It's Indian Summer where I live—and the days are so mellow and beautiful. As I thought about how much I always enjoy Indian Summer, I wondered where that term came from. I must have been channeling my 4-year-old grandson, who is so curious, asks lots of questions and is always checking things out. Somewhere along the way, we adults lose some of that curiosity.
Anyway, I Googled "Indian Summer" and learned that the term dates back to the 18th century in the U.S., although that reference indicated the term already was in use. However, it's not clear exactly why and how it originated. Some say it's because the early native Indians chose that time of year as hunting season (with winter coming on). Yet another theory is that ships plying the Indian Ocean loaded up their cargo most during Indian Summer (fair weather season). Some ships had an "I.S." on their hull at the load level that was thought to be safe for that time of year. So who knows? Anyway, it was fun researching that little tidbit.
My point here really isn't about Indian Summer so much as encouraging us to retain those marks of childhood such as curiosity, delight and wonder—those qualities that can add so much to life. What question or thought can you follow today down a path toward wonder, learning and delight?
It's good to stay in touch with that inner 4-year-old!
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