Hello, Gloucester and Mathews community friends. Saturday, Sept. 23, marked the start of fall in the Northern Hemisphere, but in the Southern Hemisphere it marked the start of spring.
According to NASA, fall starts when the sun shines directly over the equator and gives almost equal amounts of day and night worldwide, except at the North and South Poles. Don’t tune me out yet; this is not a scientific study. Think of it as a talk over a cup of coffee. Yes, a little talk.
We had a long, hot summer. Fall is officially here, and we are getting the long-awaited chilly nights, and most households no longer need air conditioning. My husband loves the cool, crisp air. I love fall foliage. For me, it is one of the most beautiful times of the year. Although more leaves are changing colors each day, some of us are still waiting for that peak, which grabs our attention.
As we “fall in love with fall,” we know we must soon “button up for winter,” which begins on Thursday, Dec. 21. As we go into each season, it is nice to know something you enjoy about each one and learn to adapt to what each period brings. Think about what you might enjoy, and make a plan to do those enjoyable activities that each season brings. Jump and play, and sing and dance. Make beautiful memories with each changing phase.
People like different seasons of the year for different reasons. Some people love the long, warm days that summer brings, while others celebrate the cool, chillier days that autumn brings. The seasonal changes allow us to prepare for new activities, especially if we grow weary in the current season.
With so much tragedy over the past few years, it is a great time to enjoy whatever season you are in and be thankful to be alive. Find that special significant “something” that brings a spark to your life and do it. Have fun and stay realistic in each season.
As a young girl in rural Bertie County, North Carolina, I loved nature and the outdoors. I stared quietly at all that nature offered, especially the stars, clouds, and trees. I loved walking around during the Fall, also called Autumn, and hearing the leaves crunch under each footstep I took. I enjoyed stopping to hear the movement of small farm animals and birds as they walked in their pens or around the property, looking for food. I listened as they talked back and forth in their different grunting and chirping sounds. They seemed full of life, just like me. Hello, little piggy; how are you today? Hello, little birdy, sing me a song.
There were many simple pleasures in the country, especially for someone not accustomed to grandiose gratifications. When I was young, school and family trips, whether near or far, were significant. No matter the season, you could find something to do. Fall was especially lovely because it wasn’t too warm or cold. I am confident that some of my hand-and-eye coordination resulted from creative games in the fall. One such life’s simple pleasures was seeing who could catch the most leaves as the wind blew those colorful shrubberies from the trees. The fall trees were beautifully colored, like a painted canvas. In my opinion, fall foliage is one of the most beautiful times of the year. I am so fascinated by the beautiful colors.
The beauty of nature was plenty of company for this little country girl. I was fascinated by sounds and movements. I was very visual and loved watching people and hearing the different tones in their voices and the speed and motion of their gait. I loved the smell of colognes and perfumes and especially the clean air on a rainy day.
Life was much simpler during those days. The youth of today would probably label me boring. Of course, they would. I was a quiet child, and people in my generation labeled me boring. But like a sponge, I just breathed in all that life had to offer. For the most part, I was content with life. There was much to see and learn, even in a rural area.
Boring means you have some time on your hands. Take advantage of that opportunity to plan. It can be as simple as sending a text or email to someone you have been waiting to hear from for a while. Don’t make it complicated. Please keep it simple. Chances are higher that you will get it done.
Let’s “fall in love with fall” now while it is here. Before you know it, we must “button up for winter.” I love warm weather, so that will be tough for me. But we can layer up and get it done—that stroll to the mailbox, that early morning run.
As you find something you enjoy about each season, put it into practice. That way, you can have great expectations year-round. That’s a great way to foster a positive attitude all the time. People will love you. Well, maybe not everybody will love you. Just be yourself and live your best life.
I have given you a few simple things to think about. You might not want to catch leaves, but you could get quite the workout if you rake them. If you don’t have a lot of leaves, help a sick or elderly neighbor with theirs. I am sure they would love that. Your initial reward might be sore muscles, but over time, you will help a lot of people, and you will get in good shape.
I’m just talking, but I hope you are listening. Get out there and enjoy your seasonal journeys.