A clean-slate. Freshly bloomed trees filling the forest with shades of green. Blue skies reaching down toward crashing peaks of water. The strong but swift wind brushes across faces, grains of sand stick to strands of hair, blades of grass sticking up between every toe.

Breathing in, lungs fill with the essence of the sun. Sweet warming drops of orange and yellow light inspire happiness latch themselves onto the insides of the ribcage filling the chest with warmth. Cheeks are toned light shades of red, having soaked up generous rays that were shined down by the big yellow magic in the sky.

There is a great adventure here. An energetic leap from the edge of the boat fills the spirit with exuberance. Crashing into cold water with full force, the body is submerged from toe to hip to shoulder. The head and face plunge under the surface, dragged under by the force of the jump. The bottoms of the feet are tickled by slimy seaweed, and a school of fish that race by glide in the water effortlessly.

There is a slow journey back to the top as the body resurfaces, breaking the barrier between water and air. When the face is touched by the light of the warm sun once again, droplets of water dry almost instantly. Hair now feels heavy, weighed down by crisp lake water in a cooling embrace.

When the dark night sky comes to meet the setting sun, bright colors light up its vast shadow. Their neon purples, greens, reds, and blues making reflections in the black water below. Loud booms echo throughout the night, met with cheers of excitement and awe. Sounds of laughter buzz in the air as children chase each other across the lawn holding sticks that sparkle brightly. On the steps of the porch arms wrap around shoulders and hands hold each other tightly, admiring the beautiful night before them.

Welcome to the feeling of pure bliss, of blades of grass in between toes, cold water making goosebumps on tanned bodies, and a hug from the sun.

Welcome to summer.