Hello friends. I'm so glad to be back writing. After taking the summer off and soaking it up with my family (gathering lots of material), it's time to get back to work. I've missed connecting with everyone and look forward to the coming weeks and the exchanges through this column.
Sadly it's time to say goodbye to summer.
As the summer sun's glow and warmth has softened, slowly we will start to see the signs of this wonderful season fade away. Bikes will be hung back in the garage, water hoses will be drained and rolled away, lawn mowers will be stored and we will wait months for the sweet smell of freshly cut grass to return to our senses. Soon we will hear the last sizzle of a steak on the barbecue and the cover will go on for the final time.
Everyday I see change in my backyard, as the leaves turn and change from vibrant greens into the warm, soft hues of autumn. This season is beautiful and breathtaking to watch and to experience. Autumn brings that feeling of comfort that is simply felt in the whisper of the cool, crisp air. Additionally, it brings the arrival of some of my favourite foods that truly warm the soul.
I love love autumn and it is a season that makes me feel alive. Yet, I remain a summer sun girl first and foremost.
As we say goodbye to summer I am reminded of the fun our family had. Like many families we throw "routine" out the window the moment the kids close the door on that last day of school. We savour our long, lazy days that turn into what seem like endless summer nights - nights that are full of laughter, firepits, roasted marshmallows, early morning swims and countless picnics.
Although I will miss the freedom that summer brings (long bike rides with the wind blowing through your hair, sand in between your toes, on your beach towel and everywhere else for that matter, burnt marshmallows, late night stories around the firepit, kids crawling out of bed and stumbling into the kitchen after a good sleep in, camping, alfresco dining, family and friends), I am excited about autumn and the opportunity to look back and process the last few months then turn towards what's ahead and again being given the opportunity to get excited about the season before us.
As I sit watching this change happen right before my eyes, I am reminded that life is forever moving; that the challenges we experience both the highs and the lows, will always be followed by something new; that like we see in nature, the seasons in our life will change, will grow and life will go on.
I'm excited about what lies ahead and I hope you are too. Being the summer sun girl, I'm not saying I'm thrilled about the impending snow that will soon reach our doorsteps. Rather, I am excited for change and I embrace it today. For whatever reason, this seasonal change from summer to autumn speaks to me the most.
For some, it may be the change from spring to summer, seeing new life pop up and the joy that accompanies that change. For others it may be the quiet of winter, the solitude, reminding us that sometimes things go slower and that's OK.
Whatever the case may be, for right now, it's time for us to say goodbye to summer and to transition into autumn. And as we watch it unfold so gracefully in nature, I hope we're all able to do the same.
From my family to yours, may this season be great and my you walk into it with confidence and strength.
Susan J Sohn
susanjsohn.com/thefamilyroom
blogtalkradio.com/susanjsohn
[email protected]
