Changes in perspective can occur so slowly that you don't notice them...
If anyone read this blog a few years ago, I wrote a post about how Autumn always seemed very unsettling. It was connected with going home, it was tied to a shift from a carefree time, it was a time for introspection, etc. I mapped out how the past five Autumns or so had been very unsettling. And then I deleted it because it had a ton of personal information.
Yesterday, I was walking with my mother in law near their house. Ever the pleasant person, she was talking about how excited she was for Autumn, given all the harvest food and holidays where everyone got together.
And I agreed. And then I stopped a little surprised.
Last Autumn was fantastic. I went climbing outside a lot. I think I was doing some fun projects (minus one horrible one around Thanksgiving). I saw my parents and my in-laws and my cousins. Our patio got finished and we had a big party to celebrate. I dressed up as a lobster for Halloween. And I ate a lot of root vegetables. I like root vegetables.
The last days of August are oppressive where I live. The heat sits over the city like a thick, humid soup. The cicadas blare all day and night. People escape the city when they can, and all the bars and restaurants take on a bit of an empty feeling. Work is like a ghost ship, where we just try to stay above water while everyone is on vacation, wearing our t-shirts and jeans.
Then, like a fever breaking, the temperature drops a bit. Usually around mid-September. It still feels like summer, but like the good parts. And then, there are the Jewish high holidays, usually still bright and warm. Then the air gets crisp and pumpkin flavoring finds its way everywhere. And then suddenly it's Thanksgiving and everyone is ushered into a season of endless holiday parties and celebrations.
How could I not enjoy this? I'm stable. I'm in love. I have some wonderful sweaters.
The only thing remaining is to hope that we go from strength to strength...
