It came amid the bustle of every day life
I didn't see it beyond the grocery shopping, laundry and homework help
it seemed to appear out of nowhere, taking me by surprise
and yet here it is, dressed fully in colors and textures, smells and sounds
Fall
S and I got up early heading out for soccer yesterday and as we walked to the car he commented that the air smelled like Fall. That was when I noticed. All along the edges of the driveway were fallen leaves and the tree tops where showing signs of yellows and reds beginning their autumnal sweep. Soon the trees that surround my house will be fully ablaze in the colors of Autumn.
I have been so very busy in everyday life I didn't even notice the changes around us. The weather has been humid and hot this past week. All those new outfits waiting for cooler temperatures while I'm resigned to wear capris and shorts that are a bit on the baggy side...but better baggin than me saggin! I have had my head in my work, planning for a new unit, a field trip and our first party of the school year. Its like I've had blinders on. Now as I drive through town going to work, the grocery store or the soccer fields, my eyes are opened anew as I drink in the sights of my favorite season. Fall flowers catch my eye and I slow down as I pass them. Its time to buy Mums and plant them up at Tom's grave, although the petunias there have not given way.
Pumpkins and gourds wait at roadside farm stands waiting for excited children to lay claim to them. Soon we will be purchasing our own. I'll watch as my children painstakingly choose the perfect shaped pumpkin that will be transformed into a Jack-O-Lantern.
I take pause and recall past Autumns and smile at all the happy memories of this season from my own childhood up to my children's. I remember our last Autumn with Tom and while it can bring sadness and longing, it is filled with memories of fun activities we did as a family from visiting the local cranberry bog festival to carving pumpkins and trick or treating with our then small children. 
And yet, while I love this season, I can't help but to feel sad about the change in the air. Goodbye Summer, another season has arrived.
6 comments:
Lisa, your words are always so beautiful - I can feel what you are saying. My your kids are big now! Great pictures.
fam Marcia
Love the pictures - did you take all those? Such vibrant beautiful colors!
I can't believe how fast fall has arrived this year. I think I had my blinders on too in the midst of school year preparations! And I don't even teach!
I think of Tom a lot at this time of year. With his upcoming birthday and one of the last memories I have is seeing him at Sam's birthday party. I have a picture of him in a baseball cap sitting on the couch reading a book to R. He was so good with all the kids - not just his own. He is missed.
Lisa, such beautiful pictures!! And I love what you wrote, you always write so beautifully. :)
It does seem to happen overnight.
Yes, I took all the photos over at a local farm stand...except the one of the trees..that was across the street here at home. :)
Wow! Awesome pictures, Lisa. I seriously wondered if they were yours or if you found some great examples online to go along with your words.
Cool!
Well said.
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