Finding Joy in a Simple Summer

Lately, I’ve found myself in a lot of conversations about summer travel. Big trips, exciting plans, the sense that you should be getting away. With school out and families taking well-earned vacations, it’s easy to feel like you’re supposed to be doing more.

But this is when I have to check in with what’s real for me.

Running a small business means spontaneity isn’t always possible, and honestly, neither is planning too far ahead. In a winery, there’s always something that needs attention. Even a quick weekend in the mountains for some fresh air often feels out of reach. So this summer, instead of searching for the perfect escape, I’m staying put and trying to appreciate what’s right in front of me.

Because this is a kind of abundance too.

I’ve been spending more time outside in the garden, walking through the vineyard, hanging out at the pool, working in the tasting room. Life at the winery doesn’t slow down, but I’m doing my best to find a quieter rhythm within it. We’re juicing, eating fresh food, and taking care of ourselves in small, steady ways. It’s humbling and exactly what it should be. A quiet summer at home.

When I was a kid, we didn’t take lavish trips. We went to camp, played outside, visited grandparents. As a teen, I worked through the summer and split time between parents when I could. It wasn’t glamorous, but it was enough.

Now, with social media showing us every beautiful corner of the world in real time, it’s easy to forget that joy doesn’t require a boarding pass.

We’re all working hard right now. Me, Rob, even our little guy in his own way. Carving out family time isn’t always easy, but we’re doing our best to find each other in the quiet moments.

The small things are the big things.