Sunshine and Palms, Jo-Ann Sanborn

 Acrylic on board6"x6"

What will your summer bring?  In the northern hemisphere, the summer solstice begins on June 21. Solstice is a combination of two words, "sol" for sun, and "sistere" for to stand still. 

The solstice marks the longest day in the year, and as the days lengthen, the sun gets higher in the sky each day until it almost seems to stand still.  Worldwide, interpretation of the solstice has varied among cultures, with some celebrating fertility, with festivals and rituals.  I'm long past that whole fertility thing! 

The solstice is the official start of summer, with longer days, more sunshine, and increased outdoor activities.  Here in Southwest Florida, it indicates a time of increased rainfall.  The Everglades comes to the end of the dry season and welcomes the life-giving rain.  Flora greens up and animals disperse to fine mates and raise young. 

This year, at least on Marco Island, the heavy rains of summer are late and we're experiencing drought.  In the last few days the clouds have been building, with rain just off the island.  Hopefully, the rains will come soon.