Autumn is one of the most exciting and vibrant seasons of the year. Yet I have trouble enjoying these bright crisp days colored in delicious swatches of red, orange and yellow. Yes, I love the spectacle of multicolored flowers, bushes and trees sparkling in the sunlight. Yes, warm days and cool evenings are a welcome respite from relentless heat. And, yes, the forgotten aroma of burning wood in neighborhood fireplaces soothes my soul. But even with the promise of Halloween goblins, witches, mutants, zombies and super heroes, my smile is only temporary. I cannot feel tranquil knowing that a cold and barren destiny waits patiently in the wings.
My husband, the traitor, has decided that this winter will not be so bad. He is actually looking forward to the snow. Last year his moans and groans rent the air before the shoveling even began. But this year he has a new toy, a 10-horse power snow blower, guaranteed to take care of all kinds of snow.
So what? Will a snow blower take care of my smooth and slippery nemesis? Does anyone care that black ice haunts my dreams? Winter will not change her personality simply because we have a snow blower. What about waking up to mornings where just opening your eyes is a frigid shock, getting out of bed sets up a violent assault on your warm and sleepy body, and jumping into the shower is tantamount to the cruelest form of torture?
Winter has never been my preferred season and because of that, autumn has always suffered in my mind. This year, however, I am attempting to enjoy and appreciate the bright, cool persona that is fall. From falling chestnuts to outrageous giant chrysanthemums, I have been savoring autumn’s offerings. I’ve even penned a few Haikus (small poems) about unique and beautiful autumn trademarks. Perhaps, with more effort, I can completely change my negative autumn vibes to something positive, more suitable to a truly gorgeous season. I do believe it’s time to give autumn her due.
