Blessings of Autumn

                               Everything has its wonders,

 even darkness and silence, 

and I learn, whatever state I may be in,

         therin to be content.            

 Helen Keller

 The days of Fall are quickly passing.  The leaves are so beautiful, but soon they will begin to fall.  A few mornings of frost have made certain that it is time to start putting an end to all of the flowers that have brought such beauty into our lives all spring and summer.

My daily walking routine has been joyful in the cooler weather and my appetite has shifted to home made soups and chili.  And of course, all things pumpkin ... bars, muffins, breads, and cookies.

This is by far my favorite season of the year.  I feel so alive and connected to all things in nature.  I am so much more aware of the last few butterflies and the migrating hummingbirds.  I have been doing everything possible outside, especially on the back deck.  I am more intentional in sending gratitude and thanksgiving to our trees who have given us shade and unfolding beauty.  I will eat apples, read books, knit, journal, and work with my iPad out back just to prolong my enjoyment of being outdoors.

Way too soon, I will be slipping off my shoes, standing on a cold Mother Earth in my bare feet, and saying good-bye to the many blessings of Autumn.  Winter will soon follow, keeping me captive inside our home, withdrawing into inner landscapes and in a hermit mode.  A hibernation waiting for the first signs of Spring!