15 Things to do Before Summer Ends

I LOVE summer. The warm breezes, the fireflies, the fresh berries and corn on the cob. It's all so wonderful! But summer seems to go by so very quickly. Before I know it, the days are getting shorter and autumn winds bring cool air and falling leaves. Don't get me wrong, I enjoy the fall too! But this year I am determined to make memories that will last through the cold winter days. Here is my list of 15 things I want to do before summer ends.

1. Go to the local county fair and enter one of the exhibits.
   

2. Press flowers.
   

3. Watch fireflies come out in the evening light while sitting on the porch with a glass of iced tea.
   

4. Eat a fresh peach.
   

5. Go canoeing on the river.
   

6. Read an entire book while lying in the hammock.
   

7. Walk barefoot in the creek.
   

8. Visit a new ice cream shop and try a new flavor.
   

9. Enjoy a picnic on the hillside with a close friend.
   

10. Find and photograph a frog.
    

11. Give a fresh bouquet of flowers to a stranger.
    

12. Make homemade popsicles.
    

13. Hang the laundry on the line.
    

14. Paint with watercolors under the shade of a large tree.
    

15. Create a summertime playlist.

In the past year or two, I've noticed how time really is racing past. Busyness can seem like such a good and important thing. But I am convinced that busyness can also be a thief. It subtlety steals moments from life. I've found myself doing things out of obligation, rather than things that I feel lead or excited to do. That's how I came up with the idea of this list. I decided to intentionally take time to write out the things I wanted to do this season no matter how silly or frivolous they sounded. Days fly by and turn into weeks. Weeks turn into months; and before I know it, seasons have past and I wish I would have made time to slow down and enjoy life. I am a firm believer that each day holds something special if we make time to look for it. So often I rush from one task to the next when I need to prioritize what is right in front of me.

I hope that by reading this list you're also inspired to make the most of not just summer, but everyday we've been give. It truly is a gift. We never know which day may be our last.

If you decide to make a summer "to do list" please share it with me! I love hearing from you!

Thanks for reading,

Abby