Night around here is suddenly much cooler. As are the mornings. I’ve been sitting on the porch, mug of hot coffee in my hands, gazing at the subtly changing landscape. The light is changing. Flowers have become a bit faded, leaves are ever so slightly yellowing. Though it’s still early in September, fall is definitely in the air.
Don was talking about the sort of melancholy feeling that can come with a change of season – at least this change of season. I know what he means. Perhaps it’s because we know that fall, as beautiful as it is, leads to winter. Fall used to be my favorite season and I still love it. But since I’ve had my gardens, spring and summer have become my favorite times of year. I know that I will have to say goodbye to my flowers in the not-too-distant future. Though fall’s crisp air fills me with energy, I also feel that melancholy that comes along with it.
I think I feel these things more deeply as I get older. I know the fragility of life in a way I didn’t when I was young. All of us of a certain age do. How can we not? I’ve got what would be termed a ‘milestone’ birthday coming up later this year. I’m in denial; I’ll freely admit it. Time seems to move much more quickly the older we get. In the blink of an eye another year has passed and I feel time running away from me.
It makes every day more precious. I have to remind myself not to take these days for granted. I have to remind myself to treasure my time with this sweet girl, who also feels the change of seasons and is once again nesting on the sofa.
I have to remind myself not to get annoyed when my dad calls one too many times in the course of an evening. I must treasure the time I have left with him.
I have to remind myself to appreciate all the blessings I have at this moment in time.
I have to remind myself to stay in the present. For that’s all we have, really.
So, at this moment in time – Happy Thursday.
A reminder that A Favorite Thing #3 is this Saturday. I’ll have the post up and ready for your links at 8:00 pm EST on Friday.
Morning Claudia
I know what you mean about the passing of time. My parents live right up the street and my Dad usually stops by 1 x per week while I’m home on my lunch break. I sometimes feel annoyed because I’m racing home for lunch and want to get things done and he’s there. But then I stop and think that one day he won’t be there and I’ll miss that.
Wishing you joy in the change of the season!
Leann
Happy Thursday Claudia! So true about we only have right now….Learned the lesson even more so with the sudden deathf of my sil a few weeks ago. She collapsed from a sudden brain aneurysm while washing her car. She was only a year older than me. Too scary and really drives home the fact we have to appreciate each and every day and stop and smell the roses….so to speak. Gorgeous day today…go enjoy it! ~Hugs, Patti
Your post is so true, Claudia. We need to never lose sight of the fact that each day is a gift that we should cherish. My husband and I received an early morning call this morning that his brother’s heart stopped last night–he’s been put on a respirator but we do not know if he will recover. We are waiting by the phone for more news, debating whether we should start the journey to Pittsburgh. Patti is right–stop and smell the roses while we can, because life can change with one phone call! Enjoy your day, love your husband and Scout, and be well.
Martha
Claudia I too feel the changes in my life. I think with my Mom being ill and us trying to move her it’s brought up lots of emotions. Sometimes you just have to live each day and enjoy it to the fullest! Hugs, Linda
Love this post, Claudia. Love that photo of Scout too. It’s frame worthy.
I so agree with you, Claudia. We do have to remind ourselves to savor each and every day. And, to recognize all that we have to savor. I’ll be thinking of you sitting on your porch sipping your coffee.
No truer words were ever spoken, Claudia. It can be so difficult at times to live in the present moment, can’t it? I feel for you and the trials you’re enduring. Brenda wrote a terrific post about your skill as a patient teacher. How blessed you are to have the heart and mind of a teacher!! Sounds like there are a lot of people out there who could use your help in the blogging world…
Switching gears, I saw “Allegiance” with Lea Salonga and George Takei at the Old Globe San Diego. I hope it makes it to Broadway. That lady can SING!!
It’s getting chilly here, too, Claudia. Socks at night, sweaters in the morning, and once the sun goes down lots of hot tea! That little girly girl in her nest is so sweet. I would love to be tucked on a couch right now with my chin on a pillow.
Lovely post, Claudia! The photo of Scout is wonderful!
I always get melancholy at this time of year. Actually, I get blue when the fireweed is in full bloom. It is spectacularly beautiful, the broad sweep of purplish pink across the meadows…but it is a portent of colder weather to come and it always depresses me. I have to force myself to just enjoy the beauty and not think about what it portends…
Happy Thursday, Claudia.
Aw, saw your poochie and thought, “OH SCOUTIE-you’re so pretty!” :) It is hard this time of year to keep our chin up, at least for me…I feel such a sadness and dread and I’m not sure why. I would love to take a trip with hubby or with grown kids, but as with so many of us, finances dictate we work and work….and work…Thankful for a job, but sad at what little time it leaves us.
Thank you for sharing.and reminding us to “be aware”. A big “blog hug” to all of us!
M
I have to remind myself to tell my sister that I love her, you are so special.
Hugs,
Meredith
Claudia – I think we all rush each and every day without taking time to stop and realize the blessings we all have. We get so caught up in the hectic everyday things in life that we don’t appreciate the things we should – like family, friends and health.
Love,
Judy
That picture of Scout says it all. Sit down, take some time to reflect and enjoy each minute. I am interested to experience my first California fall – never been here this time of year…Ann
Love the picture of Scout..You sound a little melancholy?? Love this time of year!!
I also find myself feeling more melancholy as fall approaches. I feel it so much more now than I did when I was younger. I like the somewhat cooler weather, but yes, it does mean that old man winter is on his way.
Hugs,
Laura
Well said Claudia! Each sunrise finds me sitting by the window sipping coffee, looking out at the trees. The leaves here haven’t started to change yet; the days are shorter, but not much cooler. We’re probably a month away from the first signs of fall.
I’m working very hard at staying in the present. It’s a stumbling block for me and I need reminders like this. Thanks!
It’s hard, and we have to keep reminding ourselves to stay in this moment, not the previous, or the next, but we have to do it.
The change of the seasons feels kind of sad….winter will be here, all will be white, ack…now I am thinking ahead to far.
I am going out to visit my flowers, while I can.
Jen @ Muddy Boot Dreams
Changes in the seasons do make us more melancholy…. enjoy this season of your life.
Blessings~
Such a nice post Claudia. Everything you say is so true – we do need to cherish the days, hours, minutes. Even now as I struggle with handling a very tough situation with my elderly folks, I have come to appreciate even a five minute conversation with my husband. Just a break from the stress – and stopping and smelling the roses – will help us realize and enjoy the blessings we are given today, this hour, this minute.
Autumn is a second spring when every leaf is a flower. ~Albert Camus
Amen to gratitude and staying in the present! xo Jennifer