I constantly need to remind myself that autumn is already here. Some days, I remind myself that it’s not almost summer. The weather in September was certainly warmer than it was in June, when I was still wearing a pillowy down vest over long, cotton sleeves. I feel thankful to have any warmer temperatures, especially as frost will begin to develop on the windows of my car soon, and I’ll be out buying a woolen winter jacket in the next couple of weeks. The summer flew by despite the cool, and I don’t feel I took advantage of it like I did the last couple of years. But, I hope that through some chilly, seasonal photography in the coming months, I can slow down this autumn and winter and make up for my fast-paced summer.

There are so many new changes and stabilizing opportunities that have begun for me, I felt it was time to have a renewing, home-base blog. I hope this will remind me to reflect and focus on the slowing down of life—of living, of eating, of smelling, of loving, of being, of taking in all the senses with complete awareness. This fall, I will start yoga again regularly to awaken my muscles and joints and spirit and energy flow. I am preparing to move in a few short months into a home where I can cook warm, filling meals, read quietly with peppermint tea, sink and into my bed for restful nights of sleep, engage and host friends and loved ones, and offer the cat her own delightful refuge and wonder. I will be accelerating into one career and learning about another. And, I hope, I will have a significant cushion of time and space and love to share these things with someone special and new in my life.

Times are rough right now—politically, economically, morally…. But with increased awareness, optimism, building friendships and creating alliances, the coming winter will transition quickly and smoothly into a beautiful, fresh new spring—not only in nature, but in work, at home, and nationally. I’m feeling excited and beautiful.