Oh How I Do Love a Good Field Trip!

Summer field trips were one of my favorite things growing up. I loved the chance to get away and experience something new. I loved spending time with friends. And of course I loved eating my packed lunch on a sunny lawn, complete with my soda can wrapped in foil.

Trips Ahead!
With those good memories, it is no surprise, then, that I found myself wanting to schedule some field trips to make this summer memorable. So without going overboard (summers have a way of getting busy, don’t they?), I’ve lined up some activities that I think will be really fun. Like a trip to a local farm to learn more about community supported agriculture. And an early hike, followed by brunch. And of course--plenty of time at the neighborhood pool.

Don't Live Close?
Naturally all of you are invited to join me on these trips/events, but I recognize that not all of you live close-by. So, I’ve included a rotating two-week calendar that suggests similar ideas for scheduling activities in your town. I hope you like it!

If you do live in Northern Colorado, and are interested in joining me and some friends, please feel free to email me at shillberry@stephaniehillberry.com for a detailed calendar of upcoming events!

Final Request
My final request? Please share your summer experiences with me! I’m dying to know about your local landscape scouting trip, or your latest hike, or your trip to the museum. Even your happy afternoon at the pool. Share by emailing me or posting your comments throughout the summer!

And certainly--by all means--don’t forget to pack your foil-wrapped soda!

Previous Retro Summer Posts:
Favorite Things
A Poodle Skirt Summer

A Poodle Skirt Summer

I dreamed last night that I was wearing a poodle skirt. Now, I realize that this might seem like an innocuous fact, and a weird way to officially start a new summer series, but I share nevertheless. It was pink. I had a ponytail and ruffle socks, of course, to complete the look.

Fitting
Now normally the fashion choices of my dreams wouldn’t be of consequence, but considering that the theme of this summer’s series is “retro,” I found it fitting. Because after a very complicated stretch of months (economic meltdown, political unrest abroad, pending pandemics, etc. etc.), I’ve been craving a simpler time.

Simple Summer
And so it was with simplicity, and apparently poodle skirts, that I settled on the idea of spending my summer enjoying simple and community-oriented things. And as I mentioned on Friday, I’m not alone in my appreciation for the low-tech pleasures of summer cookouts, gardening, hiking, swimming, star gazing and the like. You know--the stuff childhood summer memories are made of.

The Skinny
So the next twelve weeks will be fairly laid back around here. I’ve broken the months down into two-week sections, with a summer topic assigned for each. Sort of like quick summer school sessions, only without the “school.” Or course I can’t stray too far from creativity and design, so a few weeks will be devoted to “making things pretty.” And there are other themes as well, but I won’t get too detailed now.

The Week:
I will, however, share with you what is coming for the rest of this week:

* tomorrow: in addition to writing, I want to experience this summer hands-on. So, naturally, I’m scheduling field trips. I’ll give you more information about how you can join me, or schedule trips in your own town, tomorrow.

* later: check back to view a tentative preview of the whole summer series, including topics and dates. Also, hear my summer plans for Smarty Pants and Flickr groups!

* Finally, I’ve created a special webpage for Retro Summer ’09, and will continue to add to it throughout the season. Take a minute to visit by following this link.

And no--for the record, I do not own a poodle skirt. Nor do I have plans to wear one this summer. I won't make any promises about ruffle socks or ponytails, though.

Previously Related Posts:
Favorite Things
Indulging in Summer Mornings
Retro Summer '09 on stephaniehillberry.com