It smells like the beginning of fall — you know, that smell of half-summer, half fall. Oh, I can’t explain it… but it’s nice. It smells like something new is coming…
So said my twenty-year-old granddaughter Lyssa, as she opened the door to the morning on the way to her college classes for the day. Her comment was a gift.
…the beginning of… the end of… Something new is coming…
I love beginnings. I count birthdays, anniversaries, New Year’s Day — any day I can find to celebrate — as beginnings. I go off by myself with a journal and pen, and I think on paper.
What’s done? Or what’s no longer fun to do? What have I outgrown? What in my life is taking my time but is just not important to me any more? Am I spending too much time living up to others’ expectations for my life and neglecting what’s important to me?
Like leaves drying and falling off the maples and oaks, some tasks are simply finished. Or I’m finished doing them. Time to rake them and heap them onto the compost pile.
And yet, as the apple’s leaves wither and curl, the fruit ripens and strengthens its color. So… what’s next?
Do I relax and read more? Take new classes? Discover a new painting medium or technique? What will I learn and who will I meet this season? How can I make my home cozy yet fresh as the holidays approach? What are the next steps to what I’ve already accomplished?
What new coffees will I brew? (Just wanted to see if you were paying attention. 
)
| End of summer… beginning of fall…
Enjoy painting the apple and grapes in Painter. Tutorial found here. |
On the blog If Mama Don’t Laugh…, Lucy Adams says that what you did yesterday is past your point of concern:
… start over tomorrow, regardless of what you did today. You are relieved of your obligation to any path you’ve chosen that no longer suits you. Today is the day that you quit the volunteer committee that has become a burden to you. Today is the day you tell your spouse you want to make a career change. Today is the day you take the first step on your course to fulfilling a dream. Today you are throwing off all the burden of trying to live up to the expectations of everyone else and you’re starting anew as the authentic YOU. It’s the do-over of a lifetime…
For just a few minutes, sit back — with your coffee or tea — and picture yourself crunching underfoot those dry and cracked and lifeless fall leaves. What would they be? And what fall fruits would you choose? It smells like fall where I live… something new is in the air. What is it for you?
{ 7 comments… read them below or add one }
Love it!
I linked from my blog.
Carol
Thank you so much, Carol (Miss Daisy). Also for linking to my blog from yours. I love your post The Tenacious Daisy…
Barb, I have visited your blog several times, have added a link from mine to yours, and also have you on my reader list. You’ll find me here often.
The fall is my favorite time of year. Not sure why since my allergies are killing me and it’s a sign winter will soon be here but I love it
Anita
I too love the smell of Fall and the glow of autumn leaves through the morning mists… I found your post inspiring.
I followed your link to Morganna’s Alter Ego, and following a lead from her joined Concept Art, which looks fascinating.
I see Morganna has the same blog theme as here. I went to InfoCreek following the link from the bottom of your page because I love this theme, and very nearly used one very similar – but I thought it would be too like yours. Still, imitation is the sincerest form of flattery!….
Hi Barb!
Your blog feels like home to me too!
hahha! All joking aside, I put your blog into my RSS reader, so that I can keep track.
I love your post about fall! We are coffee, fall, and layout sisters, after all.
And thanks for link dropping me as well! Thanks to you too Valerie! I’ve always loved that place though I do lurk. I’m kind of a shy awkward sort. But I talk to people VIA PM there that I have met on other parts of the Internet, where I happened to recognize their art and avatars.
I love your art Barb, I’m looking forward to checking back, and seeing what you have new.
Oh I finally got some time to wander this evening, and what do I find but reminders of why I love fall….temperatures under 100 and a new painter tutorial…you’re just about awesome Barb, thanks!
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