summe(r)eading

Summer is just around the corner. Technically, for me, that season of adventure, mystery, and short shorts begins at the end of this week. I cannot wait-- the past few summers have seen me caravan across states, camp by sea and river, bask in sunlit meadows and foggy seaside villages. Last summer, amongst other adventures, I traipsed around the Southwest, buying handmade jewelry in Taos pueblo, watching lightning flash over the red formations in Sedona, and drinking prickly pear margaritas in the tower of the oldest hotel in Santa Fe. I also spent two weeks traveling California, laying out on beaches that can only be reached by fording a river, from which not a single human structure could be seen. There is a little century-old bungalow in Palo Alto were I holed up for good movies, great food, and even better company. I spent a day laying in the shadows of the Coastal Redwoods and bathing in the Eel River, a perfect span of hours I followed up with a shared bottle of Chianti in the starlight. 

Summer is the time of year I give my always present wanderlust a freer rein, a loose hand to see what can be see and do as much as possible. This summer I am not yet certain what waits behind the curtains, but I am working on some very exciting possibilities. Whatever travels and activities I fall into, I definitely have a substantial reading list compiled and waiting. Below are a selection of pieces I am particularly excited about that I hope to tackle before autumn's crisp chill descends again.

I am embarrassed I have not read this yet, so that needs to happen.

A fairly recent discovery, Mr. Jeffers wrote of the Central Coast, exposing as much love for its majesty and mystery as I feel. Beautiful words, too.

This, also, just feels necessary.

I have had this on my shelf for years, a purchase from some secondhand store pile, but given my burgeoning obsession with Californiana, I think it is time.

Last summer I read Keith Richard's "Life," so I feel it only fair to give my second-favorite Stone a chance.