Cheers

It's Sunday again. Which means I write. And another thing too, it's fall. Which means, I'm content.  There are these few weeks each year that make the rest of the year worth it. And most days are foggy or dreary, but every miserable winter day is worth these few sunny days where the leaves glow as if they're on fire with the light of the sun, or when the wind blows and we can't keep focused on anything except the dead pine and fir needles floating down and the burnt orange maple leaves rustling their way to the ground. I notice my breathe more these days; maybe there's just more substance in the air to feel filling my lungs. I want nothing more than to work with my whole body these days. Gardening, cutting firewood, stacking firewood, anything where I can be outside during the day and heat myself with my labor. The sun goes down slowly and early, then we all stay inside where its warm and light.

Yesterday the electricity went out. I think for everyone it brings back memories of being a kid, huddled around candles reading books or playing games, like a fun adventure. I like the excuse to be with everyone else who doesn't have electricity without the usual buzz of television or music. It's the same reason I love going to the mountains. You have to deal with yourself and with each other directly, honestly, without neon distractions.

This is my toast to autumn. Here's to shorter, slower days, reading books, knitting projects, working outdoors, squash soup, cups of tea, and times with the people we love when the power goes out.