Where Have All The Flowers Gone

It is that time of year. Fall; that in-between time; snuggled into the cooling weather beyond the heat of summer, and lazy sigh before the blast of winter. Chili and stew. Hot chocolate and apple cider. Leaves turning and dropping to the browning grass. The blooms of the cool loving chrysanthemums bursting with a final shout of color before the world turns to black and white or sepia tone.

When it comes to seasons, I have two favorites – spring and fall. I know, there are those die hard summer and winter lovers out there arguing for their seasonal standard-bearers. Perhaps it is a bit lukewarm to choose the in-between, however, the pleasant feeling of early summer gives way to dramatic heat too soon, and the crisp nights by the fire are too quickly overtaken by the bitter winds of Mr. Frost for me.

When I thought of fall, this song came to mind. Made popular by Peter, Paul, and Mary (names likely unfamiliar to younger readers), it speaks to the cyclical nature of life. The world spins in a circle, and though things happen on its way, it continues to turn. Our seasons tell the story of life year after year. Birth, growth, harvest, and death. It is with the passing of the flower that the seeds are able to grow.

The season of fall though not marked by the splish-splash of summer or the snow-swished skis of winter, has its own qualities. Oktoberfest, Halloween, Thanksgiving, and at least the preparation period of Christmas; pumpkins and popcorn balls, hayrides, apple bobbing, and cake walks (does anyone still do these things nowadays), all traditional products of the in-between. Years ago, fall included a carnival in the old school gym, booths manned by students from each grade. Flannel and sweaters come out of the closet, to warm cozy evenings. Smells of spice and baked goods fill kitchens. And football dominates the field of play.

Whatever your season, enjoy your harvest. And for those snow-bunnies, relish the thoughts of your coming cold. The passing of the torch will come soon enough.

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