Friday, September 3, 2010

Autumn Time and Family Ties

Tonight, I felt autumn. Yes, autumn is a feeling as much as it is a season. It’s my favorite time of year, hands down. The cold edge in the twilight. The hint of smokiness tinging the air. The crispness of colors, of breeze, of sunshine and shadow.

Fall makes me nostalgic. Suddenly, I’m a little kid again. In those moments as a child, I first grasped ––and reveled in–– the good in life. I believe in pursuing happiness, re-living being a child, enjoying moments, searching for the beautiful...all because I had these lovely, peaceful autumn moments...

Snuggling with sisters––three best friends. Fuzzy, striped socks curled under that old patchwork quilt. You can stick your little toes through the holes.

Eating marshmallow popovers on the couch ‘cause mom’s not in the room.

The pumpkins carved and standing plump and cheerful on the kitchen table.

The apple crisp baking in the oven, sending spicy cinnamon to the shadowy corners of the house.

The tea kettle whistling. There’s nothing wrong with a third cup of tea with lots of milk and sugar.

Rich smell of the fire being lit downstairs. George Winston’s piano lilting sweetly on the stereo.

The tapping of rain against window panes–– a soothing rhythm. The world grey, clean, chilled. Sitting in my own book-world, wrapped under my down comforter with a cat purring at my side.

The music of Little Women on the TV. There’s nothing more homey than the sound of Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy. It’s about sisters who live life loving each other.

The Christmas lights winking-- demure, friendly.

These moments, small and seemingly insignificant, shaped me. They created memories that I hold onto (and re-create) now... especially when I feel alone, worried, insignificant, disappointed, burdened.

In those moments, life is cozy. No one can burst the golden. I’m secure, no one can break me. No one can hurt me. Here, I am untroubled by any petty problem.

In that moment, life is warm. And I am safe again.

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