Official Kickoff to Summer, in 6 Words


Photo and illustration by Grace!
Photo and illustration by Grace!

It’s been hot in Carolina, y’all. 6 words graphic

Triple-digit hot. It hardly gets like this here. Blame global warming, the Tea Party or World Cup officiating if you’d like. Truth is, summer’s hitting us like T-Swift on the music streaming universe. There has to be more to summer than humidity fierce as Julie Johnston’s defense. Right?

Well, there are also tweetable nuggets of wisdom when it comes to the baseball teams we – and when I say we, I mean I – love:

Every month, I compile a post called 6 Words. Ernest Hemingway inspired it when he said any story can be told in a six-word sentence. I ask bloggers, friends, strangers, and a few strange blogger friends to respond to a prompt.

June 24 is Windjammer Day. It’s the kickoff of summer tourist season. What would you like to do and where this summer, in six words? (See if you can find the sentence from Australia, where summer is actually winter.)

So, what would you like to do this summer, in six words?

1. Camp at English seaside with family.

Dorreen A., of Mother Hen Diaries blog

2. Visiting London then relaxing at home.

Elizabeth, of Autism Mom blog

3. swim, surf, soft serve, sun – summer…

Michele M., of Rhode Less Traveled blog

4. Patio lanterns, cold beer, star gazing.

Rory B., of Time Out for Mom blog

5. Visit Europe on a cruise ship.

Raquel P., of Organized Island blog

6. Sip margaritas on my back patio.

Kate H., of Can I Get Another Bottle of Whine blog

Courtesy of Katie Harman
Courtesy of Katie Harman

7. Explore some scenery at Mount Charleston.

Katie H., of Plus + Beauty blog

8. Climb Machu Picchu with the Fellowship.

Ashley M., of Post-grad Jitters blog

9. Hike the Y in Provo, Utah.

Jamie J., of Kreyv blog

10. Strawberry fields forever… 🎶 Pick your own!

Tamara G., of Confessions of a Part-time Working Mom blog

11. Mountain camping by a cool stream.

Darcy B.

12. Champagne picnics and hiking Joshua Tree.

Laura H., of Sprint 2 the Table blog

photo credit: Pelican Lake Sunset via photopin (license)
photo credit: Pelican Lake Sunset via photopin (license)

13. Enjoy nature, Minnesota and the outdoors!

Dawn S., of Thank You Great Spirit blog

14. See NYC through my kids eyes.

Gina T., of Full of It … blog

15. Enjoying the sunset in Avila Beach.

Nancy F., of Skinny Kitchen blog

16. Follow my whims, do moose things.

Tamara B., of Tamara (Like) Camera blog

17. Mindfully listen to the ocean waves.

Tara N., of Tara Newman Coaching blog

18. Relaxing at the beach all summer.

Debbie, of Heartbeats~Soul Stains blog

photo credit: From the shelf shared with the DVDs via photopin (license)
photo credit: From the shelf shared with the DVDs via photopin (license)

19. Reading books at Cape Cod Canal.

Sara L., of Sara Letourneau blog

20. go north with the whole pack.

beth k., of i didn’t have my glasses on … blog

21. Happy hours spent on the beach!

Kim T., of Day with KT blog

22. Take the kids to Disney World.

Janine H., of Confessions of a Mommyaholic blog

23. Sun-soaked rooftop drinking and outdoor concerts.

Charlotte K., of My Pixie Blog

24. Watch my son play ball – everywhere!

Michelle T., of MamaMick blog

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25. Live by my terms…right here.

Lisa, of The Meaning of Me blog

26. Take a swim in Lake Michigan.

Christine W., of A Fly on our Chicken Coop Wall blog

27. Roam Cornish beaches with my dogs.

Earl., of Earl’s World blog

28. BBQ, beer, books, and family too!

Tiffany M., of Kismas Life blog

29. Soaking up the sun in Aruba.

Cheryl W., of Plucking of My Heartstrings blog

30. Quebec to explore, eat, and exhale.

Cassandra, of The Next Delusion blog

photo credit: Morning Fog via photopin (license)
photo credit: Morning Fog via photopin (license)

