My Love Affair with Autumn

Picture I took back in Birmingham at the Pepper Place Farmer's Market

Do you remember the first time you fell in love with a season? I mean, seriously took note of how the earth transformed, and felt how marvelous this transition was?

I do. I was probably 9.

It was probably in late September or early October, and it was an unseasonably (for down here,) cool afternoon. I remember sitting on the cold metal staircase outside my apartment complex, just relaxing and listening to the wind. I assume no one could come out to play, and apparently I did not want to sit in the house. Actually, I never liked sitting in the house. If I have a choice to go outside or sit inside - I always choose the out-of-doors.

What I saw that day would forever change my life. The trees were swaying too and fro, and the wind was so strong that I remember my long, brown hair getting wrapped around my face and stinging my eyes. Once I was able to fully remove the strands from my face, I watched as hundreds of black birds flew in perfect formation over our home. I do not believe I had ever seen as many birds before or since. What surprises me, to this day, was how it affected me. I remember tears welling up in my eyes as I watched this marvelous natural occurrence.. my little world transition; I was simply blown away. 

Whenever I look back on Fall or Autumn (whichever way you like to call it,) I remember that day. I can still smell the dead leaves- that crispy, balsam-like, sweet scent. I remember the sounds of the "kaw kaw kaw" of the black birds, and the way the wind rushed past my ears making that "air thru a tunnel" sound you are familiar with at the beach. I remember how the sun hid behind the clouds, and how for the first time in many, many months, I needed a jacket. This feeling.. these memories.. that is when my love affair with Autumn began.

I can tell it is trying to make an appearance down here. My little herb garden has all but dried up for the season. My flowers are no longer blooming. I even have a slight cough (ragweed season,) and I feel a little bit chillier each morning. Of course, it is hot as hades down here, but just before the day really gets going, and right before I go to bed, it is comfortable again. This feeling is what I yearn for.

I have plans this holiday season. Plans to not only watch as the earth transitions, but to allow myself to transition along with it. I will probably know where my next full time job will be, and if not, it is a sign to move on again. So many good things will happen this season, and I welcome it with open arms - and a pumpkin spice latte. ;-)

Gradual warmth.. Gradual Success

Here's the problem with living in the south. February - Hot. April - Cold. Seriously?

Today the high will be 64. Tomorrow 75. Sunday 86.

Pick a season.

Another things that drives us crazy down here - when you wake up, it is 40 degrees. By noon, maybe the mid 60s and by 5pm, a solid 78. Only to drop right back down.

For a girl with a problem deciding what to wear, this has become a major issue. I always enjoy the colors of spring. But the temperature changes, I always seem to forget about those.

So here I am, at work 30 minutes early, all settled in at my desk. I have my 12oz latte with no fat milk, and I ate my super (low WW point) breakfast thingy and I am trying to get in a pleasent mood.

It's not easy.

I have a little devotional book I read each morning. It is not a religious one, more of a "journey" one. The author speaks to the very core of what this blog was even about in the first place. The book (which I have owned for probably 10 years) is "Journey to the Heart" by Melody Beattie. I believe I wrote a post about this book once, a long time ago.

As I was sitting here, feeling "blocked" - I decided to read my meditation/devotion of the day. It is soooo dead on, I want to share with you a few pieces. See if this speaks to your heart.

The title was - Learn To Clear Your Path. Whoa. Just that alone almost stopped me in my tracks. But Melody goes on to share a story about a woman who was trying to get pregnant and shared all of her obstacles. Though that bit did not speak to me, I did understand the desire to have life a certain way. I struggle with that daily. Here is how she wrapped it up:

There are often roadblocks on our path. Roadblocks, barricades, detours. Things to go over, around, or under. Sometimes, the roadblocks are telling us no, this door isn't opening. Find another way. Other times the roadblacks are telling us that the road we have chosen is very special. If we want to go down it, we will have to try. We will have to focuse. We will have to muster our energy and show the world how badly we want it. We will have to overcome each and every obstacle, one by one, as they appear.

She went on to ask a few questions - What do you want badly? Are you willing to go through an obstacle course, if need be, to achieve it? Are you willing to be tested by the universe? Are you will to focuse, push forward, got the distance?

I thought about these questions and my answer is - Yes, I want something very badly. I want a successful, happy marriage with my egyptian. Yes, I am trudging through an obstacle course, and yes - I have been tested.

I also want to excell in my field at work. I want to be healthier and I want to make some changes in my personal life. Yes, yes and yes.

Sometimes, the road ahead is blocked, but clearing the way becomes part of our journey. Learn to tell when it is time to let go, to surrender, to search for another road, a different path, another dream. But also learn to tell when it's time to move forward, through obstacles if need be, because the dream is electric, charged by Divine energy and love.

Snow in the south

According to all of the weather authorities, the south east is supposed to receive between 3 -5 inches  of snow in some areas, Birmingham being one of those areas.

I realize that is laughable to most of you! However, if you have never been down here when there is an announcement of snow.. then you REALLY don't understand how hilarious it really is.

Granted, I'll be the first to tell you, I am not sure how to drive in the stuff. But I did a great job coming back from Georgia over Christmas break. Those back country roads were not lucky enough to get the salt or sand or whatever it is that is laid down by those big yellow trucks I saw on the Interstate. So - I literally drove through piles of snow, and I just kept on the tire tracks.

This storm apparently will be different. This afternoon - tonight expect snow. Normal snow, no big deal. But overnight we are supposed to have a wintry mix with snow, freezing rain, sleet.. you know.. the works. Waking up to super low temps and at least 1/2 an inch of ice.

THIS is wear the problem begins. We simply do not have those "salty" trucks. People do not have snow tires. AND - you know those super tall pine trees we are so famous for? They like to snap during ice storms, and in turn wipe out entire power grids. Sooo.. they are predicting massive power outages. Again - we are not prepared.

So, for the first time in forever, I actually went last night to WalMart (due to an ice threat.) I only bought firewood for my fireplace. I thought - well.. at least we can stay warm.

BIG mistake. You would have thought we were going to be snowed in for a week - MASSIVE lines, things flying off the shelves... WEIRD. I stood in line for 45 minutes - what did I have? Fire wood, fire starter, diet coke, laundry detergent & fabric softener.

*sigh*

Hilarious.

What about you? What would be considered "odd" weather for your "neck of the woods?"