The End of Summer

Officially, summer ends on September 22.  But for all practical purposes, it ended yesterday - on Labor Day.  We mark the end of the season with pools closing, schools opening (if they haven't already), the final cook-out holiday of the year, and a little reflection on what we did or didn't do over the summer.

My summer was a mixed bag.  On the high side, I attended my first two writers conferences.  Met some great people, gathered lots of good information, and received an invitation to submit when ready from five agents/editors.  My hubby and I also managed to attach a mini vacation to one of those conferences and had a wonderful time.  I got to spend time with all my grandkids and had a lovely visit from out of town family.

But on the down side, we lost our wonderful old dog, Brandi, in July and my daughter-in-law's mom, a very special lady, passed away in August.

I didn't get as much accomplished as I'd hoped for.  The WIP isn't done (still in re-writes), the regular lap swimming at the pool didn't quite happen, and several projects around the house are only partially completed.

But Labor Day also marks a beginning. Just like when we were kids, going off to start a new grade, notebooks full of fresh clean paper. A fresh start. A new year.  To be whatever we make of it. 

I'm excited.

How did your summer go?  Was it everything you hoped for?  Are you eager to move into the fresh start of fall?

Groaner of the Day:  Anne the harpist had a date with her boyfriend Sam, who picked her up right after rehearsal.  She was nervous about leaving her harp in his car while they went dancing but he told her not to worry, he was good friends with the owner of the disco and she could lock her instrument in his office. 

They had a great time, and quite a bit to drink, and the next morning Anne realized she'd forgotten about her harp.  She tried to retrieve it but the club was closed and she was forced to go to that day's rehearsal without it.

The conductor, of course, demanded an explanation.  Anne explained, "I left my harp in Sam's friend's disco."