31. Unplug and unwind in the Adirondacks.

Amanda L., of Miss Zippy blog

32. Bathroom’s fine; just want somewhere quiet!

Lauren C., of Oh Honestly blog

33. Beach sitting, book reading; drinking sunshine!

Kirsten P., of The Kir Corner blog

34. Camping in the woods with family.

Rabia L., of The Lieber Family blog

35. Go to the beach in Maine!

Lindsay L., of The Lean Green Bean blog

36. Skip bathing suit season in Antarctica.

Lois M., of Midlife at the Oasis blog

Courtesy of Suzanne Rogers
Courtesy of Suzanne Rogers

37. Montana mountains watching the sky dance.

Suzanne R., of A Window Into the Woods blog

38. Wine at woodsy cabin at sunset.

Kerith S., of Brielle and Me blog

39. Read books, I don’t care where.

Erik W., of This Kid Reviews Books blog

40. Picnic together in the Swiss Alps.

Jen, of A Lady in France blog

41. Road trip to see My family.

Louida M., of Product Review Mom blog

42. I want acclimation, relaxation, and recreation!

Torrie, of A.Prompt Reply blog

photo credit: Hearts, you know. via photopin (license)
photo credit: Hearts, you know. via photopin (license)

43. Swirl sparklers against the city skyline.

Lisa B., of Black Panty Salvation blog

44. Spend more time with my cats.

Ellen P., of 15 and Meowing blog

45. Kayak Narrow River to Narragansett Beach.

Tony A., of The Plagued Parent blog

46.  Lakeside cheese eating with loved ones.

Emily, of Nerd in the Brain blog

47. Lie on the beach and bake!

Jamie C., of PinkNoam blog

48. Yum! Making s’mores by the campfire.

Kim S., of Co-Pilot Mom blog

Courtesy of Dana Talusani
Courtesy of Dana Talusani

49. Family water war on sizzling days.

Dana T., of The Kitchen Witch blog

50. Wildwood NJ beach, all day long.

Teri B., of Snarkfest blog

51. Ascend all 2800 Grouse Grind feet.

Kelly M., of Just Typikel blog

52. Drink margaritas out in the backyard.

Heather C., of Heather Christo blog

53. Building epic sand castles on beach.

Meredith S., of The Mom of the Year blog

54. Read a book without child interruption.

Meg D., of Dear Crazy Kids blog

photo credit: Sun Sand Sea via photopin (license)
photo credit: Sun Sand Sea via photopin (license)

55. Taste the sea on my lips.

Samantha J., of Foreclosure 2 Frugal blog

56. Go skiing in the snowy mountains.

Yvonne T., of Hello World blog

57. Camping with three small children: Adventurous!

Kim, of Protean Mom blog

58. Pick plump blueberries on Earl’s Farm.

Ginny M., of Lemon Drop Pie blog

59. Scalloping in the Gulf of Mexico.

Sandy R., of An Honest Sinner blog

60. Swan-watching reverie riverside with my journal.

Deborah W., of Temenos blog

photo credit: #conservationlands15 Social Media Takeover, June 15th, Top 15 Places to Stargaze on the #mypubliclandsroadtrip in BLM California via photopin (license)
photo credit: #conservationlands15 Social Media Takeover, June 15th, Top 15 Places to Stargaze on the #mypubliclandsroadtrip in BLM California via photopin (license)

61. Stargaze with boys in the country.

Penelope G., of Penelope’s Oasis blog

62. Camping with family in Silverton, Colorado!

Jen W., of Pink When blog

63. Meet Shoeless Joe in the Field.

Lisa T., of Lisa Thomson Live blog

64. Day baseball with all the kids.

Eli P., of Coach Daddy blog

summer quote

105 Comments

  1. 1jaded1 says:

    Fun summer things when weather cooperates.

    1. Eli Pacheco says:

      Nice! Weather sometimes forces you to plan B, doesn’t it?

      1. 1jaded1 says:

        No plans needed. Just wing it.

      2. Eli Pacheco says:

        you would say ‘wing’ it.

  2. reocochran says:

    You had amazing contributions, Eli. Great friend here and you know how to get your “team” to rally!!

    1. Eli Pacheco says:

      It was really brought-en, wasn’t it Robin? Always a blast to put them together.

  3. So many nice plans, well, I do hope they’re plans, not just wishes. At least going to the bathroom alone MUST be possible this summer, right?
    There’s even a lady – Jen – who wants to come to my country, I love it!
    Colin and I made our summer bucket list this weekend. Poor guy still has two more weeks to go, though. I’m afraid the list is longer than his vacation.
    So when do you schedule your Baseball Day?

