Summer - Time to Relax: Luis Oliveros

In Europe, or rather, in the Northern hemisphere, it is now summer. This means good or hot weather, depending on how far North or South you happen to be. Of course, the weather also depends on how sea currents are this year (El Niño, …), or freak heat waves, hurricanes and typhoons, summer storms, not to mention man-made disasters, highway, road and pavement works, elections, big concerts, and other unpredictable disturbing factors (earthquakes, tornados, floods, wars, …). But no, let’s start again.

It is summer, warm or hot weather, no cataclysmic events in sight (nearby), swimming pools are open, Holidays!!!. Hold on, we are retired, which means we are and will eternally be on holiday. Yes, but it is different in summer, when people are on holiday and therefore free to move, and there is no school, children are on holiday too. Actually, that also means that those with grandchildren are even more fully booked and at any rate, holidays to do what?. It is a well known phenomenon that retirees never have sufficient free time to do anything at all, and cannot accomplish half their tasks due to lack of time. Yes, but it is also true that crowds go to the coastal areas; cities and normal living quarters are suddenly emptied and you can walk and even park your car. The time to do something very important is now!. Let’s start once more.

It is summer, warm or hot weather, no cataclysmic events in sight (nearby), and everyone, children included, is gone on holiday. So, you (Retiree) can finally relax and look at things without haste.

These pictures are intended to open your eyes to the beauty of parks, lakes, gardens, fountains and forests that may be close to your own neighborhood. Nature beckons you to relax, sit in the shade, look at the lake,

the graceful swans in the placid water,

and those majestic trees,

their canopies reflected in the water.

Now, you can wander into the gardens and admire the colorful flowers, 

full of buzzing bees 

and delightful butterflies in a variety of hues and patterns

at the fountains where birds come to drink 

and take a bath, or enter that ever inviting forest.

Inside the forest, sit by a tree opening space, stay still and wait for that small animal

or bird

that may come to look at you. 

Slow down 

and the forest will embrace you. If you love its quietness and peace, it will make you a part of it. 

But you can also come back

from the forest, if you so decide, its deafening silence, full of mysteries protected by darkness.