Ring Around the Rosy

Summer brings many gifts. One of which is the long days, and the incredible golden hour of light they bring. Somehow, during the long dark winter I tend to forget just how much I adore the early evening hours of summer.

There is so much to love about this time of day. It is such a delight to stand leisurely in the kitchen, cooking our dinner, with the door propped open so I can hear Sugar Bear playing on the porch. Slowly, I prepare the food to feed out tummies, while Sugar creates the sounds that feed my soul. The little feet thumping along the wooden planks of our deck, the squeals of laughter, and the calls of, "is it ready yet?" drifting delightfully in the warm air, mixing with the scents of sliced fresh fruit.

Unlike other times of the year, after dinner there is still time to enjoy the fading light. There is no other time of day that I cherish more. The sinking sun sets the world aglow. As often as possible, Sugar Bear and I take full advantage of this magical time, by heading out on an adventure.

One such evening, Sugar saw fit to bring her dolly (affectionately referred to as "sleeping beauty") along on our golden outing. Per usual, I brought the camera.

While I busied myself taking some pictures of the flowers along the road, my sweet baby girl had a rare moment of true imaginary play. Soon, she and her friend were playing "Ring Around the Rosy", as if they were alone in the rays of light. As they twirled, and twirled....spun and spun.....and let the words dance from their lips, I quietly captured their beauty.

And as they "all fell down", my heart beat fast, and my soul gratefully thanked the sun for this amazing summer gift.