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9.22.2007

Sayonara, Summer!

Some people I know look at the passing of summer with regret. They ruefully wave goodbye to days of sunshine and warmth; they heave great sighs when the temperatures take a final drop. Not me.


I revel in Autumn. I glory in it. I adore the change of the season. I’m ecstatic when I get to put away the tee shirts and capris and pull out the sweaters and jeans. Out come the scarves and hats and jackets. It’s great!


I know, I know…in a few months it will be winter. And I’ll be sick of the cold weather and snow by January, itching to bring back flip flops and tank tops.


But I just want to take a moment to enjoy the present. Let’s just revel in this moment, shall we?


...Oh, wait. Not this exact moment. For even though Summer is officially over, and Fall has arrived, our week here in Pittsburgh was still in the low 80's. That's right. Hmph.



Well, my consolation is that the evenings are cool, chilly enough even for, say, a fire; and soon enough the cooler days will be here, too. Days of air as crisp as gala apples; of trees filled with glorious colors; of crunchy withered leaves underfoot. There's just something so deliciously melancholy about this time of year--whether it's the blaze of color before everything dies, or the harvesting of the last crops before the ground lies fallow for winter, or the promise that stillness and barrenness, at least for a season, is just around the corner.



And yet, there's a richness to the season, too: the scents of cinnamon, decaying leaves, and smoky fires; the vibrant oranges, golds, and scarlets that adorn the trees , bushes, and our tables; the cozy textures of knitted warmth that we wrap around ourselves to keep warm. There is the giving of thanks, and the time spent with family. There are hayrides. Caramel apples. Trick-or-treaters. Scarecrows. Pumpkins. Pilgrims. Squash. Indian Corn. Plymouth Reenactments. Turkeys. Turkeys made from a traced hand. Leaf rubbings. Mashed potatoes. Bonfires. Leaf piles...to jump in. Colorful scarves.

...And so many other things. It's only just begun, and I'm already dying to take it all in.


*Sigh.* I love Fall. Did I mention that already?

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

AMEN SISTER!!!

AUTUMN IS MY FAVE TOO!

I THINK MY FAVORITE PART ABOUT IT IS THAT I FEEL SO CLOSE TO GOD DURING THIS TIME. I BELIEVE THAT'S BECAUSE I HAVE THIS SENSE OF HOPE. EVERYTHING IS GOING TO SLEEP, BUT IT WILL ALL AWAKEN AGAIN. IT'S HIS PROMISES TO KEEP US AND SUSTAIN US.

IT'S JUST SUCH A RESTFUL TIME FOR ME.

mkaely said...

I love fall too. I think it is my favorite season. But I get even weirder, I also love winter! I don't like summer, except for maybe flip flops. :o)

Brianne said...

"I like Fall. Everything dies."-- Bud Brooker.

Other than that, Fall is pretty much the most beautiful time of year here in the Ozarks. (Maybe I'll start calling it "the O.Z." Just because.) Also, selfishly, fall colors compliment me. All those reds and browns? I'm in heaven. Love you!