Almost daily I feel divided or distracted.

I’ve often told friends that there are seasons in life where some things are more important than others. There is a time and a place, or even a season, for hosting families for dinner. Because entertaining is such a passion of mine, I will continue to practice hospitality this summer, but I plan to simplify it as much as I can. We love Al Fresco dining, and with simple settings, flowers from the garden and a citronella candle in the middle of the table, it really takes no extra thought. Because I believe in delegating part of the meal, I will only have to think about preparing a couple of dishes.

I’ve been guilty at times, being the “party-girl” that I am, of not taking the time to sit and relax with my family more. To swim with them in the evening, or even to sit by the pool and play the “Rate My Dive” game with them.

To spend more time in the garden and try some new canning recipes. To actually stop and visit with a neighbor on the way to the mailbox. And most importantly, to sit and unwind with my husband in the cool of the evening.

After a hectic week Paul took the boys out camping for the night and fly-fishing over the weekend. Abby and I hung out and swam, played around in the pool (every game she could think of), we watched Little Women together and were silly and laughed a lot.

It reminded me of how silly I would get, at this age growing up, with my childhood friend, Lisa.

My new summer goal is to relax more. To turn off the computer at night and let my work go until morning, to try to be as disciplined as I can in the morning and during the day to get done what needs to be done, to include my kids more in chores and duties around the house, and to just enjoy life more.

We will entertain as a family, this summer, but I decided that we’re going the “easy route.”

I’m ready to let concerns go and to invite peace in.

I’m wondering if this post resonates with any of my friends?

Quick Note: Be watching for a post this summer on, “Outdoor Movie Nights!”

(Above photos: Our bed of lettuce is ready to be thinned and transplanted into other parts of the garden. And baby leeks in the greenhouse that have yet to be divided. And Abigail and me being silly, in a photoshoot from Daddy with her first strawberry pie (post to come). )