Heart Choices: First Day of Summer -->

Theme Layout

Boxed or Wide or Framed

Theme Translation

Display Featured Slider

Featured Slider Styles

Display Grid Slider

Grid Slider Styles

Display Trending Posts

Display Author Bio

Display Instagram Footer

Dark or Light Style

First Day of Summer


Today is yesterday was the first day of summer.  Living in Phoenix, I feel like it's been summer for months.  We've already hit triple digit temps.

As you can tell, I'm actually a day late in completing this post.  I started it yesterday and then my husband asked me to try one of his widgets asking your input on what you think of when you hear summer.  We had a couple of glitches with that but it was actually quite helpful; so thank you.

But I remember summer when I growing up on Long Island. 

Summer meant ...
  • no school
  • lots of time to read books
  • fun with my friends
  • the beach
  • having my little sister tag along with me as my mom worked.  :)
Now summer doesn't have the same meaning.  It's very hot in Phoenix.  I know everyone says it's a dry heat but 112 is HOT!

I've been feeling a little down lately.

So, I decided to take another virtual vacation to get away from it all.  I hope you'll make the choice to come along with me.

This is a view of the Pacific Ocean from Big Sur area of California.  Isn't it awesome?

A bit further up the west coast in Oregon is a great place to stay.  Can't you just imagine sitting on that patio looking out, listening to the sounds of the waves breaking on the shore, smelling the salt air?  Well, I think you get the picture.

(Photo Credit: House Beautiful)

Now let's head off to this house in East Hampton, Long Island.  I know I'm jumping from coast to coast but remember this is a virtual summer vacation.

And who can resist a cold glass of iced tea in the middle of summer?  I'm sure Martha Stewart made it extra special for us.

(Photo credit: Away Network)

Fresh fruits and vegetables are so delicious and satisfying for a healthy summer treat.

But now I want to move on to what's most important: people.

 How can you not love Karli as she delights in cool water from a hoze? 
Can you remember a time when things delighted you like this?

And here's Ellie having such fun as she's pulled in this raft. 
I can't believe how quickly she is growing up. 
She and Karli are my friend Jamie's daughters.

And then there's my niece Kristin. 
She and Kevin got engaged recently while swimming with the dolphins. 
They are the perfect picture of young love, aren't they? 
And they also look cool in that water.

I have to say I'm already feeling cooler and better.

The Bible says in Philippians to think on good things. 

There may be days when you or I may be down due to challenging circumstances. 
But we really  have a choice as to how we respond. 
Today, I chose to have a little fun and take a virtual vacation. 

I already feel cooler, calmer and I have ...more hope.



QuickEdit
Debbie Petras
17 Comments
Share This Post :

You Might Also Like

17 comments:

  1. Beautiful!! I struggle with the heat here as well. Being from the Chicago area, I am used to hot and muggy summers, but nothing like the triple-digits of Phoenix. Thank you for a fun virtual vacation from the Arizona desert!! See you Sunday!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Hi Debbie, Loved this virtual trip especially taking it with you. Big Sur was one of our favorite places in northern Ca. WE have close friends in Carmel Valley so went there often. Oregon and the East Coast sound incredible too. Loved your verse and am reminded to "give thanks in all things..."
    Hope you and hubby are doing well.
    Hugs today,
    Noreen

    ReplyDelete
  3. I loved this virtual trip, thanks sis.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Enjoyed the virtual trip with you, Debbie. Oh yes, triple digit heat. I don't think it's quite as hot here though as it is there!

    Love,
    Bethany

    ReplyDelete
  5. Enjoyed...we are in the hundreds also...so I have been up early walking before it gets too hot. I would just love to connect my camper to my car and head to any beach. My camper hasn't been used in five years...just so love being out in nature...even if it is hot.
    I have never been to the places in your virtual vacation so it was a nice visit.
    Enjoyed the virtual vacation,
    Janette

    ReplyDelete
  6. Oh Debbie, loved the trip, it was awesome! I know what you mean talking about triple digits, we get that way quite a bit in Texas!

    Take care.

    Nancy

    ReplyDelete
  7. I think my bible, the chair and the ice tea sound amazing!

    ReplyDelete
  8. I'm right there with you Debbie! Let's go!!

    California to Washington is my old stompin' ground, as you know. I don't think you can beat it.

    Texas is HOT too! I think we're all just stuck with it for awhile.

