The snowflakes turned into wet blobs as they hit the pavement. It was cold, but not cold enough for the snow to stick. The wind was sharp enough to make the after work dog walk a necessity rather than a relaxing pleasure. On the way into the house I grabbed the mail. Suddenly everything was better because for a brief moment I felt the full sun on my face. The Land’s End swim issue had arrived and they were offering me a sweet discount code.
After feeding the dog and putting some soup on the stove, I quickly got on the Land’s End website. I had a plan of attack and knew my priorities. I felt like Ralphie looking at the Red Rider BB Gun through the store window but, unlike him, I controlled my destiny.
Soon new board shorts, a swim skirt and new rash guards will be at my door. Soon the days will begin to be noticeably longer. Soon I will spend a weekend coating the paddle boards with protectant for another summer of heavy use. Soon I will be at the lake for the first paddle of 2021.
I could attempt to wax poet about the facing the dark or the need for rest and regeneration to grow new seeds but I just don’t feel it. The truth is I AM A Summer Girl. Horseback riding and hiking are best in the spring and fall. The winter is a time to nap and dream of long, lazy days on the water.
In the dark days of COVID, the events in Washington DC and cold, gray January days, the catalog gave me joy. Buying what I wanted for a new season gave me hope. I think I’m going to make it.
The Yoga Cowgirl 
You already have made it!!
Liberty A thick and shapeless tree-trunk would never believe that it could become a statue, admired as a miracle of sculpture, and would never submit itself to the chisel of the sculptor, who sees by her genius what she can make of it. (St. Ignatius).
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Your plans for summer sound amazing 🌞💛 here’s to bright sun on the lake with your board!
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Your title is perfect for this post. After all, hope is something that each of us hang on to. Enjoy your new buys!
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Hang in there, Sarah. During winter days that seemed to last forever, my dad used to remind me that every day, we get closer to Spring! Congrats on shopping from home and getting something to give you hope for sunnier times!
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Oh i feel the winter blues and planning ahead for summer is such a good idea!!! ❤️ Hugs and love! love that picture!
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I get the Land’s End catalog too and just bought two Supima long-sleeve shirts. Summer’s right around the corner–surely it is!
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And I love their cotton shorts. I live in them. It gets really hot here in the summer. I spend every evening on the patio. Those shorts are perfect after work when I know I’ll sit outside and sweat in the shade. I drink cold drinks and read Southern Lit. It’s the most wonderful time of the year!
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Really? I will have to look up the cotton shorts. Have you bought a good pair of yoga/jogging pants from them? If so–let me know which ones. 🙂
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The shorts have elastic waistbands, they are like gym shorts of old for women. I don’t like the trouser style. I have not bought joggers or leggings from them, but I would if I needed some. I watch for sales and buy them. I am not buying much this year, but at the end of last summer I new I needed new board gear.
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I just received that catalogue, too. Can’t say that I viewed it with the joy that you did, but I did like the idea that there were sunnier days ahead, something new was on the horizon. For me summer won’t include a swimsuit, but a few pairs of shorts for my daily walks… those called to me.
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LOVE their cotton, elastic waist shorts with pockets. I live in them. Also like their elastic waist skorts for work.
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Good to know. Will look for those. Thanks
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A seed catalog arriving did this for me. Hope, in the form of spring and planting and gardening. I do love winter, though, so I’m not going to rush my way through it. I’ve been looking for some good board shorts. I’ll check out Lands End. Thank you. 🙂
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