Some of you know that FUN is a key value for me— a feeling I want to experience on a daily basis. Having fun is as important as brushing my teeth or shutting off my computer.

Traditionally, we’ve tended to think of the summer months as vacation or play time, like recess that lasts several weeks. As children, not only did we look forward to summer, but the teachers did as well!

For some of us in the North, summer meant going South to spend time with grand parents or other family “in the country.” For others, it was going to the fair, the boardwalk or amusement parks. Some of us were enrolled in camp or recreation programs.

However, even the so-called ‘care-free’ days of summer were encroached upon by summer school, summer jobs, year-round school…and that didn’t always feel like fun!

Each summer, my father took our family on a road trip to different parts of California: the Gold Rush Country; Glacier National Park; Mt Shasta and Fort Bragg; Yosemite, Mono Lake and Needles; Clear Lake, the Redwoods, Disneyland, Knottsberry Farm and Marine World; Monterey, Big Sur, Hearst Castle and San Simeon.  My mother taught California history and we learned about the state first hand….these trips in the family station wagon were educational and adventurous – our idea of camping was a motel with beds, hot running water and a TV!

• Growing up, how did you spend the summer?
• Do you have special memories or stories from your summers?
• Were there particular games that you enjoyed playing?

My son Edward spent part of his summers at Feather River Camp in Quincy, from Boys Camp to Teens Camp to Story-Telling Week, and at Oakland Park and Rec Camps; basically outdoors most of the time.

The responsibilities of adulthood are serious and seemingly never-ending. Yet balancing work with play is essential for our health and well-being, our wealth and wealth-building.

• How do you play now?
• What’s fun for you these days?
• Are there ways you can incorporate summer fun into your life now?

I invite you to consciously carve out quality “play” time. This could include new ventures or hobbies such as quilting or photography; playing dominoes or bridge; nature hikes of swimming; going to amusement/theme parks with or without the grandchildren; a scenic train ride or short cruise; taking a painting, acting or singing class. How you play is less important than making the decision to play. Decide now!

Honor the child in you today, and play!