arms and legs. Early caches of sunflower seeds stored by eager squirrels sprout a leggy forest hoping for just a little bit more. Just a wee bit more. Don't let go. We only have sixty-four? Eighty-seven? Ninety-four summers if we are lucky. We hold on and take the last quick swim just to say that we did."
--Nikki McClure, Collect Raindrops: The Seasons Gathered

My September pledge? Take in, soak up, and dive in. Just a wee bit more.

I hope you're having a lovely - perhaps long - September weekend. I'll see you back here on Tuesday.

{PS. There's a wonderful Weekend Read up on Bloesem now - 5 bloggers lists of wish gifts. Lots of lovely gift inspiration over there - it was much fun to join in. Thanks for the invitation, Irene!}

Comments

[Stefani]

Thanks for the reminder to slow down and enjoy, Amanda! It's so hard, really to appreciate September in Texas. You're beginning to dream of fall things, leaf piles, pies and long sleeves, but you're stuck with 90 degree temps for another month or so, maybe more. I will try, I promise, to enjoy it. Happy weekending!

[Bex]

Yep, we've got a while to go too before things start to cool down. Although it is easier to get some sleep at night.
That verse is beautiful. Made me feel a little melancholy...

[brandie]

that book sounds lovely...such good advice. i was just thinking i didn't soak up enough this summer. what a waste!
such fun things on that website, too! i LOVE the sweater. crap, that is gorgeous!

[brandie]

so the library doesn't carry that book :(
and by the way, i see you are reading before we were free...did you read in the time of the butterflies?

[bigbucketgirl]

We haven't had our last swim yet. The temperature has really dropped today but we're off to a beer festival and I'm sure that will help 'plan' a few more swims before Summer is all gone. School goes back on Thursday for my big 2, so its always good to use that first weekend after schools back to breathe deeply at the beach. The kids see it as a seasonal routine, they know whats gone and that it will come around again. If its cold we'll come in and scrapbook the summers photos with hot chocolates and if its warm, we'll be in the garden getting sprayed with the hose. Not quite diving in..but getting thoroughly wet!
xxx

[Veronica TM]

that is a wonderful pledge! thank you for sharing that beautiful photo and that quote {one of my new favourites}.

[emily]

thank you for the reminder - it is so welcome in my life right now!

[Lolla Moon]

indeed, thank you for reminding us!
i'm sad for the summer waving goodbye but must admit that i'm also happy for the cosy winter lazy days to show up! that's the beauty of the seasons. having lived most of my life right over the equator line, i didn't have idea of how amazing they can be. now every change in the weather brings amazement to me... i'll be certainly cherishing every one of the summers, winters, autumns and springs that i still have ahead of me.

[Gift of Green]

Perfectly put.

[Grace]

oh, gosh, so lovely. what a sweet sentiment.

[jean]

wise words indeed.

[kate]

A~Thanks for the reminder, Life, with it's hurried pace, gets away from me. This time with our children is so short!
Love and light to you!
K~
ps..I have ordered a gift for you and your wee ones from amazon.com, watch your post!

[Ahna]

That is a beautiful photo and a lovely thought. Summer isn't gone, just older and wiser. Thanks for the words of encouragement.

[kate]

We're at the opposite end of the season. The first lunches outside in the spring sun, a day at the beach planned for the weekend, and finding the sunhats. I have to remember where we keep the summer things and make sure I don't get burnt because I'm still thinking in winter mode.

[tamara]

We're warming up here, too! Spring is springing all over the place, though the breeze still has a bite to it.
Beach walks still need coats and warm hats!

such a beautiful quote.

[blair]

what a lovely sentiment Amanda, very inspiring to me. Thank you dear.

[Libby]

I have been saying the same thing! We will raise our right hand and pledge along with you!

[Lisa L.]

my boys just went off with Dad for one last look at the lake and some fresh air...hoping to tire them out for a good night's sleep before school starts.

[Lola]

I made your words mine, I hope you don't mind that (approximately) quoted you... I feel so close to what you described (in words and pictures). And that is not the first time!
Merci!

[Amy Q]

this summer has slipped by me so incredibly fast, like they all do I suppose. Thanks for the advice. I think tommorrow I will go to the lake.

[Diane]

We've just had our last family summer break for the year and I've said my goodbyes to summer 2007. Ironically, the weather as at its best at the moment here in the UK.
September is busy, busy for us with 3 birthdays, a visit to local fair, harvesting our plot of land (allotted by the council) and back to school.
Very aptly put. I love your choice of words!