Introduction
Foreword
Summer is long gone.
And yet, again, I am in summer, in Buenos Aires. But I do not feel Summer. All I feel is heat, sweat, and too much sun. I keep working and pushing the clogs of my brain to spin faster and faster – to keep up with my ambitions. In those moments, the season of summer angers me. Why does the asado on the rooftops look so scrumptious and the water in the pool make me want to go for a dip in cold water, while instead, I am stuck inside of air-conditioned soulless boxes, drooling at the possibility of Summer fun?
So what is this Summer that I can’t seem to find right now – the one I had, so full it was, 6 months ago or so? Well… it’s definitely a construct and a privilege tied to academic institutions. Work in the fall and spring, and you get summer off. I remember turning off my phone, turning off my laptop, and turning off the 5 consecutive alarm clocks. What then? When all of these mechanisms of productivity are off, what happens then? Surely, one must die. Surely, there is no life without Pomodoros and burning deadlines.
While I kept scratching at my brain, trying to come up with an activity, the eager faces of my dogs crept up to me, generously spreading drool over my face – as if feeling the change in the atmosphere. Summer has come, and they know it!
Not wanting to disappoint, we went on the first walk of the season. Such a steep road, my dogs going too fast for my out-of-shape body, and sweat from exercise coming off me in a forgotten and slightly disgusting way. After pushing forward for a while, I began ignoring all that was happening within me, and instead, I looked around. My dogs were breathing just as heavily as I was, if not more – wet tongues dangling – pure joy and gratitude. Tails wagging, they kept their pace – eyes out for an unlucky squirrel or cat to sprint after. And around us were trees with so many golden apples hanging off their branches! Spreading over hills and hills, growing out their treasures – what a gift.
The semester behind me, the cement world forgotten, I was back at the center of what matters – my relationship with nature.
For me, Summer is that – a chance to reevaluate my values, recharge my batteries, and reconnect with the slow things in life. It’s sad to notice that all the verbs of Summer begin with a “re,” as if when it’s not Summer, I am forced to deplete these things that sustain me. But life is long, and someday, I will find my Summer in every season.
I hope the following compilation of works – charged with personality, hard work, and rich imagination – lets you remember your own Summer in its pages. Let them wash over you and share their energy – sustain you in these busy months.
And yet, again, I am in summer, in Buenos Aires. But I do not feel Summer. All I feel is heat, sweat, and too much sun. I keep working and pushing the clogs of my brain to spin faster and faster – to keep up with my ambitions. In those moments, the season of summer angers me. Why does the asado on the rooftops look so scrumptious and the water in the pool make me want to go for a dip in cold water, while instead, I am stuck inside of air-conditioned soulless boxes, drooling at the possibility of Summer fun?
So what is this Summer that I can’t seem to find right now – the one I had, so full it was, 6 months ago or so? Well… it’s definitely a construct and a privilege tied to academic institutions. Work in the fall and spring, and you get summer off. I remember turning off my phone, turning off my laptop, and turning off the 5 consecutive alarm clocks. What then? When all of these mechanisms of productivity are off, what happens then? Surely, one must die. Surely, there is no life without Pomodoros and burning deadlines.
While I kept scratching at my brain, trying to come up with an activity, the eager faces of my dogs crept up to me, generously spreading drool over my face – as if feeling the change in the atmosphere. Summer has come, and they know it!
Not wanting to disappoint, we went on the first walk of the season. Such a steep road, my dogs going too fast for my out-of-shape body, and sweat from exercise coming off me in a forgotten and slightly disgusting way. After pushing forward for a while, I began ignoring all that was happening within me, and instead, I looked around. My dogs were breathing just as heavily as I was, if not more – wet tongues dangling – pure joy and gratitude. Tails wagging, they kept their pace – eyes out for an unlucky squirrel or cat to sprint after. And around us were trees with so many golden apples hanging off their branches! Spreading over hills and hills, growing out their treasures – what a gift.
The semester behind me, the cement world forgotten, I was back at the center of what matters – my relationship with nature.
For me, Summer is that – a chance to reevaluate my values, recharge my batteries, and reconnect with the slow things in life. It’s sad to notice that all the verbs of Summer begin with a “re,” as if when it’s not Summer, I am forced to deplete these things that sustain me. But life is long, and someday, I will find my Summer in every season.
I hope the following compilation of works – charged with personality, hard work, and rich imagination – lets you remember your own Summer in its pages. Let them wash over you and share their energy – sustain you in these busy months.
Daria
Editorette in Chief
Editorette in Chief