Ah, now Summer begins! Al Bernstein once said, “Spring being a tough act to follow, God created June.” The weather promises consistently sunny days, the birds are singing gloriously, and the kids will be outside laughing and playing. And, because the days stay lighter longer, we have more time to share with family and friends. BBQs, pool parties and outdoors games are on tap for the month and, of course, lots of weddings.

June, the sixth month of the year, takes its name from the Roman goddess Junno, the goddess of marriage. For this reason, June has always been looked upon as the best month to marry. Bern Williams aptly mused, “If a June night could talk, it would probably boast it invented romance.” June is also the month of roses, the symbol of love…and lots of “ka-ching” for the florists preparing the wedding bouquets!

There are numerous other events throughout June as well. June 5th is World Environment Day. June 8th is World Oceans Day. The middle of summer, also known as Midsummer’s Day, comes after the Summer Solstice on June 21st, the longest day of the year. Wiltshire England boasts it’s the place to be at the Summer Solstice, where many people pilgrimage to Stonehenge to witness the sunrise on this auspicious day. In Europe, Midsummer is a time associated with magic, fairies, and dancing. It is said that any rose picked on Midsummer’s Eve, or Midsummer’s Day will keep fresh until Christmas. So, at midnight on Midsummer’s Eve, young girls would scatter rose petals before them and say: “Rose leaves, rose leaves, Rose leaves I strew. He that will love me comes after me now.” Then the legend says, the next day, Midsummer’s Day, their true love will visit them. That’s some magic.

On June 15th, we celebrate Fathers Day! All fathers, young and old have their day in the limelight. What is the special item your dad is hoping for this year? Is he the “Bobby Flay” grill king of your house? Is he Mr. Greenjeans around the yard? Does he do all the handiwork around your old house? Is he the auto mechanic and bicycle repair man? Or is he is all of those specialties rolled into one? Whatever we buy, dad always seems truly happy to be honored. Who knows? He is probably just proud of us for at least trying. I know my dad proudly reads this column every month so, Happy Father’s Day Dad!

Are you looking forward to other special celebrations in June? Maybe there is a graduation to commemorate early on, or a vacation coming up? Making lists and prioritizing can make your events flow more calmly and coolly and, of course, always having a backup plan in case of a sudden summer rain storm will earn you the title for the “bestest” planner ever! Once the fun begins summer always seems to move too swiftly for me. So, before things really get rollin’, make a plan to practice being in the moment as much as possible. Someone once told me to remember that we are human-beings, not human-doings. So, take some time each day, even if it’s only 30 minutes, to enjoy what is special just to you about the summer days or evenings. Personally, I never tire of hearing the Cicadas on a summer night, or my wind chimes in a gentle breeze. These are some of the things that help to make summer so restorative for me and help make winter a forgotten memory for several wonderful months of the year. Quite a feat in Iowa, wouldn’t you say? See you next month!

Special Notes

Need a vacation…from snoring? Call the Iowa Sleep Disorders Center for a Sleep Apnea screening. Snoring may be annoying, but if it’s Sleep Apnea, it could be deadly. See page 1. — Jenny Craig® asks, “What’s your ideal size?” Let Jenny® help you acquire a “Size Healthier.” See page 5 for details. — Finding a great company to work for just got easier! And, PorticoHR never charges the employee a fee! More information on page 15. — Do you suffer from incontinence? Call Charlotte Kelley, ARNP for relief now! See page 25.

Positive Thought of the Month

“Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world”. —Harriet Tubman