As the light begins to dim and Eloise continues to grow, my connection to childhood and the seasons feels stronger than ever.
Childhood was intertwined with seasons. The excitement of a new school year with the supplies and smell of the classroom, the changing of the leaves with pumpkins and candy, a big parade on an old Stockton television with turkey to follow, Christmas trips to the city and then the countdown to Santa, banging pots and pans on New Years, cold rainy days inside with a puzzle and Mom, valentines from friends as the light began to change, spring rain and green hillsides, the hug of summer heat and endless summer nights, all to begin again.
It’s the same rhythm that made me love teaching. In a world of windowless cubicles there are no seasons. In a classroom everything changes with the month of the year. So it is at home. I can feel the end of summer. I must have been four years old the last time a fall went by without school or outside work. Reflexively I prepare to focus again, even if this time it is from home. It is that burst of completed effort before the holidays arrive and everything slows again. Life in synch with seasons.
Blogging fits into the cracks of life, those moments when she is asleep or in someone else’s arms. The real work of writing is the bigger projects, the ones that require more determination to keep going even when there are fewer words to say, (as opposed to the instant gratification of a quick post shared…).
I am almost ready. The trick is picking one project instead of getting distracted by five. A tired promise, but an important one all the same. In the weeks before Eloise was born I started a middle grades fiction novel about a girl named Indigo who lives next to a cemetery. I think I’ll start there, seasonally appropriate after all.
What are you gearing up to work on this fall? Maybe we can inspire each other…
oliviaobryon 
Beautiful writing, as always. Now I just want to head out to stroll some woodland path through the fall colors of Hope Valley, kicking up red and gold aspen leaves in my path…but that will have to wait a month or two. Thanks for such a nice description of the passing of seasons.
You just made me that much more excited for fall! Where is Hope Valley?
This was very well written and reminded me of that time when I had kids at home and every month was an exciting change as the seasons passed by like chapters in a book. Retired in Florida now, everything is perpetually green.
What a different world where everything is perpetually green 🙂 Must be nice to have all that warm sunshine! Glad I could bring back some good memories for you.
I love your seasonal memories! Fall is the most nostalgic for me, it even has a special smell and the air feels different. A reminder that change is constant, and good :).
Your book idea sounds adorable! And makes me think you should consider that house ;). My biggest challenge has always been to pick one goal, makes me think of the Jack Kerouac quote, “I like too many things and get all confused and hung-up running from one falling star to another.” But you’ve inspired me to get more focused..will have to think on it this week. I’m excited to see your projects develop!
I love the quote– makes me feel much less alone in my project ADD hehe. And, you are so right, Fall is a reminder that change is constant AND good. Something I definitely need to remember as we head into a fall full of new adventures! 🙂
You have such a way with words Olivia! I felt like I was right there in the middle of your seasons and celebrations. I can only imagine your book will be amazing!!! Go chase your dreams!
Thanks Sasha!