Summertime and the livin’ is easy.  And simple.  And very sweet.

Feeling the energy of the fully evolved season, we meet Summer head on… then need a rest, a nap, a respite.

“Rest is not idleness, and to lie sometimes on the grass under the trees on a summer’s day, listening to the murmur of water, or watching the clouds float across the blue sky, is by no means waste of time.”

-John Lubbock, “Recreation,” The Use of Life, 1894

From The Sapphire Girl’s August book club “extra” selection, The Art of Doing Nothing, by Veronique Vienne, here’s some sage advice on napping inside (but hammocks under a shade tree are also highly recommended!):

“Recipe for a Gourmet Nap

The long afternoon nap is for sleep connoisseurs – it’s an after-dessert delicacy.  To make sure you wake up refreshed, follow these easy steps.

1. If you don’t have shutters, draw the blinds or the curtains.  The room should be bathed in a soft, restful glow.  2. Kick off your shoes.  Only remove garments that are constricting or that would rumple badly.  You want to be somewhat dressed up for the occasion.  The gourmet nap is a formal affair.  3. Glance at the clock, take off your watch, and decide when you want to wake up.  Trust your subconscious to nudge you when your time is up.  4. Lie down under the covers but not between the sheets.  5. Close your eyes and image that you are in a small boat, about to embark on a short journey.  Pull up the anchor and let the boat drift.  The water may feel choppy at first, but soon the waves will diminish and you’ll be sailing on a smooth sea.  6. You’ll be awakened by a bump – your keel is scraping a sandy bottom. Drag yourself out of bed slowly, as if you were pulling your skiff onto a beach.  7. Throw water on your face, stretch, open the window.  Don’t rush.  You’ve plenty of time ahead of you.”