SUMMER SOLSTICE

Such a lovely time of the year is coming to us now.

Spring has sprung, and gone...

The hours of sunlight are increasing...the air is warmer...trees and plants have come to life again...

We are heading for that magic time of the year when "Mother Nature" shows us exactly why we are allowed to live on this beautiful blue planet.

Many around the world are suffering right now and they need us to stay strong and positive, so that we have something to give when they call and need us...

All of us is connected to Nature; all of Nature is connected to us.

The five elements correspond to us, in us and around us.

It is time, if you have not already done it, to plant seeds, plant starters, flowers and to take care of whatever small or big outer space you have access to.

Just as we create a rainbow of colours (or at least I hope you do) for every meal for us to stay as healthy as we can, in the same way be creative with colours in your outdoor and indoor space; and be creative with your personal colours as well.

Gone is black and Winter; in comes colours and Summer.

"Summer Solstice" is rightfully celebrated around the world on or around the 21st of June; and especially in the Nordic countries, where Winters are long, dark and cold.

"Midsommar" is a real thing and I hope you will find inspiration from those wonderful traditions. They wary from country to country, and also within the different regions of one country. Try to find a mix of what is suitable for you and your family.

For me "Summer Solstice" must be celebrated with a picnic of home-made Cinnamon buns, fresh berry juice and vegan ice cream (in a cooling box) plus whatever vegan snacks you can come up with.

The picnic always goes to the forest first to sit down/lay down under the trees, put the food and drink on a blanket and just sit there to take it all in.

Next when all have had their fill is the beach; off we go, the kids running into the water, bathing, playing and having a real good time.

The adults keep an eye on them while drinking herbal tea and maybe snack on the left-over ice cream, if there is any...

Have the kids collect items from both the forest and the beach (without breaking anything and being respectful towards Nature) and bring them home to create a "Summer Solstice Tray".

Upon returning home maybe there is time for some creative activities like drawing and sketching with inspiration from the day.

A lovely tradition is to make a "Flower Wreath" out of natural flowers: Chamomile, Poppies, Cornflowers, Dandelion and other wild flowers you can be allowed to pick, with permission, or even better grow yourself. Even a window sill will do, or a small balcony...

And last: regular bedtime is suspended; everyone is allowed to stay up as long as they want.

The magic of holding my Paternal Grandmother's hand while watching the stars slowly and gradually appear on the Midsummer sky is such a precious memory for me.

I hope you will join me in celebrating Nature and those, who showed us love when we were kids...they stay in our hearts forever...

Love you all; wishing you a wonderful "Summer Solstice" wherever you are!