This morning was the first Monday of summer vacation. I woke up with the sun shining straight through my window--I hadn't closed the blinds last night--and onto my chest, leaving my heart warm with a feeling of relaxation. I breathed in and out through my nose, enjoying the scent of sleeping in. I felt completely at ease--not rushed, not pressured, not scurrying to brush my teeth before zero hour. I knew the pace would pick up in a few days as I accumulated new hobbies and occupations, but for now, there was no rush to get anywhere. From my vantage point snuggled in my blankets this morning, I pictured the idea of "summer."

Sweating slightly due to my newfound consciousness of the warmth around me, I thought of all the connotations summer brought with it.

Summer meant lazy Sunday mornings everyday.

Summer meant that when my lazy Sundays fizzled out, I'd get up early and run before the sun came up. Summer meant the breath of damp, misty air on my face while it was still dark outside. Summer meant the morning dew brushing against my ankles as I trotted through the grass. Summer meant watching the sun come up halfway through my run, and feeling the golden rays shine down on me.

Summer meant running in a sports bra.

Summer meant finishing my runs before the day even starts.

Summer meant ice cold smoothies: the perfect blend of fruits, yogurt, and cinnamon.

Summer meant catching up with friends. Summer meant relaxing by the pool. Summer meant evening out the tan lines I'd accumulated from track season.

Summer meant late-night bonfires. Summer meant sticking marshmallows straight into the fire and watching it burn instead of slowly roasting the perfect, golden one. Summer meant graham cracker crumbs that would be found in clothing days after the bonfire.

Summer meant every piece of clothing left smelling like bonfires.

Summer meant boating on the river. Summer meant jumping off bridges into the water. Summer meant watching the sunset on the river from the top of the bridge.

Summer meant evening walks up wilderness hills. Summer meant waking up early to see the sunrise. Summer meant camping on the beach. Summer meant biking through park trails.

Summer meant wildflowers.

Summer meant soft serve ice cream machines.

Summer meant dipping your toes into the waves at the beach. Summer meant sand in your socks.

Summer meant reminiscing on childhood memories. Summer meant thinking about the fireflies caught in jars at night. Summer meant laughing about old family vacations.

Summer meant all the friends I would hang out with. Summer meant all the memories I would make. Summer meant all the all-nighters I would pull.

Summer meant I could live like I would never grow up.