SUMMER COZY COMIN' UP

When I was a child our local movie theatre had a sign that read "It's Cold Inside," snow-capped letters in icicle-blue.  This was the draw--keep the kids entertained in icy comfort with a candy bar and a movie.  Frozen Zero bars were a favorite.  By the time I had children those signs were gone.  Now every building I enter is cold, freezing sometimes.  Workers keep jackets, sweaters and even blankets at the office during the summer.  People eat al fresco at restaurants partly to avoid the air conditioning.  Without even getting into the waste of energy, not everyone enjoys recirculating air, winter or summer.  Some of us open our windows whenever the temperature allows. We work outdoors if we can.  We're not adverse to the heat, a good sweat followed by a warm shower.  Not bad.  What's best about summer seems to be the feeling of freedom.  Cooler clothes, ocean swimming, fruity drinks, casual get-togethers, more flexible schedules, vacations . . . lots of loose ends we make the most of.  

But summer is also a good time for cozy, that feeling of being hugged, being wrapped in comfort.  bella GRACE (BELLAGRACEMAGAZINE.COM), a magazine I tout from time to time (theme:  "Life's a Beautiful Journey"), loves lists.  The editors invite people to submit them for publication, lists like "My Flaws Worth Loving and Embracing" or "Small but Significant Reasons to be Grateful."  Nice prompts meant, I think, to help us with our fears, our dreams and our inspiration.  Because I don't want to give up the coziness of winter as spring blooms into the North Carolina summer, I've made my own list for Summer Cozy.  See what you'd add. 

• Picnics on blankets are cozy.
• Cotton sweaters are cozy.
• Late night walks (and cotton sweaters) are cozy.
• Sweatshirts after a swim are cozy.
• Anything after a swim--beach towels, pullovers, blanket-flopping. . . .
• The hot summer sun on our skin is cozy.
• Hot dogs over a fire, steamed clams, jacket potatoes, roasted corn, whatever we cook outdoors is cozy.
• S'mores are cozy, anything chocolate is cozy. 
• Crowding around an outdoor table.
• Porch-sleeping.
• Sleeping-bags are cozy, alone or together.
• Lolling in bed on a morning off is cozy.
• Eating pancakes.
• Snuggling on the couch with your children, or grandchildren.
• My maltipoo fresh from his bath is cozy, dry from rug-wiggling.

Isn't it funny how free and cozy can meld into one mood, one happy atmosphere, one lucky day? I'm not wishing away the spring.  It's too lovely and we've waited for it for months.  Just taking a minute to think about what's coming and how much there will be to enjoy.