The Arrival of Autumn

"Autumn. 

The excitement of it beat in her blood. Every morning she woke with a new confidence and buoyancy she could not explain. In October, any wonderful, unexpected thing might be possible." 

Elizabeth George Speare 

from, The Witch of Blackbird Pond

    You remember that overpowering tingling sensation you had as a child while you stirred restlessly under the covers on Christmas Eve? Or that mixture of excitement and anxiety bubbling inside as you laid out your clothes in preparation for the first day of school? That's the feeling I get when I smell the first hint of Autumn on the breeze. 

    Every season has its redeeming qualities, I suppose. Winter, when it's not too menacing offers an opportunity of rest for all living, growing things. Yet, when the dreary days drag on, limp and gray, as if the sun can only manage to open one eyelid, I sometimes wonder why we don't spend the season in hibernation as many other creatures choose! Lovely Spring gradually opens those doors locked against the cold, infusing life with energy and hope once again - even if it is too short-lived. And Summer's lengthy days create pleasant memories of sunshine, smiles and little chins and fingers forever sticky from watermelon and strawberries. 

    But Autumn -- crisp, clear, bright Autumn. Can I ever tire of your frolicking, dried leaves? Your patchwork mountaintops daubed with red, orange and gold? Or your round, full harvest moons, bathing the evenings in an enchanting glow?

     In all honesty, yes, I probably will tire of it, sooner or later. When I wake in the chilly mornings and cannot bear the thought of climbing out of my toasty-warm bed, or when I don't think I can stomach one more savory fall stew and instead long for a picnic of cold ham sandwiches and iced lemonade, then you might hear me complaining about Autumn. But then again, maybe not. Maybe this year, I'll keep my perspective polished and smooth, knowing that each fallen leaf makes springtime's green buds that much stronger, and that much more beautiful. I'll remind myself that being confined to the cottage affords me the leisure of creating with my hands that which in more promising weather, I might be tempted to rush out and buy.          

"As the days grew shorter and colder, this new sense of expectancy increased and her heightened awareness seemed to give new significance to every common thing around her."

Yes. Autumn really is a magical time of year. Don't you think so?