It’s the last day of my birthday month. Not everyone loves July, but I always have.

July is the summer month, a pattern interrupt meant to be spent on beaches or mountain trails. For students and teachers (and I’ve spent many a July as both), it’s freedom from the tedium of lessons and homework.

For me, July is a party month, an excuse to gather and laugh with friends.

But the heat!

Yup. Oppressive. Part of me loves that insistent sun —Don’t forget about me! —the star that lights our planet. With the gifts of AC and refrigeration, cool drinks and frozen treats, what’s a little heat? You can’t spoil my love for July, and, honestly, August is the real scorcher.

This July, I became a senior. When a friend organized a semi-surprise dinner, I decided to make it my coming out party. I donned a sequins dress, colorful palazzo pants, striped socks, and sparkly shoes to come out as a senior. I didn’t have a crown handy, so I wore cat ears, medallion necklaces, and bracelets. Maybe I was supposed to feel silly, but I didn’t. My friends had a good giggle, and I swam in their laughter.

Three days later, I wore the same outfit to my dentist. Extractions, bridges, and crowns merit celebratory garb and party trinkets. Try wearing a fun “outfit” and bringing party trinkets to your next dental engagement. You’ll make their day.

Why July?

This is my 65th July. My Julys have always been packed with good things.

• the giant surprise party my mom organized for my 12th birthday (I was annoyed that she didn’t take me straight home from my two-weeks of summer camp until I saw a hangar full of tables, food, and community.)
• the surprise 40th birthday my husband organized, with catered food, out-of-town friends, and a string quartet
• surprise birthday visits from my daughter
• water skiing on Elk River
• summer trips with the kids to Colorado to visit my brother and his family
• Pensacola beach trips (sand TOO hot for bare feet in July!)
• Comanche 400 trips with my parents piloting us to Caribbean and Rocky destinations
• and so much more…

It’s a hot month, but over the years I’ve made the best of it. This has been a good July, and my coming-out-as-senior shenanigans inspired me to acquire fun accoutrements to wear when I’m out doing the mundane things. I already ordered some special headbands, and I’ll keep my eyes peeled for outfits and footwear that slap a smile on faces as I enter.

What is your favorite month? How do you make it special?

©Pennie Nichols. All Rights Reserved. 2024.