“Winds in the east, mist coming in, Like somethin’ is brewin’ and bout to begin. Can’t put me finger on what lies in store, But I fear what’s to happen all happened before.”

These lines from the wisdom of P.L. Travers remind me of the weather today. The last day of summer is tomorrow, as I write this, and the summer friends, like the geese, are taking flight.

The dock feels like an odd concept at this moment as I look down at my rowboat filled with water, and a chilly wet wind travels down the lake pushing summer away. I was hoping it would go more softly, I swam two days ago, but I knew that it may be my last and so I savored the waves slapping me in the face.

Fall is ahead with beauty and a tinge of melancholy that is all its’ own. Pumpkins are on wagons and hay bales dot the fields. I had quite a surprise as I stepped into my rain boots I left on the porch only to find a small stash of acorns tucked in the toes. Maples have been strutting their stuff for a few weeks giving an early warning of the colors to come.

Deborah Byrd writes about a Chinese philosophy that celebrates the sadness and courage of fall. Sadness isn’t an emotion to be avoided at all costs but it can be seen as part of nature and a time to consider our dreams and visions for the future. I will stand facing west, which is considered the direction of autumn and honor the “westness” of autumn. It is the courage to face what lies ahead that is exciting.