Summer is the threshold to the Realm of Childhood. I’ve stepped both feet inside—they dance a little in this place, and run a little faster than normal. At nighttime, when the crickets sing the Children to sleep, you can hear the neighborhood Canines speak of their young charges through the fence grating. Some yip excitedly. Some howl.

The clock tick-tocks to lively lunches in the Outside, where creatures of the Realm join us. The raccoons will steal bites of your salmon delicacies if you’re not watching closely. Yum-Yums taste magical in the Realm of Childhood, especially when created by little hands.

Before you know it, it’s time for the Children to play in the Forest of Cacti while I sit at my keyboard and weave my hands over the letters. Stories unfold into the arid air, but quickly fall into crumbles as the Noise Monster erupts. He like to stir up tempers, arguments and other devilish entertainment. He has kept me from finishing a very important project. I will put my foot down in exactly one hour, on threat of confiscating every one of his sugar-fueled temptations.

I must go now, as I hear his footsteps draw near. Happy Tuesday, friends.