Summer Likes and Clover in the Lawn

Clover Flowers - June 2008

Alas, no new painting to share. However I have been recently thinking about all the things I like about the Summer and thought it would be a fun topic to post about. Here is a small list of things I like about summer: 1) the quality of light early in the morning and late in the day, 2) the way people change their patterns to walk on the shady side of the street instead of the sunny side which is the preference in winter, 3) the deep blue sky and big puffy clouds, and 4) how each week it seems a new and different plant is flowering. This week the lily blooms are starting to fade and the crepe myrtles are starting to bloom, what will be next weeks new flower?

One item in nature that I really get a kick out of is the clover that populates lawns. I really enjoy seeing the dark blue-green patches in lawns, the white and sometimes pink flowers with the delicate petals popping up randomly over the clover leaves. When sitting outside in the yard as a child I would typically seek out the clover patches, as they were softer and more cushion-y than the carpet grass that is found in Texas. For years I have sought a four-leaf clover, but never have found one yet. Though it does not bother me so, as I really love the symetry and balance found in how the three leaves work together.

Is there anything special that really brings joy to your life in summer, what is it?