Your Summer: Valerie Metz

Our new Journal series,Your Summer, captures the essence of summer through short films and conversations with creators from our community.

We each have our own version of summer —rituals, rhythms, places, pleasures.

What’s the first sign of summer where you are? That one thing that signals the changing of the seasons and the sweet beginning of longer, warmer days?

The first sign is any sunny morning! I live near the beach so we deal with May Gray and June Gloom so any consistency with sunshine feels like summer.

Summer food can be picked fresh from the trees, its sun-ripeness can be smelled before it is tasted, its abundance can make al fresco dinners go on for hours, and its colours make street markets come alive.

What are the flavours of your summer? The tastes that transport you?

My flavors of summer are anything juicy and fresh! Fruit and fish is my favorite summer meal.

"My flavors of summer are anything juicy and fresh!"

Tell us about your perfect summer day – where are you going, what are you doing, and who are you with? What does it feel like?

My favorite summer days consist of me waking up early, letting all the sunshine into my house while I listen to music and make breakfast. I love eating breakfast outside and basking in the sun then going for a walk.

Ideally i'm with my kiddos, I love taking them to the beach and sharing the experience with them. We pack our snacks and just take it all in! I also love going for swims at sunset with friends — it makes me feel so youthful!

"The smell of salt air reminds me of summers spent with my family in South America"

Smell can be so transportative and often takes us back to a time or a memory. Tell us about the one scent that defines your summer.

The smell of salt air reminds me of summers spent with my family in South America. We would always stay on the coast so waking up to the smell of humidity and fish is so nostalgic for me!

What are your summer rituals – the little things you do each day to make the most of long, lazy days?

I have always been an early riser but waking up early has so many perks in the summer! Everything feels so still and peaceful. Sunsets are so magical too- any chance I can spend going outside is so important to me.

Summer means different things to all of us depending on where and who we are. What makes your summer uniquely yours?

I honestly love NOT traveling in the summer and just enjoying my space and home. I am fortunate enough to live in such a beautiful spot that I love having a local summer and not wasting time traveling far or for a long time!