The Fleeting Nature of Summer: A Midpoint BoundaryThe Fleeting Nature of Summer: A Midpoint Boundary In the tapestry of life, certain days hold a unique significance, etching themselves into our consciousness not for their grandeur but for their subtle shift in perspective. July 15th, for some of us, marks such a boundary, a demarcation line dividing the exuberance of summer’s beginning from the creeping realization of its inevitable end. For those of us fortunate enough to inhabit the enchanting Upper Peninsula of Michigan (UP), summer is a precious and fleeting gift, a respite from the prolonged embrace of winter. It arrives with a fanfare of blossoming flowers, vibrant greenery, and warm breezes, filling our hearts with a sense of boundless possibility. But as the calendar flips to July 15th, the midpoint of summer, a subtle shift occurs. Today, we stand at the cusp of a bittersweet recognition: half of summer has already passed. The realization, like a gentle reminder, creeps into our subconscious, casting a momentary shadow over our unwavering optimism. For a brief period, we find ourselves contemplating the inevitable approach of autumn and the long winter that lies ahead. Yet, amidst this momentary lapse of optimism, a profound truth emerges. The very brevity of summer in the UP enhances its allure. It is a gift, a precious commodity that must be cherished and savored. The knowledge that this season is limited in time encourages us to embrace every moment, to seize every opportunity to revel in its ephemeral beauty. Saturday past, despite the allure of warm temperatures and abundant sunshine, would have been just another day had summer been an endless affair. However, the realization that we are halfway through this cherished season propelled hundreds to the beaches and lakeshores, each seeking a respite from the hustle and bustle of life. Kayakers and paddleboarders navigated the sparkling waters, while campsites across the UP echoed with the laughter and chatter of families embracing the fleeting warmth. As the sun dips below the horizon today, we turn our thoughts to the approaching autumn. The vibrant hues of summer will gradually fade, replaced by the muted tones of fall. The days will grow shorter, and the nights will grow colder. But amidst these seasonal changes, we find solace in the knowledge that summer, though fleeting, has left an enduring mark on our spirits. For tomorrow, we will awaken with a renewed sense of optimism, embracing the realization that we still have half of summer to cherish. We will revel in the remaining days, soaking up the sunlight, the laughter, and the countless memories that only this magical season can provide. Summer in the UP is a gift, a reminder that even in the midst of change, beauty and joy can be found. So let us embrace this fleeting season, savoring every moment and creating memories that will sustain us through the long winter months.
I am normally a very optimistic person, I see the positive things in life and always find the positive side of every situation.
Except maybe one day of the year… today, July 15th. Why, you ask? Well, I answer, today is a boundary. If you think of summer in the UP as the months of June, July, and August, then today, July 15th, is the midpoint of that season.
Today summer is already half over.
I may be the only person in UP masochistic enough to figure it out, but I think it’s a feeling a lot of us have this time of year. For us, summer is a fleeting concept; it’s here and then it’s gone.
For nine months of the year we live in the 92 days that Mother Nature has in store for us, and then we try to make the most of the 92 days that we are now halfway through.
But I think the fleeting nature of summer in the UP is what makes it so special. Take last Saturday. If it was sunny and 88 degrees every day, it wouldn’t be a problem.
But because that’s not the case, there were hundreds of people on every beach in Uttar Pradesh on Saturday. Kayakers and paddleboarders hit every lake they could find, and campsites in all 15 states were packed with families enjoying a perfect day in Uttar Pradesh.
After today, we are now one small step closer to that long period of the year when colors disappear and the sun is only there eight or nine hours a day. And that is why today is the only day of the year when my optimism wanes.
But luckily I’m getting over it, because I realize that summer is so short that we should just enjoy it and not get stuck on any one milestone for too long.
So if the shape remains as I am, I will be optimistic again tomorrow, especially about life here in this magical place.
Why? Because starting tomorrow we still have half of summer to experience in UP.
I’m Jim Koski, and this is another piece from “Life in the 906.”
