september 22

Everyone must take time to sit and watch the leaves turn.

~Elizabeth Lawrence ~

Hoping your days are blessed by the changes of fall.

frazzled can be such a fun word

There is something very lovely about September melting away. For me, it's a kick in the behind to get motivated - but I am deeply aware of a transition of time occurring. The flowers are beginning to fade and the leaves are dropping from the trees. The morning air feels crisp and oh how I love to breathe deep, to pull that cool calmness in. I don't see this season as an end of what was...but a simple regrouping to prepare the world for what will be. School has begun and my credential classes are in full swing...never have I been so busy, but I love it. It's not about if I can do this or not. It's not even about what will be the breaking point. Last night as I watched a fellow classmate in tears wondering how they were going to manage their time and work to survive...I realized it's all about prayer. It's true that what is expected of us is unreasonable (budget cuts equate to combining the winter semester with the fall and spring)...but the outcome is worth it. Next spring when the flowers sprout, we will have forgotten all about how this season helped to prepare us for what will undoubtedly be beautiful.

fall's fresh folly

I absolutely love this time of year.
There is an awakening that occurs as nature makes a transition from the heat-soaked days of summer…an awakening that welcomes change…in weather, foods, health…too many things that vie for attention…that were put off or stifled from less-than-desirable temperatures. Over the weekend I managed to spend a little time in the garden digging around, pulling up scorched stems and trimming back overgrown branches. Beneath what the summer spent was a whole new collection of garden life to enjoy. Plants that saved their blossoms until now and little garden friends enjoying a moment of quiet time…no worries, no concerns…just appreciation for these days in September. I am always grateful for the fresh perspective that naturally arrives with fall. Even though it is a busier time of year for me, I feel like I have more energy to enjoy the everyday things. I look forward to the days ahead...the color change, the homemade soups, the cool breeze, making pumpkin treats, and even raking up the leaves ( I've always found that to be therapeutic)...I welcome it all!
What are some of your favorite things about fall?

Leaves

There is something about the surface of the pool being covered in Autumn leaves that says "Change is good". At no other time would this be acceptable and yet now it is almost calming. It is a prelude to firewood being stacked by the backdoor and cozy blankets making a home on the couch. It is that contentment that settles into the bones. It is the sudden craving for homemade clam chower and fresh baked bread. It is coming home to a warm house and snuggling up with a good book. The change is very inviting.