A summer view…

There is quite a bit of history, here in Putnam County, New York.  Those living down county, closer to Manhattan often call this “upstate” but we are barely at the tip of what is truly…upstate New York and the majestic beauty which lies beyond the Catskill Mountains up to the Adirondacks.  Yet, it is, at times, a lovely country atmosphere, even as development continues to encroach our area, and, for some, not enough growth to impact our rising taxes.

Regardless of any season, the views are often spectacular.  Colors which awaken each Spring.  The Autumn kaleidoscope painted when Fall arrives then,  the gentle coating of the first snowfall as nature takes its winter nap. But, Summer…long, lazy days mixed with sudden downpours and the inevitable heat and humidity.  These few months of lounging through outdoor activities will soon end as we cycle through one more year. 

This marker stands in place to denote the Carver Bridge.  It sits alongside Route 301, at the intersection with Belden Road, just before the causeway that leads over West Branch Reservoir. 

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It reads:  Cut stone with wood deck, Timothy Carver, first Supervisor of the Town of Carmel, drowned there in 1824.  The former bridge is now under 50 feet of water, one half mile to the south.

 

I give due credit to my daughter for capturing this beautiful summer view along the Route 301 Causeway.  I think Timothy Carver would approve.

 

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workshop-button-1 My response to Mama Kat’s weekly writing prompt…”Your favorite summer view so far”

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Popsicles…

As with every year that passes, the seasons move along quickly, orchestrated, it seems, by the retail market.

We just celebrated July 4th.  Families have been heading to a favorite vacation getaway or to someplace new and hopefully exciting.  Summer is in full bloom.  Almost.

Heading into the almost end of July finds everything “Summer” on sale and, of course, all the school supplies are out everywhere.  Yes, I know that this is directed mostly at college students and the parents who will be helping them prepare for the return, or start, of higher learning. 

But really.  We just got to this point of sun, sand and shore.  Warm summer nights.  Lemonade stands. Quick, gushing rainstorms.  Rainbows.  Fireflies.  Popsicles.  Sleeping with a fan in the window, always searching for that cool spot on the bed sheets.  Popsicles.

I know, I know.  I mentioned Popsicles twice.  Made you think back, didn’t it? 

Our old memories are good ones.  Simpler times where we made our own fun.  Fun that wasn’t dictated by electronic gadgets cemented in children’s hands at every opportunity while the beauty and adventure life can offer speeds past. 

Now, August waits outside the summer door.  Kids will be moping, having been away from the classroom too long.  Other kids just want to have more fun and start panicking as one more school year draws near.  Parents silently rejoice.  The retailers will soon be pushing Halloween and Thanksgiving items and, of course, Christmas…which is just 5 months away, in case you were wondering.

My advice?  Stop right this moment!  Cherish every summer moment and remember…you’re never too old for a Popsicle!

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Broken…

“Look past the brokenness of others-because, quite frankly, we are all beautifully broken.”

This reached out to me after a friend’s post recently.  Although I’m not very religious, there was just something about so much of what’s behind these simple words.

Life can break us in ways large and small.   The damage may lie deep within, hidden from others who are often quick to judge what they cannot see.   Being, and staying, broken leaves us hurt, angry, and confused. Being broken open leads to self-awareness, empathy, and compassion.   Ultimately, it leads to healing, always for ourselves and sometimes for others.

Ernest Hemingway wrote in his novel A Farewell to Arms: “The world breaks everyone and afterward many are strong in the broken places.” Not only are some strong there . . . some are down right beautiful.

Be beautiful, broken, wonderful, whole, and help someone else with your hope and love.

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From Mama Kat’s Writing Prompts….Write a post in exactly 11 lines. 

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