Well, it’ August. And, I’m panicking. Those who know me take my panicking in stride, of course. But, it’s August. I should be panicking. Actually, I think everyone is. I’m just admitting the fact.
Summer is almost over. I’m still this awful pasty white color, the family vacation plans were bust, and the weather really has sucked. The low tonight is like 47 degrees. It’s August!
I blame retail. Not for the weather, that is, but for everything else. I need to blame someone or something. Since I’m not a woman, I can’t blame the man – that would be me. There’s no way I’m blaming myself. So, I blame retail. Retail can never be in the moment. It’s always looking forward, accelerating time. The instant a holiday is over, the Clearance items are marked and the aisle is set for the next calendar ‘event’. What’s worse – we expect this ritual. Prime example – Just days after the Fourth of July a customer actually asked me where the school supply items were located. Before we know it, Christmas in July will just merge with the regular Christmas season.
On the flip-side, it is only the second week of August. Living in a tourist haven, that is a major bonus. All of the vacationers have to vacate. For them, the school year begins soon. We here in Traverse don’t start until after Labor Day. Translation – we get our town back. Not totally, though. We still have those snowbirds. They don’t leave for what seems like an eternity. Or until they get their fuckin’ flu shot.
There are a few new freckles on your shoulders
The hammock swings lower and touches the grass
The apples are ripe and the corn is past
Everyone says summer goes by so fast.
And we just got here
So, we enjoy what we can while we can, I guess.
Put our faces in place for September’s dance
If your willing, I’m willing to take one more chance
… we just got here
from We Just Got Here by Carly Simon
