Here comes the sun...

Sunshine is magic. This sounds like romantic drivel, I concede, but I do believe there must be more than just poetic rhyme or reason behind this, having witnessed first hand the way it changes not just individuals, but whole towns, cities, countries...
Sunshine gives us hope. It lights up the day, the place, the people. It reminds us of summer, of holidays, of barbecues. It brings laughter, frolicking in parks, strolls along the river...
Sunshine gives us spirit. It makes us braver, sexier, cheerier. It tans us, warms us, soothes us.
Sunshine makes the flowers grow, the birds sing, the people give...
Today a friend and I decided to take a stroll across the city. We meandered through the parks and by the lakeside at sunset, and en route stopped off for some frozen yoghurt to cool off in the unanticipated but very welcome heatwave. As we stood pondering the menu, flitting between old classics and new favourites, the young gentleman about to pay took us all by surprise when he asked the cashier if he could pay for the entire queue's orders. Despite the fact that he had an unlimited card that was on the verge of expiry, and thus could easily afford the charitable gesture, this sort of kindness does not usually come about, and on this occasion had probably surged from the madness arising from the excessive heat (another by-produce thereof as well as the desire for cold dairy produce, it seems). This man, this everyday hero, burst through the private bubbles of all involved, inviting us to share in his good fortune, for no other reason than that he could... I'm grateful to him for the gift (free pud - who wouldn't be?!) but I'm also grateful to know that human kindness and generosity is not a mere myth, but might be waiting around the corner, a pleasant surprise when you least expect it...
Social barriers apparently begin to crumble when the sun comes out. Not only in conversation, where discussing a sunny day is never a faux-pas introduction, but in interaction, where approaching a random stranger or joining in on their game/chat/debate becomes a lot more tolerable and thus commonplace on sunnier days. Bad humours are forgotten a lot more easily when there is no drizzle to keep the mood dampened, and rightly so!
Thus... sunshine is magic. It makes the air taste of possibility. It makes the city tingle. It weaves a spell that leaves us with rainbow sunsets and rosy reflections, it sets buildings aglow with its dying rays, casts a wondrous halo about the twilit streets, tantalises us with the promise of tomorrow... sunshine is magic.

Creature Comforts

Then...


Trampoline. Bubbles. Lollipops. Balloons. Fireworks. Sleepovers. Popping candy. Starjumps. Pink lemonade. Hula-hooping. Make-believe. Party bags. Snowfights. Cuddly toys. Swings. Jelly and ice cream. Wishing wells. Skipping. Friendship bracelets. Dressing up. Action Man/Barbie. Midnight snacks. Fairytales. Staying up late. Water fights. Apple bobbing. Face paint. Frisbees. Food fights. Blanket teepees. Finger painting. Paper planes. Chinese whispers. Adventures. Candy floss. Marbles. Trolls. Collecting stickers. Free gifts in cereal packets. PG Tips monkeys. Cargo pants. Pop music. Toffee apples. Musical chairs. Space hoppers. Walkman. Discman. Pogo sticks. Rollerblading. Pass the parcel. Chocolate spread sandwiches. Pocket money. Riding without stabilisers. Gel pens. Bubble bath. Glitter. Calling for someone. Climbing trees. Grazed knees. Hamsters. Bubblegum. Tooth Fairy/Easter Bunny/Santa. Bouncy castles. Spaghetti hoops. Teddy bears' picnics. Go-karting. Sherbet. Campfires. Funfairs. Wellies and puddles.


Now...


Trampoline. Bubbles. Lollipops... Cups of tea. Fresh laundry. Cut grass. Cupcakes. Really long grass. Comfy. Candles. Starlight. Cheesecake. Romance. Streetlamps. Burritos. Walks. Cats or Dogs. Freebies. Sun. Cocktails. Photography. Cosy beds. Novels. Dancing in the rain. Flip-flops. Beer pong. Cards. Concerts. Staying up to watch the sunrise. Sofas. Beach parties. Baking. Fluffy towels. Chocolate fountain. Missing someone. Kissing someone. Disco dancing. Tapas. Sightseeing. A full fridge. Cinema trips. Lattes. Pub quiz. Ice cream in pints. Outdoor ice rinks. House parties. Art. Surprises. Lunch out. Wine tasting. Mattress testing. Foreign accents. Glowsticks... Campfires. Funfairs. Wellies and puddles.