Wednesday, August 19, 2009

Hint of Autumn

Up here in the north country, summer always feels like it’s trying to sneak out the back door before the party’s really over. Already, there's a nip in the night air—a quiet little whisper that things are about to change. Mornings greet us with that crisp stillness, the kind that makes you pull your sweatshirt a little tighter and breathe a little deeper. Change is coming, whether we’re ready or not.

The bright summer greens are starting to blush with yellow, not from embarrassment, but from exhaustion. The fields are going golden too—ragweed’s in full bloom, cheering us on into the next season whether we like it or not. And the trees? Well, some of them just can't wait. They're already trying on their autumn wardrobe like ladies in a dressing room, spinning in front of the mirror and asking the wind, “Does this crimson make my branches look bold?”

We're fast approaching my favorite season of all—Autumn. There’s something magical about it. The leaves put on the kind of show that no Broadway production can match, and the smell of ripe apples in the orchard makes you want to grab a basket and pretend you’re living in a simpler time. (Spoiler: you might be, if you live out here.)

I still find joy in scuffing through fallen leaves like a kid who forgot how grown-ups are supposed to act. There’s a simple pleasure in that sound—the crunch underfoot, the scent of earth and apple trees... and goodbye. Daytime sunshine is like a warm hug, and evenings bring that perfect kind of chill that makes sitting on the porch with a blanket and a mug feel like luxury.

Some folks say they can’t enjoy Autumn because winter follows close behind. That’s like refusing to eat pie because the plate might be empty after. Sure, winter’s coming. It always does. But right now, this moment—this golden, crunchy, apple-scented moment—is here. And it’s beautiful.

Summer and fall may be short up here, but that only makes them more precious. Each day is a gift, and I plan to unwrap every last one of them with both hands and savor them as long as possible.



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2 comments:

A New England Life said...

And I'm one of those people who thinks that very same thing .. I hate knowing what comes after Autumn. Maybe if our summers were a month longer it wouldn't be so difficult to deal with but after 40+ winters I've about had enough.

Some of the tree's down on the coast have been changing for a while but I heard on the weather it was due to all the rain we had. Like the rest of us the tree's were stressed!

Sandy@American Way Farm said...

They begin changing up here right about now, regardless of rainfall. It's just the mountain air I guess.