Gathering in the Sun

We took the family to the North Dakota State Fair this weekend. It is our annual tradition that we go to the Fair Parade, then, make our way into the Fair for a day of fun! Nothing changed this year, except maybe, Jamie and I felt more prepared for the day’s events. We made it to our parade-watching destination, bypassing any traffic delays on the way. We were so perfectly timed that they had closed off the street we turned on as we passed it. Everything was charged for ‘bored’ children awaiting the parade’s entertainment. Adults had hot coffee and comfy chairs. As well as some tunes while we waited on the parade to approach.

After the halfway mark of the parade entries, we decided it was time to make our way into the Fair too! Jamie and her business partner at Ascend Wellness were holding a ‘Hoop Competition’ at the Fair. So, we had a time limit in enjoying the parade, before we needed to get going. We made it in with time to spare, so we had lunch and some of us went for a walk to check ticket prices and what rides were available, and for how much. The Hoop Competition was interesting, and our contestants were awesome! After that, we set out into the Fair for fun!

Navigating the Fair comes with its ‘ups’ and ‘downs’. Kids seem to always be hungry but never want to finish the food they order. Everything is a bit expensive. And sometimes weather can play its part in being an obstacle too. We had a great go of it though, this year. It’s not always clean and fun all day, as I imagine every parent understands. This year though, everybody was mostly well-behaved, kids and adults. The food was great! The rides were fun and the lines doable. And we got all we could out of the day as we could muster. Leaving just before it started raining.

I have learned that not every day is the same. That some parts of the year are different for a reason. And that when you’re in the season for Winter things, do it. If you’re in the season of summer things, do that! I watch all whom I know slowly grow and age. You may think, I get so many summers and winters and holidays with these people, but you don’t know for sure how much time you get with anyone. I really love seeing people grow and age and in doing so, I have learned to appreciate the time that is right before me. That when it’s a time for playing at a parade or spending the day saying ‘yes’ to all the family’s whims at the Fair. I just try to do and be and enjoy the process and what is here, for now. I hope you enjoy the same and learn all the while the beautiful people and situations we get to receive and encounter with the wonderful people in our lives.

I am feeling very grateful today and thankful for my family and the summer. It is time to enjoy the Sun and the dirt and the grass. It’s a time to find the opportunities to soak up the magic of the the warm rays and replenish ourselves. I hope you find the way to that for your soul and for your family. Much Love.