How to Celebrate Summer Solstice
Summer solstice always seems to be overlooked. We imbue winter solstice with deep meaning and some acknowledgement of our far distant pass, but we never really pay tribute to the summer version other than determine whether or not we still look good in our swimsuit. (Well, my Dad celebrates, since his birthday always falls on June 20. Happy birthday!)
I spent the early part of the day volunteering for highway cleanup near the main plant entrance. I'm not suggesting that you do the same, and I am aware that this is work usually performed by inmates and that perhaps this gave the company an opportunity to have work done for free that they would otherwise have to pay for.
The real celebration came that evening, when I got to participate in a drum circle at the Cincinnati Nature Center. I know, it sounds vaguely Deadheadish, and there was a sage smudging ritual which involved a big wad of smoldering sage which reminded me ever so slightly of Bill Murray's huge joint in Caddyshack ("This is a cross, ah, of Bluegrass, Kentucky Bluegrass, Featherbed Bent, and Northern California Sensemilia.") It smelled great, though.
Then came the drumming. Most everbody else had a West African-style conga drum, but since the invitation said "bring your own", I brought along my Xylodrum (often referred to as a tongue drum) with me, a gift I had gotten from my mom several years ago. You can see a video of a 16-note version being played here, though mine is a 6-note version. It was not easy for the sound to carry over the loud slaps of the congas, but I think it added some nice texture to the rhythms.
Happy Summer Solstice to everyone!