Putting to Bed the Season

I'm feeling broody. I get this way sometimes, and I think it's a good thing. I look out over my garden and see that it's ready for me to take out the spent plants, rake the soil, and cover it for the Winter months to come. It makes me sad. I get this way too at the ends of seasons--one good thing coming to a close. I want to hold on. Holding on is not healthy. I want to learn to let go with grace. Put the season to bed. Prepare myself for the season to come. Celebrate the season to come. (And plan for the garden season next year. :) ).

I love Fall! I love the turn of the leaves into their crimson, yellow and orange finery twirling to the earth covering the ground with a carpet, as they and the trees prepare for their next season. I love crisp apples, college football games ( for my alma mater). The nip of a chill on my nose! Pumpkins, cider, little children dressed as Princesses and Super Heroes, about all I like about Halloween. Then my favorite holiday, Thanksgiving. A time of quiet reflection with my family and loved ones gathered around me. Being Grateful, what a wonderful thing to celebrate. Which leads right to Christmas, the celebration of the Birth of Jesus Christ our Lord.

Yes, it's a wonderful season ahead! I look forward to it. I will get out my Winter things; library books, making of all things sparkly with my beads, for my friends and loved ones. Making cards. If I am efficient maybe I'll make my Christmas cards. I think I will. I have so many stamps and inks to stamp with. Punches, stickers, papers, ribbon, buttons and beads to fuel my imagination. Does it really mean you're an 'Old Lady' to 'Craft' for people? Two words that are heavy with stereotyping. Is crocheting and knitting booties and things for grandchildren and any children, and cancer caps for hospitals, or fun things for me and friends, does that run you to the side of the road, or do some people have blinders on? I don't know.

Well my friends and I will huddle up this fall and winter and play. 'Crafting' with love and pizazz.! What a wonderful part of a season! So yes, I am longing to hold on to my Spring and Summer, but my garden says it is the season to prepare to rest and celebrate the things of the seasons of Fall and Winter now.

A longing. A brief sadness. A long letting go. And a looking forward.