You say lightning bug, I say firefly

Or tomato/"tamahto" (but without the salmonella). Whatever - summer is really here! The farmer's market opens today & the pool is waiting if we want to head there.
Today I sent my oldest two off for their last (add-on) day of school. A summerish schedule has already begun & we can't seem to get the kids in bed at anything resembling a decent hour. They prefer rock-star hours when given the choice. I was the same way for most of my life, but not any more.
Last night we had such fun catching fireflies. We gathered a bunch in a container & brought them in. The idea was that they would have a "sleepover" with my youngest. But they didn't really light up much. My son said he's sure they must be afraid. I'm sure he's right.
A little Google action & I learned that fireflies light up to attract mates. Well who can relax and do that when being held in a plastic container, no matter how well-ventilated, with prying eyes peering in?
Hmm - maybe it's sort of like being able to relax and open up for birth. As famed midwife Ina May Gaskin says, "the energy that gets the baby in, gets the baby out". Sure easier to do when you don't feel overly watched or afraid.

I guess I'll go let these babies, er, fireflies out so they can relax and find their soul mates.