“Summer afternoon – summer afternoon; to me those have always been the two most beautiful words in the English language.”

– Henry James, quoted in Edith Wharton’s A Backward Glance –

What are your two most beautiful words? I’m partial to Henry James’s two this week, having enjoyed long, lazy afternoons for the past few days on vacation at a lake in Texas. Hot outdoors, cool and air-conditioned indoors, visiting with family and friends, eating ice cream mid-afternoon. Summer afternoon.

I wish you a vacation that frees you from the usual daily stresses this summer.

Nourish peace, cultivate loving kindness, and carry the calm.

Nature of the week – blooming hibiscus:

Shadow of the Week – pool umbrella:

Text and photos © 2016 Karyn Henley. All rights reserved.