The cheers of the crowd watching the Pride parade as our group marched by. Dance music from loudspeakers on nearby parade floats adding an uplifting vibe and cadence in our steps. Sounds of marching bands, shouts of joy and happiness from fellow parade marchers, visions of colorful creative parade floats, banners and decorations, laughter of children and those young at heart with smiling faces enjoying the sights and sounds of the parade. My fellow parade marchers lifted the inflatable train representing my company contingent, when I commented out loud that all we need now is a train whistle! Just then a work colleague handed me a wrapped toy train whistle from her bag, and I suddenly became an excited little kid again watching the parade and immediately swept back in time to my youth and the senses of summer growing up in Georgia.
As a kid growing up in Georgia, I always loved trains and train whistles. In the summer my Great Aunt Alma would take me to the train station near her home to watch the trains go by. I loved seeing the trains and hearing the whistle. I remember during colder months I would ask Aunt Alma to turn on my favorite toy, a battery-operated train locomotive with a bright engine light and loud train whistle. I was a bit scared of the loud engine but still loved to watch and hear it. So, I insisted on her waiting until I was safely up on the sofa before she turned it on for me. I remember watching and listening with excitement and wonder as the train engine noisily ran across the floor, making turns and loops and straight away runs throughout the room. I couldn’t wait until warmer months of summer when Aunt Alma took me to see and hear the real things as the train locomotives roared by and blew their whistles.
That sound, along with many other senses of summer came to mind while marching in the present-day parade. I took out the toy whistle and gave it a loud blast and several parade watchers cheered and smiled reminding me that we all share an appreciation for certain senses that evoke emotions and memories.
Some other favorite sights and sounds of summer for me in addition to the train whistle and sounds of a parade include the gentle lapping of waves against a shore from the ocean, river, lake, or mountain stream. Also, the sounds and feeling of the warm summer breeze blowing while riding in an open top car or riding on your bicycle. The night sounds of crickets and laughter of friends gathered around. The sounds of local live music outdoor performances as well as my own favorite music I play that becomes the perfect soundtrack for the moment whether relaxing in a winery, garden, or exploring a favorite or new city neighborhood.
Senses are an important part of our world and life. And I’m thankful for how our senses communicate emotions and evoke memories. Other senses of summer I enjoy are the scent of summer gardens and wildflowers and magnolia tree blossoms, the feeling of a summer breeze or a warm summer rain falling against my skin, the sight of colorful flowers, parades, fireworks, smiling faces of friends and family, scent of popcorn and hotdogs and burgers at a summer ball game or picnic, cool taste of ice cream or fresh berries on a hot summer day, and much more.
Whether we experience the sights, sounds, touch, scents, or tastes of summer, these experiences help us to connect with the world around us, other people, and ourselves. As you enjoy the summer months, I encourage you to reflect on your own stories for how you experience the senses of summer. And may your summer be one filled with happy stories and creating new memories because as always, Your Story Matters.