    1. Eli Pacheco says:

      I hope so too, Tamara. And here’s hoping parents worldwide get that bathroom privacy at least 11 times this summer.

      Jen, look up Tamara when you get to Switzerland. You won’t want to miss dinner. By the time Colin gets his summer, it’s going to be fall!

      I need to see when the area teams have day games …

    2. Hey Tamara!

      We go to Switzerland every summer (well, started last year, but with three kids in tow there will be many seasons to come). Our French-speaking churches (Paris, Lyon, Brussels, Geneva, etc) host a pre-teen and teen camp in the Alps so that’s where we go. I’d been to Geneva two decades ago on a business trip, but the Alps are something else. Simply breathtaking.

      1. Eli Pacheco says:

        You’re lucky over there. You can go to Switzerland or France like we would go to Virginia or Georgia. And there’s probably just as good scenery and food in France and Switzerland as there is in Georgia or Virginia.

      2. The first summer of something great qualifies as “every summer” 😉
        We live in the German-speaking part. It’s only a Röstigraben apart.

      3. Eli Pacheco says:

        I hope a rostibraben is some sort of sandwich. Or dessert.

  4. plus+beauty27 says:

    This was such a lovely post to read! Thanks so much for including me! I’ve really enjoyed reading this post and seeing pictures that others added. 🙂

    1. Eli Pacheco says:

      Glad you liked it, Katie! Thanks for joining us, and for your photographic contribution, too.

      1. plus+beauty27 says:

        Oh of course I did! You’re so very welcome and thank you again! 🙂

      2. Eli Pacheco says:

        It’s already time to come up with the next prompt, today.

      3. plus+beauty27 says:

        Awesome!! 🙂

  5. Yvonne says:

    Thanks for organising these, Eli! They’re fun.

    1. Eli Pacheco says:

      It’s a blast, Yvonne. Thanks for taking part!

  6. I love them all as I just absolutely love summer the best out of all the seasons to be quite honest. Still yet thank you for including me once again this month 😉

    1. Eli Pacheco says:

      I dress like a 6-year-old boy in summer, though, Janine. In winter, at least I upgrade to age 12.

  7. Cathy says:

    Love these, Eli! Somehow I missed you asking this one. Hmm. Happy Summer and Happy Times with the Kids!!

    1. Eli Pacheco says:

      Thanks, Cathy! It’s kind of hit or miss on the prompt, but you can always send me an email if you’d like to get in.

  8. Very nice, everyone! Thanks, Eli, for letting me be a part of the summertime action. I am always amazed how many of our wishes for perfection involve the glories of nature – sea, lake, beach, sun, sky, mountains… we are so blessed with a gloriously beautiful planet. Just think of what a gift that is! Dorreen

    1. Eli Pacheco says:

      Well played, isn’t it Dorreen? Glad you could join us. I don’t think a single person mentioned an iPhone or pizza, did they?

      Nature’s an awesome gift.

  9. Christine says:

    After reading these, I have so many more things I want to do this summer! It’s always fun to see the variety in the 6word answers.

    1. Eli Pacheco says:

      This’ll keep you busy, Christine. I’m lucky in that I’m the only one who gets to see the sentences all together before they post.

  10. A.PROMPTreply says:

    Thanks, Eli. I enjoyed taking part and these posts are always tons of fun to read!

    1. Eli Pacheco says:

      Thank YOU, Torrie. You’re becoming a regular for these suckers.

  11. valj2750 says:

    Spend time at the beach house.

    1. Eli Pacheco says:

      I’d so sign up for that, Val. Good one.

  12. ksbeth says:

    i love all of the happy summer plans, and thanks for letting me share mine, though it sounds like i’m heading out with my wolf pack. somewhat true, i guess. bring on the heat!

    1. Eli Pacheco says:

      you kind of are, beth. glad to have you and your pack along for the ride.

  13. Kim says:

    Despite the heat, summer is perfect for getting outside to enjoy the outdoors.

    God bless the inventor of sunscreen.

    1. Eli Pacheco says:

      I prefer the hours of 8 a.m. or 8 p.m. best when it’s triple-digits! Bring on the low to mid 90s next week. Maybe.

      Sunscreen has to be a religion to you, am I right, Kim?

      1. Kim says:

        Sunscreen or burn. I guess some monks could be chanting that somewhere. Ginger monks.

      2. Eli Pacheco says:

        Ginger monks would be a kickass sports team mascot.

