Project: Dabble

The long days of summer invite reflection, celebration, and fresh beginnings. It’s the perfect time to try something new, just for the joy of it.

The summer solstice has arrived, marking the official start of the season.

For centuries, cultures around the world have celebrated this turning point. In ancient pagan traditions, the solstice was believed to be the height of the sun god’s power. Bonfires were kindled with the bones of dead animals (bone fires) and stories of fairies and spirits stirred imaginations. Today, people still gather at Stonehenge to watch the rising sun align with the Heel Stone and shine into the heart of the ancient stone circle.

With the longest days of the year upon us, the solstice still invites reflection, celebration, and fresh beginnings. It’s a natural time to try something new, just for the joy of it. Here are nine ways to dabble this summer.

1. Nature Journaling
Grab a notebook and head outdoors. Sketch what you see, jot down observations, or press wildflowers between the pages.

2. Watercolor Painting
Try your hand at capturing summer scenes in soft washes of color. Paint your backyard, your morning coffee, or your favorite fruit. Let the paint do its thing. Imperfection is part of the charm.

3. Explore the History of Summer Holidays
Look into the origins of summertime holidays such as Juneteenth, the Fourth of July, and Labor Day. Discover how these commemorations began, what they represent today, and the stories that are often overlooked.

4. Stargazing & Skywatching
Warm nights are ideal for learning a few constellations or tracking the phases of the moon. No telescope needed, just a blanket, a star map, and your eyes.

5. Learn About the History of Baseball
From sandlot games to stadium legends, baseball offers a unique lens on American history, shaped by immigration, industrialization, integration, and the rise of commercial sports. Watch a documentary, visit a local ballpark, or read about the game’s early days.

6. Cook with Summer’s Bounty
Visit a farmers market or pick-your-own farm and choose one ingredient that catches your eye, heirloom tomatoes, fresh peaches, sweet corn, or basil. Explore different ways to prepare it throughout the season: roast it, pickle it, bake it into something sweet or blend it into something fresh.

7. Foraging 101
Take a beginner-friendly class or guided walk to learn about edible plants in your area. Even identifying a few common herbs or berries can deepen your connection to your environment.

8. Backyard Science Experiments
From exploring leaf chromatography to observing insects with a magnifying glass, summer offers endless opportunities for playful, hands-on learning, solo or with kids.

9. Document Your Dabbling
Start a summer scrapbook, photo series, or short blog to capture what you’re trying. Reflecting on your experiences can turn a fleeting moment into lasting insight.

Whatever you choose, let curiosity be your guide this summer. Happy dabbling!