Thursday, October 4, 2018

Summerfall

I discovered a new way to describe my favorite season.  It is Summerfall.  I am cheating, perhaps, because I don’t want to choose between the two.  Okay friends, don’t judge me here. They both give me pleasure while decorating, cooking, dressing, and enjoying numerous activities each has to offer.   I feel strongly connected to both at the moment. 

Summerfall is a kind of in between place.  While September and into early October tend to be mild and sunny weather (at least here in CT) , I take advantage of enjoying summer flowers in my window boxes, walking the boardwalk at the beach, wearing sandals while sporting a nice pedicure, and grilling meals outside yet.   I feel as though I have permission to stand a bit longer outside in the evenings and gaze at the night sky listening attentively to the peepers in the pond. 

For me, this was the first summer in eight years that slowly but surely I was able to tolerate increased activity with  chronic M.  I conquered more fears and headed out the door ready to face some special events that I wouldn’t have even attempted before this. I was determined not to constantly let M have the final say.   “He”rode in the car, but “he”was not in the driver’s seat! I was! 

As much as I love to bundle up in sweaters and hold a mug of hot coffee or tea, I hesitate to fully bring myself to embrace the next season because it does mean letting go of Summer. But ready or not, here it comes.    Just like that.   Residing in New England allows for all four distinct seasons to be observed which I like.  I couldn’t live somewhere where the majority of the year was really hot or cold.  Not for me.   But now I want to add a fifth season just for fun! 

Another reason I may be holding onto summer a bit tighter is because it bestowed physical and spiritual gifts which were unexpected and delightful. God surprised me with little miracles that only I could see and feel but were no less significant.   I have been holding these fragile gifts close to my heart. These gifts and miracles mark a Summer to remember, but just because Fall is almost here does not mean that these gifts and blessings will disappear.  Not at all.  I shall open my hands and heart to what beauty is yet to come.  

Instead of always thanking God for the miracles and gifts He already bestowed, I think I need to try and thank Him for the ones that are on the way.  The ones that I can’t see just yet.   It is with sincere humility that I do so. 

I will eventually turn in my flip flops for boots (and boy do I LOVE my boots!), dressing in layers, making everything pumpkin I can think of and decorating with lots of Fall color. Oh yes, picking apples too!

Slowly I am easing my way into the next season, but for now, Summerfall feels safe. 

Do you have a favorite season?  If  so, what makes it special? 
What kind of activities do you enjoy in the Fall? 
Do you have some special memories from the Summer that made you happy? 

Maybe you would like to  join me in experiencing Summerfall!