Changes. They occur all the time.
We can fight them or embrace them. We can accept that they will happen in either event and simply float along with them.
So here is what I have to embrace in this moment:
I stepped out my front door and noticed the maple tree across the road has started to change. And I definitely have to change my attitude about it!
Oh, I love the autumn in Vermont. It is beautiful. But that first hint that it is coming--a sign that beloved summer has already started its wind-down--that can throw me into a funk for days.
For today, I will be concentrating on the gifts of this day, the blessing in each moment. But I will also be exiting my house through the garage rather than the front door.
We can fight them or embrace them. We can accept that they will happen in either event and simply float along with them.
I can't say I disagree, but it is obvious to me that JFK did not practice yoga. Those who look only to the past or only to the future miss the present. Being present is what I strive for each day.
I much prefer this quote:
I stepped out my front door and noticed the maple tree across the road has started to change. And I definitely have to change my attitude about it!
Oh, I love the autumn in Vermont. It is beautiful. But that first hint that it is coming--a sign that beloved summer has already started its wind-down--that can throw me into a funk for days.
For today, I will be concentrating on the gifts of this day, the blessing in each moment. But I will also be exiting my house through the garage rather than the front door.
Funny -- I saw a tree at my mother's with some gold leaves, and I felt the same way! I think as past teachers, we cherished that brief time away from the classroom, and the coming of fall reminded us of the work that awaited us. My cousin, also a retired teacher, got that way when the spiced wafers appeared on the grocery shelves!! Don't worry -- we still have all of August left!
ReplyDeleteLiving in perpetual childhood, and despising school as I did, the first cool breeze that summer was not forever was always the Fourth of July. Yes, an 8 year old pessimist could find unhappiness in the fireworks that everyone else was oohing an ahhhing over. Then came the wheezing of what we called locust but were really cicada. Then you would see a early tree or a find a red tupelo leaf and wow it is getting dark already. Then came being dragged off by the scruff of the neck for school clothes, and boom, the next thing you know is that you are locked into school for another eternity. Those blissful carefree days of June a bitter memory...Labor Day something of almost an insult, the only glimmer of hope was a very vague and distant vision of Christmas in an otherwise tar pit of arithmetic, spelling tests, sentence diagraming and general despair.
ReplyDeleteYeah, I hate to see that first tree too. That and New Years Eve. Why the hell do people celebrate having to go back to school or work? I am especially geared for retirement, yet I still find unhappiness in September and New Years.
I'm seeing some changes in the leaves here too. I noticed a few red leaves on maple trees a few days ago. Like you, I don't embrace change easily. It seems the summer was so short this year.
ReplyDeleteI once loved the new school year approaching. I still miss teaching and would go back if I had the opportunity. I love retirement too. I guess I'm just wishing time would slow down.
Well, I look forward to your photos of Vermont in autumn. Those trees will look spectacular!
ReplyDeleteThe neighbour's tree across the street has been turning yellow. I'd hoped it was because it is dying off (lots of dead branches) but maybe we're heading into an early fall.
ReplyDeleteI prefer Maya Angelou's quote as well. Though I'm not particularly good at changing my attitude. If only it was as easy as leaving the house by a different door!
Here, here! But I'll work on that idea. Sounds like the only solution.
DeleteDon't agree with JFK. The present is all we really have. No one is guaranteed a future.
ReplyDeleteMaya always got it right. I miss her.
I think it is easy as leaving by another door!
ReplyDeleteJust send away the negative thoughts!
Good for you!
We've got some yellow leaves on our grapevine even though the grapes are a couple of weeks from being ripe. I'm noticing the changes in the shadows - that's the coming of fall hint for me.
ReplyDeleteI must concentrate on changing my winter critter care. Last year it almost did me in but this year I shall purchase a waterer that stays warm to put in the chicken house so I won't have to go in and out all day thawing their water through knee deep snow. Even the cats can go in and out of the hen house and will be well hydrated.
ReplyDeleteI have a friend who always said -- "you must be a lava lamp and just go with the flow and the changes". Certainly easier said than done. Like you I would just avoid the facts and use another door! (but I do look forward to your fall photos -- we don't get fall)
ReplyDeleteFor me, there's nothing that cuts to the bone more mercilessly than the changing of the leaves ... and their intimations of mortality. At least there's a cure for cold weather -- and you know what it is: Florida!
ReplyDeleteNoooo - say it isn't so. But, I know frost is creeping upon us here in Breckenridge, too. It seems my gardens have just hit their stride, some things not even blooming yet because of our long winter. Now, a new season knocks!
ReplyDeleteYes, some leaves are already yellow here in Kansas. We have a month before the rest begin to turn. Fall is my favorite season. This year is even a more important one since it is my last in the Midwest!
ReplyDeleteIt's all green leaves over here - and our annual wild flower displays which herald the arrival of spring. Sorry for y'all!
ReplyDeleteI laugh, but I know what you are feeling. In our drought this summer, trees are drying out and beginning to turn and lose leaves much too soon. I am sitting in my green oasis and ignoring that.
ReplyDeleteWonderful post. I remember the feeling when I saw the first sign of fall in Illinois. Here in Hawaii, it's just hot and muggy today. I'll be glad of fall weather, especially now that the hurricane has passed us. Then again, I think fall is hurricane season here in Hawaii. Sigh...
ReplyDelete