The Labor Day Exhale

Is it time to take that collective deep breath-Labor Day is here -like the blink of an eye-another summer (well most of it) has passed. For many, our favorite season has shifted and we find ourselves preferring the quiet times-open spaces, open tables, open hearts-falling leaves, falling snow and falling stars – listening to birds, to wind and to your heart. Peaceful times of reading, and breathing and being. Maybe it’s just because I am getting older, but my once social self has waved the white flag and retreated to what seems to be my backyard sanctuary.

I can remember some decades, perhaps close to a half-century ago now, waiting in line to get into some of the Hampton’s famous hotspots- ‘Le Mans’, was it ‘The Moon’? and ‘Bay Street Night Club’, and dancing the night away-many coming home with ears ringing and bed spinning. Much of the local disco scene has been replaced by the likes of conversational micro-breweries, wineries, family karaoke and Trivia Nights. Though some live music hotspots remain and cultural events and literary offerings abound. I wonder if the younger generation ever knew of what a hopping disco scene there used to be here? There was a 2014 article in ‘27 East’ reporting, “Hamptons Party Scene Found Dead, Locals Want Answers”.

 There are some that drink in the social life, soak it in like vitamin D from the rays of the sun and find energy, life and passion there- but I seem to have left most of that behind. Give me a sunset and a sun tea along with a fair share of wrinkle cream. It might be fun to construct a timeline of our lives and see the patterns and the preferences-products and produce-how have we changed and how things have changed around us. And resting in the space knowing that it is all OK.

So, we can all take that Labor Day deep breath-and exhale-maybe we can remember to smile and talk to the folks in line with us at the grocery store-wave at the silver pick-up truck even if you’re not sure it’s your friend behind the wheel, park at Long Beach for a much earlier sunset, start checking out the Mums for our front stoops-what color will we decide on this year-  get into town for an ice cream or a greeting card, or just a stroll along Long Wharf. It is the time for us to step out, relish and remember just why we love it here.