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Wednesday, September 22, 2010

An Ending and a Beginning

You'd think for someone who has been talking about Halloween since August, that the first day of fall wouldn't be much of a push.  But it is.  Despite what the weather has been saying for weeks, I can't believe that summer is officially over and today fall is here.

Fall can be unpredictable on the prairies and already the weather has been inclement enough to hint around the edges of an early snow.  It's rained here more days this summer than I can keep track of and that's not usual.  If it's one thing we can boast - it's hours of sunshine.  So this year I'm feeling slightly jilted that fall is already here when summer arrived for such brief moments. 

When I was a kid there was a mystery and excitement to fall.  It was a time of new beginnings, motivations and commitment.  That was the time when school began and everything was new; new wardrobe, new books, new everything.  It was easy to forget the long lazy days of summer that were quietly left behind.  But now it's different.  I'm an adult with no need of new fall clothes, no new books or pens, just the same basement office and the same commitment I made to write each day that I made earlier this year as spring merged into summer.

With nothing new - it would be easy to keep trudging along the same path.  But something has changed.  Call it an attitude that correlates with the calendar but this morning I'm shrugging off the lethargy of summer's lost promise.  Fall has always been the time when excuses are shelved, and goals are brought out and dusted off or new directions plotted.  Today it's time to move forward and get it done, make up for the lack of a new fall wardrobe and replace it with a summer version - for that research trip!

Life is an adventure and the ending of one season and the start of another that is full of unpredictability adds an edge.  Today I can feel the anticipation in the air.  The past is over and just like when we were kids - the future stretches ahead.

The magic is there.  It's only a matter of finding it.  This fall I'm shifting gears doing things a bit different from travel to promotion to a daily exercise routine.  But all that is fodder for another post.  In the meantime - today's walk will take a new direction, a path never traveled and a fresh look at the season we call autumn.

And you?

Whatever you can do, or dream you can, Begin it. Boldness has genius, power 
and magic in it, Begin it now. - Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

Ryshia
For All Time
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6 comments:

Jillian said...

The summer certainly did fly by! Though, at least here in Ohio, the weather seems to think it's still summer! I can't quite believe it's fall yet, but hopefully the right weather will convince me. And, of course, the changing leaves--probably my favorite part of fall! But I'm also convinced that if I keep drinking copious amounts of apple cider and putting pumpkin better on absolutely EVERYTHING, the weather will get its act together and remember it's autumn as well!
Your post just made me realize how glad I am it's fall! I'll be waiting for the first day that's sunny, but not quite warm, with a brisk breeze blowing in...meanwhile, I believe some apple cider is in order!

Ryshia Kennie said...

Jillian - I love your version of fall - and the sound of copious amounts of apple cider. I've only had apple cider a few times neither apple cider or pumpkin butter are a tradition here. Maybe here too some apple cider is in order.

Jillian said...

Oh my goodness...no apple cider???
I must admit I've never thought about fall without apple cider! Though I suppose somewhere in my mind I knew apple cider isn't universal. Somewhere...?
But I do happen to believe apple cider is ALWAYS in order!
:)
I hope you're still enjoying fall with or without apple cider!

Ryshia Kennie said...

It's interesting regional traditions that we take for granted. And just to add to your dilemma - while I have had apple cider - I've never tasted pumpkin butter.

The Scarf Princess said...

Can't believe how fast the summer went, especially when I don't think I accomplished much. I like the look of Fall, but hate what it stands for...winter being just around the corner. ACK! I despise winter. At least my old joints hate it.

joderjo402 AT gmail DOT com

Ryshia Kennie said...

Joder - I'm totally with you - had enough winter. When I read about people who enjoy fall I have to remind myself that they are probably from places where winter is much more user friendly.