Thinking about the warmer months...

I feel so fortunate that my daughters have been in school this year—thanks to smart protocols, a dedicated administration and faculty, not to mention a hard-working staff. Now, as we’re approaching summer I find that familiar feeling of anticipation creeping up…the finish line is in sight! Daily assignments become leisurely reading, crafts, and swim days for my kids, while my productivity takes a plunge.

You would think having the kids around would be a good thing for a kid lit writer, but I have discovered that when my kids are around I’m spending time with them—not thinking about stories and writing. I need that space away from them to digest, reflect, and create. So, I guess that means early mornings for me this summer…there are worse things.

It also means I’ve gotten to thinking about that elusive 11 weeks that fly by so fast. What will we do with the time? I’m feeling ambitious right now, so I’ve got a list. On that list: “Service Sundays” (volunteering at least once a month) and a Ford Family Summer Spectacular (my daughter is working on a script and maybe we’ll produce it), as well as connecting with friends and family whenever feasible. I want this summer to be both a break and a chance to really create something lasting—a tradition or something more tangible. My less ambitious self is thinking about a pool chaise, an icy lemonade, and a book to read and alternately nap under.

Maybe (says my ambitious self, sneaking up on me) I can do it all.

Nazanin Ford