Is it just me or does summer seem to really begin in August?  That’s not to say that the first 60 degree day following a long winter doesn’t evoke an insuppressible desire to throw on the shorts and a tank top, wash the car, soak up the sun and plant something in the ground.  We all want to get the lawnmower out and inhale the intoxicating perfume of fresh mowed grass.  Indeed those first warm days bring about all of that desire and anticipation for summer. 

No matter how those days tease us with the anticipation of summer, it isn’t really here yet.  We still must wait for the rains to come, the soil to warm, the seedlings to burst into full fledged vegetables, and then finally summer arrives – right about August.  Just like the calendar says – who knew?

Summer dazzles all the senses – whether it is good or bad.  She beckons you like Cleopatra beckoned Antony.  She promises goodness and bounty.  She promises vacations filled with memories.  She makes you want to spend the day at the lake, picnicking with family or friends. 

Close your eyes and you can taste the tang of the first potato salad of the season on your taste buds.  You can feel the crunch of the sweet corn and butter running down your chin.  And somewhere wafting with the wind is the heady scent of burgers and dogs sizzling on the grill.  And for desert?  Well what would summer be without the light sweetness of watermelon. 

Summer promises BBQs with friends and late nights on the deck.  Summer seduces you with the thought of not going to work on Monday.  If only we could have one more day.  One more day of carefree, easy living; if only we could have just one more lazy, luscious day…

I know it is so cliché to say but the August cover of O magazine captures all I’ve described and more. That picture is worth 1000 words or at least 325 which is how many I’ve managed to tap out so far.  On Oprah’s face is the pure joy that only summer can bring.  What other time of year makes you want to get up early and go shopping?  Doesn’t the idea of a dewy morning mingled with the denizens of the earth at the local farmers market scream summer? 

What is better than that single day at the market when finally all the fruits and veggies are ripe?  As you pass each stall they permeate the air with their sweet nectar.  Out front and center are jars of fresh strawberry jam (and huckleberry, apricot, pear, choke cherry, etc…) just begging you to include it on your picnic menu.  Even if you never eat jam, just the idea of jam on a freshly baked baguette while you’re lying on a blanket at some random park…how did strawberry jam become so romantic? 

That’s what it is…summer is romantic.  Summer promises anything is possible, as does O magazine.  She asks us to open her pages and find out how we can “Eat Better! Live Happier!”  What better time than in the throes of summer? 

Oprah standing amid the many offerings of her local farmers market looks as if she is in motion.  She is gathering the gifts given us by our Sister Summer.  But that is not the end.  You can tell by her environment and her African-type basket stuffed full of goodies that today will be the best day yet.  She is going to return home to Stedman and dazzle everyone with the most delicious, organic, seasonal meal of her life – and you can do it too! 

Open the pages and you’ll learn how to make food guilt-free, using only the finest, freshest ingredients.  Organic is one thing but organic and sustainable is yet quite another.  My favorite is the article about the family who changed their lives to raise pigs.  Not just any pigs but heirloom pigs.  These darling creatures, pets to the children one day and pork chops the next.  I know that sounds so creepy but read on and you discover how you can add this delectable pork to your menu.

Summer is also the time of year we tend to feel as though we look our best.  I don’t care what anyone says about tanning – we all look a little better with some color on our skin.  I’m going to guess that is why the self-tanning business is booming!  We’ve become conscious of our health but EVERYONE still wants a tan.  Tan or no, O presents us with the latest trends for fall.  Whatever the season, Oprah looks fabulous in her bohemian chic farmer’s market outfit.  If she looks that great maybe we should see what else is offered for fashions everyone can wear, no matter the age.

Carrying on with our summer theme, O wants to help us relax and learn to rest.  Can’t you imagine yourself snoozing away the afternoon tucked in a hammock under the canopy of a 100 year old oak tree?  As enticing as that sounds, this article is directed more toward those of us who can’t seem to get out of the rat race, even long enough to take a short vacation. 

Ask yourself, do you really know how to disconnect?  Can you leave all the media behind and immerse yourself in your hobby for a single hard-earned week of vacation?  If you don’t think so, maybe the suggestions within the pages of O can help you to learn how to tune out and turn on.

Finally the age old dance of boy meets girl is never hotter than when it begins as a summer romance.  If you’re wondering what goes on behind those sexy green eyes of his, read on to discover how the male psyche really functions.

I love summer.  Most of my best memories are based during the glorious days of an Oklahoma summer.  I hope you feel the same and are in the mood for making more memories.

Don’t let the calendar fool you.  I know school is right around the corner and football season is going to begin soon.  But before it does, take some time to enjoy the apex of our sister when her fruit is the ripest and the days are the warmest.  After all, she won’t be back again for 9 more months.  Embrace all her bounty offers and live your life to its fullest.