    Love you... I'm going to get some lemonade! :)

    ReplyDelete
  9. Dear Debbie,
    Solstice was yesterday.The longest day and the shortest night of the year. We call it mid-summer.
    I'm writing this at four in the morning, and outside it's light. The sun will be up in 20 minutes.
    But, girl, it's cold outside 50 Fahrenheit degrees has been the average so far in June. We don't have midnight sun this far south.
    We have blond nights, though, they are indescribable.
    Yesterday was the first day I could go barefoot all day. That's summer to me.
    We have been eating dinner at our terrace from late March, with down jackets on.
    We need to lick sun for our health.

    My grand mother used to say, "happiness in life is not dependent by how you are, but how you are coping how you are."

    She was a wise woman, often hard tried, so she knew what she was talking about.

    I guess I have been spoiled. I don't cope that well when things aren't going my way.
    I tend to look at the difficulties instead of counting my many blessings.

    I try to pray of an honest heart "thy will be done," but I must admit, I never fail to inform our Lord about my wishes and needs as well.

    The scripture recommends me to pray about everything. I do so.
    And the promise is that his peace shall guard my heart and mind.

    Philippians 4:"6Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. "

    Dear Crown of Beauty had a great post about Ebenezer this week.
    I have been so blessed by reading it.
    Best thoughts wishes and prayers from Felisol

    ReplyDelete
  10. Oh Debbie ~ what a wonderful vacation! I am thankful to have gone with you!

    Your picture of your family are just precious!

    My Hope is in HIM toooo!!

    HUGS!

    ReplyDelete
  11. Debbie,

    You are so gifted in getting your pictures to line up so perfectly and you take such beautiful pictures.

    This was a lovely vacation with you, my friend. I enjoyed it tremendously! Let's do it again sometime soon!

    I do feel refreshed but then again, spending time with you and in the Word always does that! Praise Him!

    Love ya, Debra Kaye

    ReplyDelete
  12. I loved the virtual vacation Debbie.

    I'm sorry you've been feeling a little down. (((hugs))) I'm glad the Word lifted your spirit.

    I'm telling you - triple digit heat would get ME down, that's for sure. I don't know how you stand it. Maybe humidity makes a huge difference, but it has been pretty unbearable out here. Blech.

    Love & hugs,
    Beth

    ReplyDelete
  13. Great idea Debbie, wow 112 at least it is dry. I have often wondered if my joints would ache there. My back gets terrible before rain and my head. We have such humidity in Michigan it stinks...I love the virtual tour....very nice photo's. I think the pictures of your beautiful family are cool...I love water and to be so close to a dolphin..that has never happened for me...yet. Thanks for taking me on vacation...lol

    ReplyDelete
  14. My mom is visiting us, and she used to live in Chandler, AZ, so she reads the temps in our paer and is glad she isn't there, although it has been cooler than normal here in MT. We are taking her back to the midwest next week, where she will have to adjust to humidity but not as hot as AZ.

    I loved your virtual tour, Debbie. I combat depression, and just getting outside and going for a walk is so helpful, and your tour was very relaxing and soothing. The verse in Phil. is one that always help me to focus on the things of God, and you are right, we do have a choice. I am glad you choose hope, and I know I feel so much better when I choose hope also.

    Have a wonderful, hope-filled day!
    Blessings and joy,
    Laurie

    ReplyDelete
  15. Very creative way to calm you and entertain yourself :)

    Blessings!

    ReplyDelete
  16. Hi, I am struggling with the heat here as well...But this summer my kids are having a great time at Scottsdale, AZ. I have registered them for the AZR Summer Camp’. They have the best yoga Zenergy’, fitness training Enerjoy Fitness’, Oxford Learning, climbing, playing climbing related games, fun to do activities and three different camp options. I found this event on, http://www.azontherocks.com/kids_stuff/climbing_camps.aspx. They love it there. I will be sending them next week for the Body and Brain Camp aswell, which they have. I am happy my kids are safe and are learning new skills there.

    ReplyDelete
  17. I love your virtual vacations, and the neat thing is, I can go with you! I still dream of the day we can take a trip together - New York or the Cove. You never know.......Thanks for taking me, and many others, along for the ride. Love you,

    ReplyDelete

I love to read your comments! I know you have something to share so join in the conversation. And thank you for taking the time.

[name=DEBBIE PETRAS] [img=http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2CDrwq9-7eo/WV6tdbP-QgI/AAAAAAACfb0/ViqQSnSVaDsMLXyz3AEEzZ5-78luBHOGgCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/Debbie%2BFace%2Bblog.JPG] [description=]