Inspiration from Hemingway to write on the end of summer
For inspiration today, I looked to Hemingway and his suggestion for writers, “All you have to do is write one true sentence. Write the truest sentence that you know.”
So, I begin…
Summer is over.
On this rainy, end of August day, I gaze from my office window, into the lush North Georgia woods, to see the end of a season. Tired and droopy, the oak and beech leaves clutch knowingly to their branches. They’re experienced now, these leaves, mature survivors of storms and caterpillars. They will have their say soon, not to be ignored much longer. Beneath these wide branches sits a stark, white camper. That camper is still and empty, its summer inhabitants captured by other interests and activities. A small branch and a few leaves cover the top of the camper as it waits for a new season of travelers. For now, there are stories to tell.
On the edge of the camper steps is a single red rope. This rope reminds me of mornings drinking pressed coffee from a metal cup and calling my dog from its wanderings. As I look at the now closed space I am reminded of several hot evenings spent with a fan blowing and all windows flung open wide, cicadas buzzing loud in the distance. I see my big boys stuffed into their bunks and their various shoes strewn about. The shoes remind me of my dog’s love of chewing sneakers and all things precious to their owners.
Near the camper is a trash can full of sundry summer items that were once a part of our travels: granola bar boxes by the dozen, worn out foot supports for hiking boots, an empty jar of oil, a broken bike. My memory takes me to those dinners for five at the camper table that were cramped but delicious. The stories will come over Sunday dinners now.
Summer is over, and it was wonderful. We had an epic camping adventure with our family seeing remote and beautiful parts of the country. It was big, this trip and it will take me weeks to unpack physically and mentally.
For now the camper waits. When the leaves begin their show, the camper will fill again with talk and boots and bugs. It’s fall inhabitants will return like a salmon to its spawning streams.
Angelina's Garden 
you have a cool life
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Thank you Jimmy.And, I am merely chasing your cool life of bees and trips to Florida and mountain motorcycle rides. We are certainly blessed!
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Your story reminds me of the many camping and hiking trips we took with our boys! Fun times!!! I’m sure your camping will inspire many stories throughout the fall.
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Thank you. Yes… there are many to tell and I’m hoping for years to come
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This post takes me back to adventures I had in my youth, adventures had with my own family, and the adventures yet to come with my wife. The memories, thick all around in cooling air, will germinate again, stories will be told, and all will be right with the world, at least for that day.
Thank you for sharing the end of your summer with us! 🙂
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Good times! It’s hard to see summer end. But hopefully more good times to come in the near future.
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I refuse to have it end just yet! We have dear friends of over 30 years visiting us. We’re showing them Alaska. When they leave next week, we’re taking one, last camping trip with our oldest son and his family, and the dogs! My veggies still aren’t done growing and although the leaves on the birch are quickly yellowing, and the fireweed is topping out, I’m determined to squeeze just a couple more weeks out of this mild summer. No snow poles are on the highways and byways, so I pushing winter back just a bit…
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I agree. Let’s see how long we can get out of these last few weeks. Today, the sun has come out from behind the hurricane clouds and its looking like summer again. Definitely lifting my spirits a bit. Enjoy some camping while you can with the dogs. Dogs are so much fun on camping trips!!!
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We’re almost empty-nesters and are very excited to go in our small trailer with our dogs. Our retirement dream is for the 2 of us – and our 2 dogs – to see Alaska – as much of it as we can. We are beyond blessed to live here! ❤️
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There’s so very much to love about this post. You give us such a grounded, sensory approach to everything around you, but it goes so much deeper than that. Yes, there’s the red rope, the pressed coffee, the trash from your travels. But…LOOK. Look at these photos. Look at the boundless joy and contentment within. It’s absolutely beautiful. Thank you.
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Only three words, “Summer is over.” But what a story was really experienced. Thanks for sharing, and WOW! Have my great nephews grown! Love, Aunt Lee
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