Notes from Windward: #58


A Gentle Autumn Morning


Savanah and Tucker
ready to go for a run
Joyce:

Fall is my favorite time of year. I was reminded of that this morning, October 6th, our first hard frost. A little early this year, but welcome. The tiny white crystals melt early, but serve as a gentle reminder of the coming winter. I'm reading Simple Abundance and like to start my morning by reading a few pages. Sarah Ban Breathnach's words help center my perspective on the day and occasionally slow my pace, which is good. I have a tendency to go a little too fast and long.

I also like to start my mornings by walking or running a few miles. This time of year is precious, because the rains have started. I grab every morning I can because I don't like running in the rain! When I'm out on the county road, alone with the sounds of birds and the occasional sound of a chain saw cutting wood for someone's winter fire, I get a lot done.

Dolly's Lamma stops by
for a good-morning scratch
This is my thinking, planning, musing and working-things-out time. Whether it's figuring out how I feel about something, planning for my current writing project, unraveling a problem or simply enjoying the beauty of the outdoors, I find that time increasingly valuable. It's a time for reflection, awareness, and clarity. I'm not sure whether that's a result of physical activity and being attuned to the rhythm of my body, or the crisp, clear air of a beautiful autumn morning. Maybe it's both.

Windward is beautiful this time of year. My favorite time of year--until the first snow falls and the landscape becomes a fairy winter land of white set against a backdrop of the brightest blue sky you can imagine. I kind of like that time of year, too. But first, I'm enjoying the days of autumn.


Index for Notes Issue # 58 ---- The Windward Home Page