Autumn is in the Air
The change of seasons is in the air! In San Diego, Fall is different. It sneaks up on you- one day is on the cooler side, the next day is so hot with record setting temps, you’re heading for the beach! and yet, I have friends and family seeking out the beginning of Autumn by travelling to places where the Four Seasons exist, enjoying the riot of color as the trees go into their slow celebration of change.
I have a tough time with Fall. It’s only the flowers and colors that get me thru it. I have to focus on the beauty, not the shortness of daylight hours. I have to concentrate on the textures of organic materials, not the early dusk to darkness that creeps into the evening. I have, what you might call, bittersweet feelings toward the change of seasons… It is Time Ticking By, as it should- but I have such a hard time embracing change.
A few things to consider: Change is inevitable. Change is necessary. Change is everywhere in everything. It is undeniable. Without it, there would be no growth, no discovery, no goals and no dreams. Take a look at one of Nature’s most incredible illustrations of change: the Monarch. 
From caterpillar to butterfly, complete transformation… metamorphasis. And then it starts again. The life cycle is built on change.
I did a little research on my bittersweet feelings for Fall… Here’s what I’ve got…. merriam-webster.com defines Bittersweet as “… pleasure alloyed with pain”. Wow. Alloyed. that’s a word you don’t use everyday. In metallurgy terms, that means a metal is stronger when it is mixed or alloyed with another metal. So we’re talking more intense, stronger feelings of pleasure or joy. That is bittersweet emotion.
Bittersweet…sounds like the aftertaste of a fine Nut Brown Ale or Porter! Or the feeling one might get saying goodbye to a loved one after a great time together…and if you love summer, yes, it is time to say that goodbye.
In Florida, Fall is a welcome relief! Although the sun sets too soon, the humidity starts to “leave” the air, the temps go down, and everything gets a bit more confortable. Few trees change color, but there are little pockets of red and yellow mixed in with the evergreen landscape.
So tip a glass of Octoberfest beer to the setting sun, take a big drought, and swallow away the Autumnal Blues!
cheers, my brother! Celebrating Autumn with a fine Porter is the perfect remedy-Thanks for your insights!
Brilliant! Photo choices so perfect! What an analysis that went full circle! There’s nothing like a bit of DARK chocolate melting in your mouth to soothe the soul. Yes, it is bittersweet. I love you, Diane. Such insight! Thank you!
Yes, the fall color season here in Michigan is euphoric for me.
love that you are enjoying Autumn in Michigan- looking forward to your return to Arizona where the time difference from CA is only 1 hour instead of 3!
Excellent writing and images of fall…why is it so difficult and so exhilarating to embrace change? Bring on Fall!