Goodbye, summer

Tamika Felder pushes her toddler son, Chayton, on a swing at a playground on a sunny day. Chayton, who is under 2, is smiling with joy as he swings, while Tamika stands behind him in a blue dress, enjoying the moment.
Summer is better with my son in my life, even if I still miss my sister.

Summer is my favorite season, hands down. For starters, I’m a summer baby – my birthday is in June. I’m a Cancer who survived cancer. 

But, it’s not just because of that. Some of the simplest things about summer are my favorites: I love the sun on my skin, the warmth (though I could do without the oppressive heat). I love the water. I love all the summer activities, from backyard barbecues to just pushing my son on a park swing on a random sunny day. I love the fresh fruit. And the Maryland blue crabs – can’t forget about the crabs!

A collage showcasing Tamika Felder’s favorite summer moments. The top right image shows a Great Blue Heron wading in a pond. At the center, there’s a juicy, perfectly ripe peach with a decadent filling. Surrounding photos include Tamika smiling with a drink in hand, a child on a playground slide, a young child standing by Cervivor boxes, and vibrant flowers in full bloom. The words “Summer lovin’” appear at the bottom.
From a perfectly fresh peach to a Great Blue Heron wading in the pond near my house, some of my favorite things about summer are the simplest. My son, Chayton, came along on my work trips for Cervivor, and while I spent plenty of time looking out airplane windows, none of them were headed to a beach vacation this year!

When I was younger, I used to like it because I was out of school. I would count down to the first day of summer, and then I’d hate to see summer go.

I still do. I also don’t like it when people rush into the next season – like those people who start putting pumpkins on their front doors right after Labor Day!

This year, though, summer was different. Between my grief over losing my sister and the way life is right now (busy!), I didn’t get to do the things I usually would. No trips to island destinations or visits with family for joyous reasons. But what I did get was meaningful. Honestly, I needed a lot of rest.

Now that summer’s officially over, I’m sharing this ode to my favorite season so I can savor it a little longer. Winter is coming. (Fun fact: I’m a Game of Thrones stan.)

These are a few of my favorite (summer) things…

Yellow watermelon 

I’m obsessed with yellow watermelons. There are actually three different colors of watermelon: red, orange, and yellow. Most people only know the red kind. Red ones are what I grew up eating in South Carolina – the classic big, striped, seeded watermelon-watermelons. The yellow ones? They’re the sweetest, in my opinion.

The first time I tried yellow watermelon was in Jamaica, on my senior class trip – many, many years ago. When I finally found it here in 2020, I was so happy (and may have posted about it a few times on social media). Now, I stalk my local farmer for his yellow watermelons and buy them until I can’t buy them anymore and they’re gone for the season.

A colorful photo collage highlighting Tamika Felder's obsession with yellow watermelon. The center image shows a sliced yellow watermelon, surrounded by various photos of other watermelons, including red and orange varieties from her local farmer. One image shows her son, Chayton, sitting in a high chair enjoying a meal, while another captures him eating watermelon outdoors. There's also a close-up of Tamika holding a slice of yellow watermelon. The collage exudes fresh summer vibes.
When I say I’m obsessed with yellow watermelon, I’m not exaggerating (and my local farmer sees me coming!). The top center photo is of the last yellow watermelon I bought this season, September 16. I’ve also had orange and red watermelon, and yes, Chayton loves it as much as his mama.

This year, my last yellow watermelon of the season was September 16, and I shared it with my son Chayton, who loved it just as much as me. 

The beach 

Growing up in South Carolina, I was surrounded by beautiful beaches. Sorry, Maryland, I love you, but your beaches aren’t nearly as nice!

I like to go to a beach where I can see my toes through the water, I can feel the sand below them. Somewhere I can have a nice frozen drink with some yummy Caribbean dish and not care about my phone. I need that kind of recharge.

There’s also something special about the ocean. You can give whatever to the sea – your worries, what’s weighing on your heart and mind – and it can take it away. You feel washed and renewed. I need that, too. 

This is the first summer I haven’t been to the beach, which feels like blasphemy. I tried to book a trip in June, but hurricane season didn’t help.

A vibrant photo collage from a crab feast featuring Tamika Felder and her friends. The central image shows a large platter of seasoned crabs with lemon butter on the side. Around it, Tamika is pictured smiling with a wooden mallet, ready to crack crabs, and posing with friends who are also enjoying the feast. The group is wearing bibs and clearly having a great time. Other images show attendees focused on their meals, with buckets and paper towels close by for the messy and fun occasion. The collage captures the joy and camaraderie of the event.
Since I didn’t get to the beach this summer, I’m sharing photos of the Maryland blue crabs I’ve eaten instead (they come from the sea!). One of the feasts was for a fundraiser at my friend Wanda’s church. Looking at these crabs is making my mouth water all over again!

Being on the water and outdoors

Even though I didn’t visit a proper beach this summer, I did spend some time on the water, which is one of my other summer things. Some girlfriends and I rented a boat and cruised along the Potomac River. Seeing them, feeling the breeze, and watching the sunlight dance on the water always recharges me. 

Spending time with the friends I rented a boat with this summer brings me so much joy. Being on the water, in general, is my happy place.

I also can’t officially say goodbye to this summer without mentioning two stellar events from earlier this month with amazing people: my friend Yolanda’s glam ’70s-inspired 50th birthday party (especially since my own 50th is coming up next year!) and my friends Roger and Kelly’s beautiful black-tie wedding, which was so dreamy.

I love my people, and I got to celebrate with some of my favorites this summer, including my friend Yolanda, who threw an epic ’70s-themed 50th birthday party, and my childhood friend Roger, whose wedding to his beautiful bride Kelly was absolutely dreamy. My goddaughter Ming and her mom, Felicia, also visited us over Labor Day weekend.

I was also completely touched that Wendy Kline included me in her latest book, Exposed: The Hidden History of the Pelvic Exam, and met me, Chayton and my husband, Rocky, at a beautiful garden in D.C. to give me my own copy. 

Wendy Kline included me in her new book. We met up this month at a gorgeous garden, where she gave me my own signed copy.

For the most part, I took it easy this summer, focusing on resting and recharging whenever I could. Now, I have plenty of time to plan for what I want to do next year.

Honestly, some of my favorite moments at home were just sitting on my back deck, watching the deer graze nearby and the sun set in the evening. Even Chayton’s nanny has started joining me for sunsets – I think I may be rubbing off on her!

A stunning sunset viewed from the back of Tamika Felder's house. The sky is filled with vibrant hues of orange, pink, and purple, casting a warm glow over the surrounding landscape.
The sunset all summer from my balcony. See why I love it?

What about you? Do you love summer or hate it? What are your favorite summer activities? Feel free to send me recommendations for next summer, too!

xo

Tamika