Summer seems to have a way of reminding us what freedom feels like. It’s stepping away from our routines for a while, following our sense of adventure, and enjoying these long, hot days in the sunshine.

For some, freedom is found at the end of a mountain road, standing atop a historic fire lookout with endless views and a sky full of stars. For others, freedom comes from confidence, like the kind Phoebe Natina has instilled in generations of North State families by teaching them how to swim. Sometimes freedom is creative expression, like we see at the Siskiyou Art Museum, where artists gather and ideas flourish. Freedom is also the courage to start something new, like Shasta Lake leaders have done with Freedom 250, a drone show that will light up the skies in a new-to-us way on July 3. And sometimes, freedom is found in the simplest moments, like making a macaroni salad that fully deserves its own poem. (You’ll see what we mean later in this issue.)

As we celebrate summer, we hope you’re inspired to seek out your own version of freedom, whether it’s found in nature, creativity, community or simply making time for what matters most.