Just as Christmas signifies that winter is in full force, that the season is completely upon us, and that we are, in a way, right in the middle of something wonderful, comforted by the bookends of autumn and spring, the fourth of July sits in the center of its own season: same bookends, different climate.

If Christmas means winter coats and rosy cheeks, spiced eggnog and roaring fires, then Fourth of July means strappy sandals, tanned shoulders, cold beer and bursting fireworks. For me, the two are sisters who are equally smart and beautiful and lovely, yet so different, you’d never know they were related.

And just as Christmas makes me want to unplug and go snuggle up with the ones I love, fourth of July gives me that same “step away from the laptop and no one gets hurt” feeling. But instead of snuggling up, I want to lay on the beach, appropriately distanced from the ones I love. Because it’s hot and I’m sweating.

I don’t think I’ll blog next week. I don’t think there’s time. I don’t want to pack up my laptop wherever I go. I don’t want to try very hard to do anything except be present. I have a feeling the majority of you will be doing the same, I did want to let you know though.

Here’s wishing you and yours a very, merry fourth of July!

To read some of my favorite posts….

On The Future

Sunday Came, Sunday Went

We Were All Meant to Shine as Children Do

Six Years

To make some of my favorite recipes….

Three Recipes for a Paleo Summer Cookout

Chocolate Fudge Brownies

Paleo Pina Coladas

Pineapple and Shrimp Skewers