Seasons
When we moved from the northeast to the south, I relished the thought of no more long cold winters. We now live on the coast of North Carolina and we have perfect weather for me. Yes, it gets hot in the summer months, but so does New York. But what I really love are the beautiful seasons of autumn, spring and winter. I wanted to live where warm weather prevails, but also where there are visible seasonal changes. Bingo.
As Labor Day passes, I am mindful of changes occurring figuratively and literally. I see school buses again. I see pumpkins for decorating in the stores. And I see apples in the produce aisles. There is certainly a change happening, including in myself. I want to cook and bake more. I use my crock pot again after storing it away during those hot summer days. And even though they are too heavy to wear yet, I move my sweaters from the guest room closet to my closet. I like the feeling they give me as I look over my inventory of my favorite ones. There are two cardigans that I have had for years and they bring me warmth and comfort simply because of their familiarity.
When seasons change, I feel the need to do some house cleaning, not the once a week kind, but the twice a year type. Since I developed Parkinson’s, deep cleaning is more challenging than it used to be. I am not comfortable getting up on chairs to do the top of cabinets or ceiling fans. Last spring, I enlisted some outside help and think I will plan to do that again this fall. Also like my mom used to do, I freshen up my home decor with the change of seasons. I transfrom the coastal summer look to a more seasonal feel. The wreath on the front door changes from light summer colors to rustic autumn ones. The seashells in the living room are replaced with jewel tone candles. And the sofa pillows change from nautical blues to rustic florals to coordinate with the handmade throws. When I am done, I step back and look at the room and I like it. Cozy, just what I want.
Seasons keep life interesting. They make us take stock of ourselves and mix things up in our daily routine. We eat differently, dress differently and even entertain differently. But what goes on internally? I notice that my biological clock also reacts so much to the seasonal changes in daytime and nighttime. I do not ignore what my body is telling me. If it says rest, I do. If my spirit needs a lift, I try to find something inspirational to make me feel better. Finding a new hobby or reuniting with an old friend offers something different and adventurous. Perhaps what is really wonderful about the changes in seasons is the changes in me that they promote.