  14. Great post, Eli! Loved reading everyone’s answers, especially the other readers on the list. 😉 Thanks for letting me be a part of this!

    1. Eli Pacheco says:

      Glad you liked it, Sara. Everyone’s got a different approach, but it’s cool also to see the similarities when these posts go live. So glad you were in it.

  15. Oh man, these sound SO relaxing. Love this list! Heather Christo and I should hang out.

    1. Eli Pacheco says:

      Even the Machu Picchu climb?? Glad you dig the list, Kate. I think I hear a blender in Heather’s backyard already.

  16. Reblogged this on Sara Letourneau's Official Website & Blog and commented:
    Happy Windjammer Day! Eli at Coach Daddy invited me and 60 other bloggers to celebrate the start of the summer tourist season with his monthly 6 Words post, where we answer a question in only six words. This month’s question: What would you like to do and where this summer, in six words? Check out the reblog for everyone’s answers. (I’m #19.)

    How about you? What would you like to do and where this summer – in six words? 😉

    1. Eli Pacheco says:

      Thanks a ton Sara!

    1. Eli Pacheco says:

      Kinda rocks, doesn’t it Ginny?

  17. kismaslife says:

    All of the above – love them all!!! Thanks for the invitation! I really love being apart of this.

    1. Eli Pacheco says:

      Only if you love serenity and/or adventure, Tiffany. Thanks for playing along.

  18. vrein11 says:

    Strawberries, beaches, books, gardens, adventures, relaxation……
    Love these!

    1. Eli Pacheco says:

      Not a bad plan, eh Vicki?

  19. This was a fun list of possibilities.

    1. Eli Pacheco says:

      And a possible list of fun, Jen.

  20. tamaralikecamera says:

    The triple digits are Obama’s fault actually. Although it’s been cool here – never really above 80, except for yesterday.
    I want to do everything here. I wish I could just do all of these six word things – one a day or one a week..

    1. Eli Pacheco says:

      I’d rather blame Lady Gaga than the POTUS. They say we’ll get highs in the 80s by the weekend – must dig out my parka. And I’d be content with dreaming about one of these every day.

      Although can you imagine the series of posts that would come out of living them all?

  21. Thanks again for including me Eli!

    1. Eli Pacheco says:

      Welcome to the fray, Louida!

  22. What a great list – clearly there’s lots of fun to be had this summer. Hopefully it’ll be a long one, although I’m happy to forgo the continuation of an overly hot one. Here’s to plenty of shade and cool breezes! Thanks for including me in this round, and happy summer!

    1. Eli Pacheco says:

      There’s enough to get us way into fall, Deborah. The hot days mean more Netflix. Always enough shade with the AC cranked. Glad you took part!

  23. Lots of margarita talk – makes me want to enjoy one now! Looks like I was negligent in getting my six words back to you this month. Oops! Next month I promise to do my homework, Eli!

    1. Eli Pacheco says:

      11:5 a.m. isn’t too early for a margarita, is it Deb? June ran away with many of us, so no worries. We’ll see you next time.

  24. firebailey says:

    The Red Sox almost don’t suck which means your Rockies are a nudge above bad 🙂 But now I want a margarita and I have 5 hours left of work….

    1. Eli Pacheco says:

      There’s always one day every summer that I give up the Rockies for 24 hours – and it might be today, given the 8-7 lead-losing home loss to Arizona yesterday.

      The Rockies are a big reason I drink tequila.

  25. So many great things to look forward to! Thank you so much for inviting me to join in, Eli!

    1. Eli Pacheco says:

      It could be a sweet summer, right Kim? I’m so glad to have you back in it.

    1. Eli Pacheco says:

      So does Kate Upton, Jenn.

  26. Thanks for including me – this is always a great roundup.
    Is that a grabbable graphic I see up there? Awesome.
    Looking forward to trying quite a few of these..ah summer.

    1. Eli Pacheco says:

      It feels like when all the characters were in one room in the Roger Rabbit movie, doesn’t it?

      I think that graphic is grabbable – you grabbed it, didn’t you? I made it with Canva. I hope you’ll blog about some of your summer adventures.

  27. Rorybore says:

    I want to put all of these on my summer Bucket List!! It would take me about 4 summers to complete, but I am okay with that. That quote by Lubbock is my summer mantra this year 🙂

    1. Eli Pacheco says:

      It’s sort of like a ready-made bucket list, isn’t it Rore? It would definitely seep into the fall. Do you have fall in Canada?

