As if the summer were merely an idea: The Sixth Month

JT Twissel

It’s hard to believe but, ready or not, here comes June. The Merry Month of June known to many foggy coastal communities as “June Gloom.”

The Japanese Midori Calendar

There may be no state-sanctioned days off in Japan during June but there are regional festivals all over the country. Of course, it’s the same here in the United States. When I was a single mom I always dreaded June. School ended and yet summer camps wouldn’t begin for at least a week. And then there were all those weddings and graduations and money just flew out the door. This country has never been child friendly and it looks like it will be getting worse.

Sunlight hitting the lilies on the hill.

But at least the weather is neither too cold or hot and the days are long. Best, I think, to enjoy the break before summer really takes hold and lasts (at least here) until the beginning of October.

A poem by someone I’m proud to call a friend: Layton Alberto Francesco Damiano

22 thoughts on “As if the summer were merely an idea: The Sixth Month”

  1. It is hard to believe that June is here – and the second half of 2025 is upon us.
    I have never heard of June Gloom before – and interesting to hear about the month of June for you during the (single) school days – and all that was going on. For us, September was the month that socked us financially and we ended up starting a September fund – just a little money we put away that helped us a lot – and we did that for about three years –
    lastly, what a unique poem by Layton….

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    1. It’s quite common here in California to experience either coastal or valley fog in June. For single working moms, September brings a sigh of relief but it also can be expensive! Layton is quite a unique fellow!

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      1. I was never a single mom, thankfully, and while there were still hurdles my spouse and I managed, I am grateful we were able to be united and tag team our approach –
        but your post did remind me as to how tough it can be for single parents – especially when school lets out and other stuff does not quite begin.
        And my step daughter is married to a military man and he is deployed a lot – so she problem solves single mode a lot – for example, she had the kids do martial arts instead of sports this pats spring so she did not have to run all around town for practice and games – and instead can go to the martial arts studio and I thought that was a great idea.
        anyhow, enjoyed your post

  2. I really liked the poem Jan had to read it three times before I really understood it especially the last lines

    I love your calendar too. Happy June 💜😁😁

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  4. June gloom, huh? I didn’t know this but understand why it happens. The calendar is beautiful as are the lilies in the sunshine. Hang in there.

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  5. What started as a rainy and gloomy June day magically turned into a sunny one, after I read your post. You’re a magician, Jan.

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  7. As we get ready to spend a long weekend in SoCal this upcoming weekend, I know all about June gloom, although sometimes it comes in other months, just doesn’t rhyme as well. 🙂 In Arizona, we rarely have gloom or even a cloudy day, but thankfully we had a cloudy, rainy weekend, blessing us with some badly needed rain. A friend and I were talking over coffee this morning how, in many places, people long for sunshine while we long for a cloudy day here and there and, hopefully, one accompanied by rain. 🙂

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  8. Life is difficult for all working mothers especially during school holidays. I also remember that struggle. Funnily enough, it never impacted my husband who automatically assumed it was my problem despite us having the same profession.

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  10. That is a wonderful poem Jan, thank you for sharing it!

    Wow, we’re 1/2 way through your beautiful calendar.

    Summer used to be more pleasant. Climate change, steel and cement has turned our summers into a 2 month long steam bath steroids.

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    1. That’s really sad to hear. The last time I was in Montreal – mid October about seven years ago – the ferries up the St. Lawrence were still running it was so warm. We loved it but it definitely didn’t feel right.

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