Sunday, February 24, 2013

Summer Child





My mom always called me her little hoyden.  I was never a tomboy, I was much too uncoordinated for that, but I was a little kid that bounced out of bed on summer mornings and was out the door in my mismatched plaid shorts and daisy print shirt before mom could holler, "Would you please brush that rat's nest out of your hair?"

A child of the sun. Skinny brown legs pumping, handlebar tassels flying, off in search of new skinned knees and bug bites and whatever adventure those summer days held for me. Cannonballs into flimsy backyard swimming pools, Miss America with a sprinkler ring perched on my head as my crown, slip-n-sliding on smooth wet sidewalks (ouch), kool-aid stands...What more could life have to offer?  Falling in bed at night, feet black from my staunch refusal to wear shoes, skin itchy from sunburn and tumbles in freshly mown grass, my mind racing with the promises of tomorrow.

I looked in the mirror yesterday, my cheeks slightly sunburnt, my legs brown and freckled, my hair a wild, brittle tangle from too much chlorine and sun, a rat's nest, as my mom would say, my tummy protruding over my bathing suit bottom. "Kary May, if you're going to wear shortie tops at least suck your belly in," my ever mortified older sister, Kathy frequently admonished my ten year old self.  I didn't care back then, why should I now?

I looked into cloudless green eyes and saw that summer girl again.  The girl I fought so hard for.

Hi, there. I remember you.


10 comments:

  1. What wonderful images (and memories) this writing conjured up!

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  2. This may sound redundant but it's amazing how much in common we all have despite our many differences. I was thinking about something similar this weekend. Maybe I'm not seeing that 10 year old boy yet, but I'm getting close to around 14 or 15. :)

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  3. OH THIS IS SO LOVELY, (sorry for the shouting there). I love that and in my very uneducated brain when it comes to psychology it seems to me that there is something very powerful about you today identifying with you the little girl. Especially in such an affectionate way. Great to read my friend. Love to you!! (wobbly tummy and all) xxx

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  4. This was a joy to read...wow. Joy and gratitude and warmth and humour...all rolled into a lovely, lovely snapshot. Thank you :)

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  5. I started reading your entire blog from the beginning some time ago. When I got to the bottom of this one and saw that there were no more "newer posts" I said out loud "oh, no!". :) I just want you to know what an inspiration you are. You are witty, fun, and wise all rolled into one. Thank you!

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  6. Thank you guys, life is so good right now but it's all because I know I'm finally living the life I'm supposed to be living.

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  7. I. Love. This. :)

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  8. Lovely, just lovely

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  9. I'm a Summer Girl, too!!!!! This post gives me happy tears!

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