Summer

Sun lovers take note:  Summer officially begins in the Northern Hemisphere on June 20, 2012, at 7:09 P.M. (EDT).  That's tomorrow.  The Summer Solstice.  The longest day of the year. 

I plan to enjoy the extra rays of sunshine starting with early morning golf and ending with sunset drinks on the patio (with dashes outside during the work day to soak up a little more of the golden goodness).

What about you?  Will you turn your face upward as your garden?  Bask in a hammock?  Bake on a beach chair?  Will you walk a little more slowly to your car and let the sun's warmth relax your shoulders, warm you to the marrow?  Will you sit on a porch and watch the kids play way beyond bedtime? 

Whatever you do, enjoy the extra light and the little emotional charge we all get knowing that summer has finally arrived. 

And if you're having trouble getting into the mood, watch this video of The Beatles singing their fabulous song, Here Comes the Sun

Enjoy the Darkness

Happy Winter Solstice -- the official day when the axial tilt of the planet's polar hemisphere is farthest away from the star it orbits. Our star, of course, is the sun, and the Winter Solstice officially marks the shortest day and longest night of the year.  It's no wonder that light reigns supreme during this season.  Whether the glow comes from the soft flicker of Hanukkah or Kwanzaa candles, a roaring fire in the grate, or the the twinkle of Christmas trees, we all need the comfort of a little extra illumination about now.  But, don't chase away the magic of darkness completely.  Enjoy the peace and velvet quiet inherent in the longer nights.  Sleep deeply, rest, and breathe in the serenity of this deep, dark winter, even as you light it up.