Now so fully in the season of Autumn, with rain, scarecrows, crisp air, evenings low golden-light, even orange squash greeting us with their candle-light smiles. But, there is something to the contrast. The contrast between now and then - just one season past. It is one of my favorite elements of life, these seasons in which we live, each one with their own perfect character.
With the very last of our summer berries officially consumed it seems appropriate to pause for one last nod to the most favorite part of summer - berries. Or, perhaps, it is really the berry picking. The slow deliberate way we make our way through field or bramble. The stillness among us, between us. Gentle conversation punctuated by sounds of savoring - uummmmh!
This particular day of picking is ripe with the metaphor of season in my memory, seasons in life. The boys and I headed north this past summer to my old stomping grounds in the Pacific Northwest. While there, we enjoyed many of the fruits of my childhood, which the boys love as much as I did and do. I have memories of picking giant blueberries by the bucket-full, all day long, with just my cousins. Though I am sure my Auntie was near I do not remember adults in the blueberry fields, just giant berries, fully bellies and giggling cousins.
Through adult eyes it is easy to see how we, as children, felt we were the only ones there to play and frolic the summer away. It was, again, my auntie who took me picking. This time I thoroughly enjoyed her company, and very much savored her presence, while my children indulged in their own day in blueberry land - possibly not knowing we were so near all the while.
So perhaps that pause, that in-breath of summer, all that warming-light will give us the needed energy to make it through this very busy, exciting season of harvest, planting, digging, learning and celebrating! Autumn is here for certain, and I do so love it.
