This is going to be a great summer, if only because I will it to be. I don’t care if our politicians self-combust, or Tucker Carlson never finds a job, or eggs cost $20. I’m going to ignore the circus around me for three solid months, because I’m determined to restore my sanity.

This is called creating a bubble, one that shields you from the obvious chaos around you and allows you to live in a state of bliss despite all opposing signs. I don’t normally subscribe to living in such a state of ignorance, but since everyone else around me seems to be doing it, why not take a summer vacation from it all myself?

Since 1997, I have been keenly watching the affairs of this country, along with the rest of the world’s news, with a suspicious and concerned eye. It all started when I was working as a reporter in Massachusetts, and suddenly, the world began to look strange to me. The news was coming off the AP wire with a political bent, and the state government started making unpopular decisions that seemed to infringe on people’s rights. I noted this before many others did, because at that point, I’d worked in the media for many years and had a front row seat. It was just easier to see from my vantage point.

Since then, I’ve spent most of my adult life serving as a witness to profound changes in this country that seem to escalate with each year. I’ve gravitated from shock, to frustration with my friends, family and peers, to sometimes downright panic at my own insights.

But not this summer. This summer I’m determined to skip through the days as if I were living in 1952. I’m putting down my phone, turning off the TV, and finding something profound and interesting to do from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Look for me out on the water in a sailboat, or picking blueberries, or skipping rocks at the gorge. I’m dead set on filling the days with things that are meaningful, or that teach me something, or that fill my life with something other than fear.

July 8, Natalie Merchant will perform with the Chautauqua Symphony Orchestra. That constitutes the making of a lovely bubble. Natalie is a legend and a Chautauqua County girl, so I know she needs no introduction here. I’ve got my tickets, so I’m one step closer to summer plans.

I think I’ll skip the Findlay Lake Triathalon, thanks, but the Lucille Ball Festival on August 2-6 is featuring more than 50 events and 30 artists, and it looks like planners will outdo themselves again. I’ll be there with a red wig and a polka dot dress. Look for me.

And I’m going to the Celtic Festival in Mayville at the end of August, which is offering a great lineup of Celtic music. And they have a beer and wine garden, so what do we have to lose, exactly? If you want to be happy, pretend you’re Irish for a day.

And if it’s the last thing I do, I’m heading to the Seneca Native American Museum in Salamanca because I keep planning to go and never do. And I’m not missing the Rib Fest in Celeron this summer at the beginning of June or the Allentown Art Festival in Buffalo, which is always great.

Not to pay too much homage to alcohol, but I know my husband will want to spend the day at the NYS Craft Brewers Festival being held in Buffalo this summer on June 24th at Canalside.

The Great Blue Heron Music Festival and the Ellicotville Music Festival take place on the same weekend, from June 30th to July 2nd, so there’s a choice to be made there. July 8-9 is the taste of Buffalo, which will taste very good if you’re into chicken wings and beef on kimmelwecks. I love Buffalo food, also known in culinary circles as bar food.

Closer to home, we’ve got the Summertime Beer & Music Festival at Southern Tier Brewery’s picturesque property here in Lakewood. The event is free to the public and will feature live music, house made food and a keg bowling tournament.

The Lenhart will remain closed this summer season while renovations are completed, so we’re going to have to find another place to rock. Does anyone have a porch they’d like to volunteer?