Pausing For Thoughtful Moments

It's fall. The bugs are gone. Well, almost. I've noticed in the past few days that when I leave the porch light on, I don't have to fight through a swarm of billions of bugs to get in the door. That's good. There are a few hangers-on, but I can live with it.

The air has certainly changed. It is cool and crisp, especially at night, but even the days have a different feel and smell to them. I like fall, probably best of the seasons. It is a gentling of the summer's force, and nature's way of easing us into the cold of winter. I hope this fall will be long enough to experience. So many seems to be just days between the torrid heat and the icebox chill. We'll see.

I'm seeing this as a time of change for me, too. The garage sale will help to mark it as a real event, the closing of one of my life's doors as I dispose of the many unnecessary belongings from a previous life. My step-son, Allan, noted to me that next week is the anniversary of my arrival. One year ago, I left KC and began to build a life here. We plan to mark it with a dinner out, and probably a glass of wine to toast new beginnings coming to maturity.

The seasonal change seems to fit well with my mood about moving on, too. It is gentle, ready to make the transition. I like winter. I know many others don't, but it is refreshing to me to have fresh white snow glistening under the bright Southwestern sun. So different from the bleak winters in the Midwest. I like wearing sweaters and warm lined boots, more or less symbols of protection to me, I think. I like the comfort of wrapping a soft throw around my legs while I watch TV or read and listen to music. Add some warm tea, hot chocolate and maybe some popcorn ... can you think of a more inviting scene?

And now ... sigh ... back to reality. I need to get moving and do the final touches for the yard sale. I'm already physically spent, worse by far than I was yesterday. I didn't sleep well last night with the aches, even after taking Tylenol. But it is nearly over. It has been six months coming, so three more days should be do-able!

I'm posting a second post immediately after this. It is something that I think is thought-provoking and has been rolling around in my head for a couple days.

Later!