Autumn

Autumn, also known as Fall, is a familiar word to all, but I chose it this week because it is my favorite time of year.  Autumn is defined as the period of time from September 22 to December 21, in the northern hemisphere and March 21 to June 21 in the southern hemisphere. It is the time of year between the autumnal equinox and the winter solstice. The word is also used to describe a time of maturity, such as in the autumn of your career or life; but I prefer to focus on the season. 

Despite the fact that the days are still warm here in southern California, the leaves are starting to change color and drop from their branches. A change is slowly drifting in on the wind. As we draw closer to Halloween, the temperatures will start to drop, bringing relief  to those who have grown tired of the heat and long to wear sweatshirts and shoes.  As the hours of daylight draw shorter Autumn launches a season of festivities with family and friends.  A time to look back on the year and celebrate life with new wisdom to prepare us for the coming year.  

I will breathe in deeply and experience the fullness of Autumn.  

"Just before the death of flowers,
And before they are buried in snow,
There comes a festival season
When nature is all aglow."
-   Author Unknown

"Winter is an etching, spring a watercolor, summer an oil painting and autumn a mosaic of them all." Stanley Horowitz

Autumn Fires by Robert Louis Stevenson

In the other gardens
And all up the vale,
From the autumn bonfires
See the smoke trail!

Pleasant summer over
And all the summer flowers,
The red fire blazes,
The grey smoke towers.

Sing a song of seasons!
Something bright in all!
Flowers in the summer,
Fires in the fall!