The Quill #7: The Quill’s Flame

“It was one of those March days when the sun shines hot and the wind blows cold: when it is summer in the light, and winter in the shade.” —Charles Dickens

BBQs, beaches, parks, gardens, fairs, carnivals, baseball games, etc. Many of those take place during the day, but how about summer nights? They have a special kind of magic. Here’s a listicle to spark that feeling of looking toward the arrival of something wonderful.
.

1. Host a bonfire with music or storytelling: Gather your friends or family around a crackling fire. On those cool, breezy Wisconsin nights, sitting around a warm fire with the smell of burning ambers and the flickering light creates a relaxed and ideal atmosphere. Enjoy low music, roasting marshmallows, and making s’mores while letting the ancient tradition of gathering around a bonfire fuel your imagination to share fairy tales.

“The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched — they must be felt with the heart.” —Helen Keller

2. Take a stroll under the beauty of the moonlight. The moon’s magnificent presence and glow create an air of mystery, magic, tranquility, and romance. Enjoy the splendor of heaven’s light, whether it’s a long walk by the lake, pond, or beach or a short stroll around your neighborhood or park. A walk under the glints offers an unfamiliar perspective on familiar surroundings, lending an air of mystery and tranquility to the night.

“The moon is the accomplice of all things related to the heart.” —Walter Mercado

3. Listen to the night sounds — nature’s symphony: Go outside, play, and guess the sounds: shrills, chirps, coos, and hoots. Are they nocturnal birds? How about crickets, toads, frogs, or the buzz of bugs? (Don’t forget the mosquito spray!) It can be a fun time. Relax in the whispery flow of leaves in the breeze, a natural, calming, evocative, and even mystical time. It is a reminder that vibrant life continues after the sun sets.

“I like to listen. I have learned a great deal from listening carefully. Most people never listen.” —Ernest Hemingway

4. Chase fireflies in the twilight: As evening settles, grab a jar and stroll into a field or your backyard. The flickering dance of fireflies feels like something straight out of a fairy tale. Their gentle glow and fleeting appearances create a sense of wonder and wistfulness.

“Twilight — a time of pause when nature changes her guard. All living things would fade and die from too much light or too much dark, if twilight were not.”  —Howard Thurman

5. Dream under the stars: Away from city lights, lose yourself with the canvas of the night sky. Spread out a blanket and watch the constellations come alive. You might even spot a shooting star (make a wish!). Download a stargazing app to identify constellations and planets, adding a touch of cosmic enchantment to the evening.

Enjoy the magic and create lasting memories, regardless of how you spend your summer nights. They are fleeting, so be sure to enjoy each one.

“He who marvels at the beauty of the world in summer will find equal cause for wonder and admiration in winter.” —John Burroughs