Backstory
After two years of canceled events and empty beaches, it’s been nice to have a summer that feels more like what we’re used to. We also had the gift of perfect summer weather in late June, which led to promises of the summer days to come. July and August wound down fast, and here we are, ready to jump into autumn. It got me thinking.
As Summer Moves On
Summer always seems to end too soon. We’re watching flowers blossom and bloom, birds and bees are doing their thing, and suddenly one day we see that an early tree is losing its leaves. The deep shades of green on the landscape are fading, the grass is taking on a golden tone. It seems to be Mother Nature’s reminder that nothing lasts forever.
No longer can we head out the door barefoot and jacketless. Now the autumn weather requires preparation and thought to keep from being caught somewhere cold and damp. The autumn breeze that cools things down also sets the scene for other changes. New teachers, the new schools, new subjects to study, new wardrobes, and new political or philosophical considerations. New friends require rethinking. Some of the values you carried in light of their newly expressed values.
Organizations restart up their activities after the summer hiatus. And you have to choose where you will volunteer and what next year’s passion will be.
And then there is the big issue of balance between work, family, church, community service and your own social life. There may be a new love in your coming winter or a new hobby, or a new favorite haunt.
So much to look forward to that you almost forgive summer for moving on.
P.S.
Whether your autumn participation is in person or Zoomably, our work continues, our interests expand, our community service increases. We figure out how to make it work. Be kind. Keep loving. Above all, take steps to stay safe.
[Show #539]
Very encouraging.
Always nice to hear that voice of the Valley on the air, Alan Arehart. And, you awaken a grief that I have been feeling about the passing of a season, Summer. Good feelings make me smile, but the closing of the outdoor pools brings a drop of emotion from my eyes as I will miss the encouragement that summer time swims afford this body of mine. And, don’t forget the summer tan that we worked hard to avoid by lathering on sunscreen and wearing a big white hat – I will miss that too. Yes, back to a dab of makeup here and there that was not necessary with the blush of sun on my cheeks. Oh you spark many emotions when I listen to your narrative of passing time. And, yes the grasshopper must now work as hard as the ants to make the best of summer splendors. God bless you Annette! Oh, there is a black puddle around that piece of popcorn I dropped at the pool – must be herding time for those ants!!
What a delightful and lyrical response, Linda. Thank you so much for sharing your oh-please-not-yet thoughts so eloquently.