      That Lubbock quote struck me just the other day from your blog and I haven’t been able to shake it.

  28. mamarabia says:

    So many great ideas! I love summer. It’s my favorite season, hands down!

    1. Eli Pacheco says:

      People have the right idea, Rabia. I’m not a big summer fan, but I’ll get on board for the right adventure.

      Speaking of adventures – you have had some incredibly kick-ass ideas going on over at your blog. Holy smokes.

      If you’re reading this comment, do not do anything else before you click Rabia’s link here and see what I’m talking about.

  29. pilch92 says:

    Thanks for putting this together every month. I hope everyone gets to do what they listed this summer.

    1. Eli Pacheco says:

      It’s always a blast, Ellen. I’d settle for 11 of these this summer!

  30. This post makes my month, every month! Thanks for sharing this, Eli!

    1. Eli Pacheco says:

      Thanks Meredith – and to think at one point I was going to 86 it. The best part is the community of it all.

  31. Tara Newman says:

    Thanks Eli! So much fun to read everyone’s responses.

    1. Eli Pacheco says:

      Thanks for playing along, Tara. the whole list is like a mega snack mix.

  32. tricia says:

    Ahh I missed this one! Blame it on my summer state of mind? Awesome things here though – love summer!

    1. Eli Pacheco says:

      Six words misses you, Tricia. Thoughts go so many other places during the summer, don’t they? Great to see you.

    1. Eli Pacheco says:

      So glad to have you again … mom!

  33. zannyro says:

    Thanks so much for letting my be a part of this awesome post. I think I need to take a LOT of road trips now.

    1. Eli Pacheco says:

      Thanks for contributing, Suzanne. Someone needs to map this out so we can see how long it’ll take to get to it all.

  34. Ahhhh….we match!!
    Your six word posts are truly a favorite of mine and this subject was divine. Seeing what my friends are doing this summer made me smile – it’s like you combined May with June’s topic – Summer Smiles!
    Thank you for including me with your cool friends. You da best!
    (Now, let’s play ball!)

    1. Eli Pacheco says:

      The view’s much better from the Royals’ point of view, Michelle. But a day at the ballpark is tough to beat, no matter what. I’d like to say I progressed the six words prompts to this one on purpose … but … I’m just glad it worked out that way. Don’t forget your mitt!

  35. Everyone’s summer sounds fabulous! Thanks for including me. 🙂

    1. Eli Pacheco says:

      There’s some good plans going, Laura. Thanks for adding to them!

  36. OMGoooooooosh,
    what a superb Idea, Eli. Wish I would’ve thought of this!! Damn.
    Love all of these contributions, especially this one: **55. Taste the sea on my lips.**
    x

    1. Eli Pacheco says:

      Thanks Kim. It’s fun, but also a full month’s work to maintain. I couldn’t imagine not doing it though.

      No. 55 feels like a long time coming for me.

  37. heartbeatssoulstains says:

    What great summer fun!!! I hope we all get to do these 😉 Have a wonderful Summer with your family!!!

    1. Eli Pacheco says:

      Not a bad way to go, right Debbie? I’d settle for 11 or so. Hope your summer’s great, too.

  38. Nancy Fox says:

    Boy did you share a lot of 6 word stories. i love them all. Thanks so much Eli, for including mine. Such a fun thing you do!
    With my very best wishes,
    Nancy

    1. Eli Pacheco says:

      It wasn’t near the record entries, but there were so many god ones. Glad you enjoyed them, Nancy, and thanks for chiming in. it’s a blast to put together.

  39. Julia Tomiak says:

    These are all wonderful… especially the ones that mention margaritas! Happy summer everyone!

    1. Eli Pacheco says:

      1:56 p.m. isn’t too early for a margarita, is it? First round’s on me, JT.

  40. Jay says:

    Now that’s a list!

    1. Eli Pacheco says:

      These folks really bring it.

  41. Great post! Thanks for having me! Is #36 the one from Australia? 😉

    1. Eli Pacheco says:

      Glad you liked it, Erik – and thanks for joining the fray. No, the Aussie contributed No. 56! No. 36’s author didn’t want to follow Kate Upton to Antarctica in a bikini, is my guess.

  42. Susan Scott says:

    Great post Eli and comments!
    ‘winter in South Africa awaiting summer’ would have been my contribution but I look forward to your next 6 words.

    1. Eli Pacheco says:

      Thanks Susan! Hope you can be part of the next one.

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