For me, living in New York is a tricky balancing act. Daily, I must leave the cage of my apartment and venture out into the city. Then, I must get in, out of the city, back to my apartment nest. The cage/nest contradiction is a constant one. It goes with the urban terrain. The enchantment of New York is its big dreams. The reality of New York is its small living spaces.
—Julia Cameron, The Sound of Paper
I remembered Julia’s words last week, on a warm, sunny evening when all I wanted to do was stay home. I felt a wee bit guilty about this impulse – because, for a good chunk of the year here in New England, going outside in the evenings isn’t really an option.
In the winters – especially one as long and brutal as this past one – we long for the days of open windows, long walks and afternoons at the beach. By the time spring comes, we are restless, aching to get out and stretch our legs. And once summer comes, we embrace the warmer weather with reckless abandon.
I’ve spent at least a dozen evenings down on the Charles River lately, paddling in a kayak (from which I took the photo above) or walking along the Esplanade. I love a stroll through the Public Garden, and I adore an hour spent hanging out in Harvard Yard. Over the long 4th of July weekend, the hubs and I spent an afternoon at the beach, went to a Red Sox game, and threw the Frisbee on Boston Common with a friend.
But in the summer, as in all seasons, sometimes it feels good to come inside, back to the apartment that has been home base for nearly five years (!) now. With its twinkle lights, overflowing bookshelves, cozy living room and the dining table I’ve had since college, it is my nest, the place where I can relax.
The hubs and I love to explore Boston and take occasional jaunts elsewhere (like our recent one to Maine), but we also need time at home, to read and cook dinner, putter around and watch Modern Family, to sprawl barefoot in the living room and exhale.
Do you see the nest/cage contradiction in your own life? Especially if you live in a city, I’d be interested to hear your experiences.
cakes, tea and dreams 
I saw myself in your blog. I too enjoy the warmer months. Spring and Summer are my favorite time of year. I love being out mingling with people at festivals and such. It seems everyone is happier in the warmer months. I love the beauty of Spring and Summer. But I secretly wait on Fall and Winter as well. Don’t like either. But it confines me to my apartment which is cozy. Gives me a chance to just unwind and relax and enjoy my humble abode.
Exactly, Shannon! Well said.
As you know from living in Texas, the Southern summers are wonderful and brutal at the same time. Really hot and humid and perfect for days at the lake or pool. But also hot and really, really humid when it’s just delicious to stay in the cool air conditioning. Those inside days feel secretive. Not out with everyone else. Just enjoying my own nest.
Yes, “secretive” is exactly it, sometimes!
Cameron’s quote certainly hits home as I’m getting used to San Francisco. Trying to toe the line between exploring (pushing past my insecurities and anxieties as I figure out public transportation) and staying home (good when it’s self-care, bad when it’s hiding.)
There’s definitely a balance to strike there. Thinking about you in this transition, friend!
Definitely identify with this! I live in NYC so it is especially imperative to have time at home and to make a space your restful place. Haven’t mastered that push/pull yet between wanting to do everything cool the city offers in the summer while also taking time to have alone time and just be.
It is a tricky balance. As you can see from the post, I’m definitely working on it, too.
I completely understand what you mean – I live in Bermuda but am at university in England so you would think that I would be out in the sun every hour of the day, though that is almost never the case. I see the summer as time to do things I enjoy doing – such as blogging and writing – which sometimes keep me caged, though in same ways it is also a nest in that I am where I want to me. A slight paradox, but the best way I can think to put it!