Autumn

I love fall! This morning, as I walked in the mild and freshly washed morning, I realized that this may be one of the last few mornings where the wind softly caresses me and feels like a friend. I am not really too sad, because I value the bracing and vigorous winds of winter too! I confess to being one of the odd ones who is excited for winter. I am not excited for the nasty roads and such, but if I could withdraw into fantasy world....

My ideal winter would blossom around me, sometimes mild, sometimes fierce, but never an enemy. Winter just has to do what it is on earth to do, to give our maples and seasonal plants a rest, and to just let there be balance in our northeastern world. See, in my little perfect world, I wouldn't have to run kids to school or seminary on a rotten day! During a raging storm, I could just snuggle up in a cozy little nest, and read, or sew, or do whatever my little heart desired! So long as I am fantasizing...a cozy, rosy fire as friend.

Really, if I didn't have to drive, I wouldn't have a single complaint against winter. On the coldest of days, there is the feathered masterpieces on the windows. On mild days, there is a smell like no other, cold and fresh and pure. What is more beautiful, intricate and pleasing than studying little snowflakes resting on your coat. I even love shoveling- sweating, heart pounding, arms trembling from exertion. I love feeling strong, stronger than mother nature, battling for my space to be clear and ready. I love the accomplishment of looking back over a driveway, clear and crisp, because of me. And what else is there to help you appreciate spring?

And, winter birds, they need us! I cannot lie...I love being needed. They come chirping and chattering, all the more on a cold day...to munch upon my meager offerings. I love the sound of them, coming to visit and feast, I love how they call their friend and family to join the party. Each day, there might be a new visitor to exclaim over, to study and give a name to. Each little feathered body is a work of art...unique and yet so similar. And, who cannot love the way they fluff and preen, always looking to keep their tiny bodies warm and cozy.

Ah...I am a dreamer...I am well aware of the ugliness that can come in winter, it is hard on all of us. But, it may be hard, but like little Frederick, if we store up warmth, beauty, poetry, and such, we can all make it. If we learn to look for the beauty in each day, you might even take the leap into crazyville with me, and love it!!!
(picture from Frederick, by Leo Leoni)