OMG I love this season! The last of the leaves are twisting and twirling to the wind’s tune. Dancing as if it’s their “last hurrah”. And it is. Lawns and streets are blanketed with a yellow cloak. The three trees outside my living room window are bare. With the exception of a few towering Spruce. Autumn’s colours peaked several weeks ago. Then, the golden tresses on the Poplar, Birch and Elm sparkled from the sun as it waltzed across the sky; radiating such splendour!

Autumn started Labour Day weekend as if it punched a time-clock and it has motored-on since. It’s mid November. We had a dusting of snow the other day. But it was gone by afternoon rush hour.

I was more an observer than a participant this Fall. I didn’t get out for the long walks to which I’m accustomed. Why? Who knows. Suffice it to say, I’m still immensely delighted to witness the magnificent seasonal change in the deciduous foliage from green to yellow to russet. A brush stroke of red is added here and there courtesy of the hedges, shrubs and vines.

The crisp air is as clarifying as if taking a whiff of peppermint oil, waking up all of one’s senses. Some mornings a thin layer of frost coats the car windshields and neighbouring rooftops. This is the longest Autumn we’ve had in a while. It’s been glorious!

In years past, I’ve gathered content for big projects much like a squirrel collects nuts for when the pickings are more scarce. This year I haven’t collected much. To date, no big project has come forth. I stretched myself artistically for years and it seems I have hit a plateau. It is good to pause, rest and look around. Move forward when there is something that sparks “joy.” Perhaps a photography project…. But what might that be about? People, places or things? I had a dream come true when my friend, Carol, from Tattered Rose Boutique, held an Open House and invited me to bring my photography and have a show. I invited family and friends. We had a good turnout. That was fun!

My energy level is high. I finish overdue projects and tasks as I prepare to hunker down for winter. I still work on things come winter however, my “Josie de vivre” is noticeably lower. Some friends don’t go out once the snow arrives so we squeeze in last minute visits. I love this flurry of activity in Autumn.

As the year is coming to a close I look back. Where have I spend my time? And with whom? Did I have enough time to daydream? How did I spend my money? Was that worthwhile? Did I save enough money? The answer to the last question is always “no”. Why just today, I put forward my interest to visit a friend for a few days in Nova Scotia. I miss. She was a road trip buddy. And we often met up for breakfast or lunch. I especially miss spending Christmas Day with her family. We would have a festive meal and we’d go for a long walk with their dog. Thoughtful gifts would be exchanged. Most of all, we felt a sense of belonging all the while laughing and chatting the day away.”

The days are shorter. My daily commutes are growing darker. That gives permission to go to bed earlier, despite getting up at the same time. So we’re on the cusp of the season of rest. I’m all for that. Societal focus tends to be on Doing vs Being. This year, I have been trying to master “the art of doing nothing” and I must say, I’m getting quite good at it! LOL. What does that look like? It looks like an open-eyed meditation. My writing doesn’t happen by “thinking” so much as it happens by opening to the words that want to be seen on the page. If that makes sense. I’m lounging on the couch, tablet on my lap, wearing a favourite outfit, burning incense, drinking a cup of tea and gazing out the window awaiting the next inspirational words.

My clothes closet fits mostly in the Autumn category so it becomes a joy to pick something out as it’s perfectly suitable. I’m a bit of a clothes hound; it’s part of my artistic self-expression. Generally, I’m a “black” kinda gal. The bewitching colour suits best my blue eyes and fair skin. I wear black year round and on most occasions. Some say black isn’t a colour because it has the absence of light. That colour is what makes me feel most myself, most powerful and most joyful. I am the Light. And so are you, dear reader! So are you!