We are coming in to the home stretch for SUMMER JOURNAL 2025, and I hope it has helped you find some traction for that pen in your journal.
Today’s prompt was offensive to my cats, Phoebe, Phineas and Phoenix. However it seemed appropriate, and somewhat unavoidable- so they will have to deal.
I am not too well grounded in my Astronomy, but appreciate and am fascinated by those who can look up and point out the constellations and stars as if they were close, clear and distinct, which I imagine to some, they are. However for me, I still look up and see a plethora of stars the way I see sparrows, a bit too numerous to name the 140 or so varieties! The saying dog days of summer is grounded in myth, folklore and history, so let’s see where this prompt will lead us.
I will give you a simple, non-exhaustive by any means- history based on a brief of online search with thanks mostly to the trusty Farmers Almanac. It’s origination goes back to ancient Greece, Egypt and Rome. The Dog Days of Summer begin in July and go into mid-August (@July 3-August 11). They are rooted in the annual rising of the “dog star” Syrius Canis Majoris—the “Greater Dog” which historically coincided with the increased temperatures and also the annual flood season of the Nile River in Egypt.
OK, now that we know this (if you didn’t already) let’s make a mess of this prompt, and keep it light.
Option 1: Tell a Starry Story. Reach into those memory banks, and find a memory connected to stargazing. How often have you looked up into the starry skies and beheld them in awe? Think about how you saw things (if you can) as a child, or an adult, keep searching the memory banks, and write in response your own connection to the stars. Maybe you have a special shared memory to remember. Try to write out the details as much as possible.
Option 2: Write about a time you tried to escape the heat, and succeeded. OR write about a time you just tried to escape! Ever try to avoid a hot day, or a hot situation, confrontation or circumstance? Write/Brainstorm about what you did, what you learned, and how you want to deal with it next time. So whether the best escape from the dog days of summer or the best escape you made, write about it.
Option 3: For the Pets. If you have a cat, dog, or other beloved pet, think a bit about how they have amused you in the past couple of weeks, and choose a cherished moment to scribble out in your journal. Extra Credit: Include a sketch, drawing, or printed out picture.
Next week will be our last prompt, followed by our conclusion and what’s next. I hope to see you!
Enthusiastically, Dawn
Enthusiastically, Dawn 