How has your summer been? We reached out to Cup of Jo readers on Instagram to share snapshots of joyful moments, and we received more than 100 replies! Selecting just a few was tough, but here are 13 that brought us joy…
Above: “We visited the Louisiana Museum of Modern Art in Denmark. I discovered it through Joanna’s Copenhagen article a couple of years ago and was thrilled to finally go. My son Henry and I adored the installation Gleaming Lights of the Souls by Yayoi Kusama — so enchanting!” — Katherine, Bremerton, Washington
“Here I am with my college best friends. Two of us just celebrated our 40th birthdays, and one is navigating a divorce. We had no clue how therapeutic and festive it would feel to scream along with 20,000 other Backstreet Boys aficionados. No spa experience could possibly measure up.” — Lauren, Queens, New York
“This summer marked my first chance to see the Backstreet Boys live, as I hadn’t had the means before. My husband came along to Vegas, but none of my friends were interested in the concert, so I just bought my ticket and had the time of my life. They performed my favorites, like ‘I Want It That Way’ and ‘Drowning.’ I also met some wonderful ladies in line, and we’ve stayed in touch.” — Carol, Brooklyn, New York
“Kayaking with our dog, Barley! Before having a child two years ago, our adventures revolved around our dog. While our toddler kayaked with Grandma and Papa, we got to spend time with our pup like the old days.” — Aimee, Minneapolis
“Every year, a pair of swallows build a nest on our front porch. We’ve discovered that the magic number of offspring to adult birds is three. Any more hatchlings, and at least one doesn’t survive due to lack of space. This summer, there were FIVE baby birds. We worried about possible fatalities; I mourned in anticipation. Then one day, I stepped outside and counted seven swallows flying over our yard. All five babies made it to flight day! A miracle soaring above our home.” — Ashley, Fort Worth, Texas
“My family and I embarked on a five-week road trip. I carefully planned our stops, including baseball games, National Parks, playgrounds, bookstores, etc. But one of my favorite moments was spontaneous. While in Pittsburgh, a woman overheard my husband and me discussing our West Virginia plans. She insisted we must visit Cathedral Falls. Watching our son and daughter splashing in the streams was unmatched.” — Kohinoor, Queens, New York
“My nine-year-old son and I have ‘spa mornings,’ during which we create something together (a yogurt and honey face mask or a hand scrub with sugar and coconut oil) and then act like we’re running a day spa, complete with a lavender candle, nature sounds, and — the pièce de résistance — a blanket warmed in the dryer. Slow living at its finest.” — Tracy, southeastern Florida
“Every July, when temperatures exceed 100 degrees at home, we escape to the mountains for a week. We always hike four miles to Williams Lake in New Mexico. The trail is decorated with wildflowers and resting rocks, and our incentive is the pretzels and beer awaiting us at The Bavarian Restaurant at the end.” — Lisa, Edmond, Oklahoma
“I’m expecting our second baby in September. We live in a cozy apartment with our preschooler; I work with children; and I’m introverted. Naturally, I often feel overwhelmed. So, this July, my partner and kid visited my in-laws, leaving me to enjoy peaceful solitude at home. I treated myself to whatever I desired, cleaned up after only myself, and sprawled out in the center of the bed. It was heavenly.” — Kim B., Oakland, California
“My boyfriend and I traveled to Bhutan, where on my spiritual birthday, I crossed the suspension bridge at Punakha. It was drizzling, and near the end, he remarked, ‘Look back, there’s a rainbow.’” — Em, Pasig, Philippines
“For years, we’ve engaged our neighbors in a shaving cream battle. We don goggles and swimsuits, blasting a playlist that includes Ozzy (RIP), Pantera, and more. As a mom who finds it challenging to play with my children, I treasure this tradition, which concludes with pizza, popsicles, and an old-fashioned garden hose.” — Rebecca, Decatur, Georgia
“I reside in Germany, far from my family in Kansas City. My older sister was vacationing with her family in the UK, so I eagerly took the opportunity to meet them for a few days in London. After losing our dad in December and my dog in January, embracing my sister in London felt like my first genuine exhale in this Year of Grief.” — Anna, Hamburg, Germany
“Is there anything more delightful than lying on the grass while soft baby hands explore your face? My husband and I celebrated the Fourth of July at Troutbeck hotel, just as we did in 2024 when I was pregnant. There’s nothing more enchanting than realizing that the future we envisioned last year is now our reality.” — Sarah, Arlington, Virginia
What was a highlight of your summer? Please share below…
P.S. A very laid-back summer checklist and a fantastic summer read.
Title: Unforgettable Summers: Readers Share Their Most Memorable Experiences
Summer is a season that often evokes feelings of adventure, relaxation, and nostalgia. From childhood recollections to recent activities, readers from across the globe have shared their most memorable summer tales. Here are some of their stories that encapsulate the spirit of summer.
1. **A Journey Through Nature’s Wonders**
For many, summer is synonymous with exploring the great outdoors. Emily from Colorado reminisces about her unforgettable hiking expedition through the Rocky Mountains. “The stunning views and the sense of achievement after reaching the summit were beyond words,” she reflects. “Camping beneath the stars and waking to the cool mountain air made it a summer to cherish.”
2. **Beachside Bliss**
Sarah from Sydney recalls her summer spent on the shores of Australia. “The days were packed with surfing, sunbathing, and enjoying barbecues with friends,” she mentions. “One night, we experienced a breathtaking sunset that bathed the sky in shades of orange and pink. It was a moment of sheer joy.”
3. **Cultural Immersion Abroad**
Traveling abroad can provide unique cultural encounters, as John from New York realized during his summer in Italy. “I spent my days uncovering historic landmarks, enjoying authentic Italian dishes, and picking up the language,” he recounts. “The highlight was attending a local festival, where I danced with the locals and truly felt part of the community.”
4. **A Summer of Firsts**
For Lisa from Toronto, one summer was brimming with new experiences. “I learned to ride a bicycle, went on my first camping trip, and even tried my hand at painting,” she shares. “Every new venture was exhilarating and revealed more about myself.”
5. **Family Reunions and Traditions**
Summer frequently serves as a time for family reunions. Michael from Texas treasures the yearly family gatherings at his grandparents’ farm. “We would spend our days playing games, swapping stories, and relishing home-cooked meals,” he states. “These reunions bolstered our family ties and created enduring memories.”
6. **Volunteering and Giving Back**
Some readers found satisfaction in contributing to their communities. Jessica from London dedicated her summer to volunteering at a nearby animal shelter. “Looking after the animals and seeing them find loving homes was immensely fulfilling,” she reveals. “It was a summer that highlighted the significance of kindness and service.”
7. **Adventures on the Water**
Water activities often define summer fun. Mark from Florida reflects on his exhilarating experience of learning to sail. “Charting the open waters and feeling the wind in my hair was thrilling,” he states. “It was a summer adventure that ignited a lifelong passion for sailing.”
8. **Creative Pursuits**
For some, summer is a time to delve into creative interests. Anna from Paris spent her summer attending a photography workshop. “Capturing the city’s beauty through my camera was inspiring,” she explains. “It was a summer that sparked my love for photography.”
These narratives illuminate the various ways people experience summer. Be it through travel, adventure, family, or personal growth, summer possesses a remarkable ability to forge lasting memories. As the season unfolds, may these stories motivate you to create your own unforgettable summer experiences.
