Oh How I Love Fresh Starts -Autumn 2014

To me, there are three times in the year when we all get fresh starts.  Fresh starts to set new goals, or to recommit to old goals.  These are my favorite times of the year.

The first is obviously New Years.  I love to clean up all the Christmas decorations and go into the new year feeling fresh and clean.  The resolutions always feel a bit forced to me because there’s that overriding sense that we will all fail at these goals.  But, there is also the choosing of the One Little Word.  And the new numbers we have to learn to write in the date boxes on forms.

The next time of year when we get a fresh start is Novruz.  It is the Spring equinox, and a time of growth and rebirth.  At this time, we get to leave all our problems, worries, and bad things in a fire to get all burned up.

The third time is Autumn.  After a long, hot summer, It always feels so good to feel the crispness in the air.  The light starts to change.  The leaves turn red, yellow, orange.  The grass turns green again.  Kids and teachers are making new starts in their classrooms.  They buy new clothes, pencils, backpacks.  The school year is full of amazing possibilities.  I always loved when it was time to go back to school.  It’s no surprise that I went into teaching with this kind of attitude about school.

The summer is hard for me.  I don’t like the heat – it drains my energy and creativity.  I don’t like how everything looks dirty – without a good rain dust and dirt starts to build up on everything.  I do have to admit that summer is a lot more fun with kids.  It’s been great getting to play outside and swim so much.  I also loved all the fun things we did this summer  – the track meets, trips, and lots of fun park dates with friends.  But I’m pretty much ready for a cleansing rain and cooler weather.

I always get a surge of energy around this time of year.  Energy for decorating my house (this is pretty much the only season I actually decorate – besides Christmas).  Energy for making things.  Energy to work in the garden.  Energy to drink tea and do jigsaw puzzles.  Energy to cuddle and wear slippers.  Energy to stay up late playing board games.

I know some people hate to see summer end, but I say bring on autumn!  And I’m already indoctrinating Alma.  I have her on the lookout for autumn – whenever we’re in the car, she’s looking for the changing leaves and yells “MOMMMMY!!!! AUTUMN!!! OVER THERE!” whenever she sees some.  Hattie even pointed out a yellow tree on our walk yesterday.

So, let’s set some goals.  Let’s clean up our gardens.  Let’s make things.  Let’s drink tea and cuddle with the people we love.  Embrace it!

I will leave you with my autumn anthem by Laura Kemp.  Enjoy!

Hannah Branch!