I am really trying to develop a new perspective on this next season we are entering. I’ve written in the past on my struggle with August as it signals the end of Summer. I have long held that Fall, while beautiful, is the funeral for summer and the heralding of winter. It’s position in the calendar simply makes it hard to like. Here is what I’m going to try to do. I’m going to try to live in the moment this autumn. I will notice the brightly colored foliage, the crisp air walking with Sophie, the relief of not sweating all the time. I will savor the smell of the pumpkin candle, the reintroduction of flannel into my wardrobe and the slowed pace of my gardening life.

I really hate that I’m always looking on to the next “good” thing. I waste so much gratitude just wishing myself to the vacation or the season I find most enjoyable. I need to start just appreciating where I’m at. I live a walk from the ocean in one of the most beautiful states in this country. I am blessed to live in a pretty home with room enough for all of the children. I need to get over it and just try to notice the single branch of red leaves on the Maple, the asters purple and white in the field, the sunflowers blooming above my head at the farm.

For some reason, the change of seasons doesn’t seem to bother me as much in France. While Winter there does bring changes, I can still play in my garden and plant holiday window boxes. I never have to worry about shoveling or driving in the snow. I notice changes but nothing startling happens. This year, I’m using my decision to primarily live in Maine to focus on the now. I want to rediscover the beauty in the frosty grass and red rose hips. I want to re-experience my joy in making the bittersweet wreaths my mom taught me to make. I will look forward to the country fairs and the fun of prepping a Sunday dinner for family and friends. I may even buy a pumpkin at the Hannaford. I will try to rediscover the wonder of all I have taken for granted in my beautiful home state. I will try.