Leaves begin to flutter down. A welcome familiar chill in the air hits us from behind, when we least expect it. We smile. It feels good. We’re reminded that fall has arrived … and isn’t it about time!
Autumn (as most of the world calls the season) with its cooler breezes, smells of apple cider and hints of excitement. We enter with a promise of renewal and change. A new grade for school goers, and the chance to wear sweaters and boots and cozy attire.
Looking up, we see clouds race between the blue skies. Drops of rain on an abundance of leaves turning glorious colors: from blues to greens to yellows to golden reds and burned oranges.
No wonder fall is a favorite season for many. One that serves as the entry way to the holidays; days of hot soups and nights of lighting fires. Eating forbidden candy corn and toasted marshmallows.
And, finally, closure to that unusually hot and not-so-glorious summer of 2023.
> Take an audio journey through the wonders of fall, spoken by Katrina Wood. Listen now.
This is not to say autumn is a welcome time for everyone. Certainly not for lovers of the Sun God Ra with his penetrating rays. Summer is both compelling and relaxing for those who love long days and early mornings, not to mention wonderful opportunities for endless barbecues, breaks from the drudgery of school, a pause for our revered teachers and for many the chance to take a holiday to parts unknown or known. For some, summertime’s fade brings sad forlorn goodbyes until next year.
Yet last summer saw uncertain and unpredictable heat waves across the globe — in many places relentless temperature never seen before. Even in usually cool countries summer was a challenge, even scary at times.
Now that sweltering days have waned, we have the cool subtle whispers of autumn in the air. They bring a sign of relief as breathing a little more deeply is experienced; a quiet skip in the walk takes hold. New sights are set on what this season might bring. For most of us a welcome turning of the page toward this new seasonal chapter.
There is much to welcome about magical fall, our seasonal companion. Autumn’s misty mornings lead to building a fire, toasting marshmallows, making homemade soup and taking more walks during the day. Heading toward a time of renewed energy, creative projects, diving into that new project that was always around somewhere beckoning you to pay attention.
Fall, a season of wonder and magic, and new beginnings.