If you want to relax, watch the clouds pass by if you’re laying on the grass, or sit in front of the creek; just doing nothing and having those still moments is what really rejuvenates the body. ~Miranda Kerr
Summertime is the perfect time to take some moments to do that relaxing and look at those clouds or listen to the creek tumble over some rocks or smile at the shrieks of joy some kids make while they play in that creek. You can even get in on the cooling creek water when your dog splashes in and then loves you so much he finds you to shake and share that water with you. 
Our creek is not easy access which maybe makes it even more fun. It’s about a mile from the house and then you have to go down a steep path and climb across some rocks next to the rock cliff. But then you’re rewarded with a spring fed creek bubbling over rocks. The water is cold in the early spring and cool even on a hot summer day. It would be a great place to cool off except for that climb back up that hill into the real world of summer.
You won’t be surprised that the grandkids have grown up loving to go to the creek. They have to make a few sincere promises before I’ll take them. They have to agree to listen and stop immediately if I tell them to. They have to not run. They have to believe me when I say that plant is poison ivy or don’t touch the nettle. Of course, if they ever do touch that nettle, they won’t ever want to again. Last summer, with the magic of phone computers, we looked up nettle while we were there to be sure we were avoiding the right plant. We were. Nettle sting or whatever you call it doesn’t last long but those few minutes last way longer than you want it to while it’s making you wish you hadn’t touched it.
So for the kids, I’m a creek lifeguard. “Watch out for that rocky rock.” “That one is a slippery rock.” “Just swipe that spiderweb out of your hair. The spider is more afraid of you than you are of it.” “Water spiders won’t hurt you.” “Watch your fingers if you pick up that crawdad.” Well, you get the idea. Maybe I should take a whistle with me.
But the kids have fun and so do I. The grand girl here first went to the creek when she was three. I was younger then and could carry her some of the time. She loved the water. She’s growing up now, almost a teen, but she still did some splashing when we went to the creek again this year. She’s a kid who knows how to have fun in a creek.
So if you get a chance this summer, take some time to relax. Enjoy the sound of a creek rolling over rocks. Walk beside the ocean and let the waves tickle your toes. Climb a mountain and enjoy the breeze. Go out into a dark night and admire the stars. Appreciate the storm clouds bringing rain. Or just really look at some flowers and be glad for the gifts of nature. I’ve been to the creek, but I hope to go again.
What do you like to do to relax?
Thanks as always for reading.
An extra note: I sent out a newsletter with a new giveaway last week. If you didn’t get one, let me know and I’ll send you one. I’ll be posting details of the giveaway on my News & Events page sometimes today.