Raw Solstice Celebration

Not only was Sunday Father's Day, it was also the Summer Solstice — the longest day of the year and the official beginning of summer. Since summer is my favorite season, I couldn't resist a chance to celebrate with my friends. The Father's Day celebration at my parents' house was over by 5 p.m., so I had a chance to attend my pal Judith's Summer Solstice party.

Here's Judith lighting the traditional Summer Solstice fire — which represents the sun — in her firepit:

Since Judith is almost 100 percent raw, she made a huge smorgasbord of raw goodies. Here's my plate:

Mango Salsa, Stuffed Cashew Tomatoes, Flax Crackers, Some Delicious Raw Pate, Something Purple and Yummy, Homemade Pickles, Raw Squash Salad, Coleslaw, and Carrot BBQ

Judith's yard is filled with toys, like this exercise ball that I'm doing push-ups on:

And this hexagonal ball contraption that my boyfriend Paul played on:

Here's Paul chatting with our buds Vaughan and Barbara after our Welcome the Sun ritual (by the way, Paul isn't drinking two glasses of wine ... he's holding my cup so I could take a picture):

We had lots of fun playing weird musical instruments, noshing on raw goodies, and welcoming the sun. Happy Summer!