Summer brings with it an assortment of interesting things in the natural world. Each season has its own unique offerings, but for this writing endeavor, we will limit ourselves to a few of the crawling, creeping, and flying kinds.
Let’s direct our attention now, pen at the ready (or keys, if you choose) to ponder the prompts, and write what comes from the archives of our minds.
I have a fascination with all those creatures that, in my opinion and estimation, have come through the hands of a Creator. Wherever I go, whether a hike, a beach walk, or just as I kick around my backyard, I enjoy observing all of God’s creation as it busies itself with its own unfolding agenda. Whether it’s the bees tending the flowers, along with the hummingbirds, or a spider spinning a web in my rose bush, I become a keen observer and discoverer as I watch. Even as one who is well past childhood, I wear my childlike curiosity like a comfortable vest. Occasionally, I capture too many pictures of my everyday explorations, like a guide on safari. I love to capture close up shots, though only with my trusty iPhone camera. The one below is a favorite- though I know, not perfect, I just love this in-flight Bee which visited my patio on a recent morning.
Option 1: Observation- Have you ever had a profound insight while observing insects, bugs or birds? Let’s include spiders if you like (technically not a bug or insect!) I remember sitting on steps on afternoon watching an ant try to carry a dead bug and I found myself unable to stop watching and also stop the flood of analogies to my life at the time. Write a poem or a witness response to what you saw. What did you see, and how did it impact you? Try to recall the as many details as you can.
Option 2: Explore one of the creatures from the prompt title: Bugs, Bees, Birds and Butterflies (and Spiders). These are vague names, go ahead and be specific as you tackle an ode to a particular bird, or a poem about a spider? Maybe you have a bird tail…I mean tale. Seriously, I know you have come across one of these this Summer- but any memory that comes to mind, might be a great place to start! Maybe you have a fear to face, or a buggy memory that might just bring you a bit of delight as you remember and journal /write about it.
Enjoy the prompt-All the prompts are listed over on the SUMMER JOURNAL 2025 page!
Enthusiastically, Dawn
Enthusiastically, Dawn 