Random Ramblings

Okay, this is really sad. It has been so long since I have written anything in my blog that I had to search Chelsey's blog for the link! So I have made a promise to myself to write more often...even if what I have to say is not earth shattering or life changing.



I guess one reason I was prompted to return to my blog is that I have been feeling a little blue. Don't ask my why because I can't really put my finger on it. Possibly it is because there are so many changes taking place, and I guess I realize that my time here does not last forever. I look at the hours spent at work versus the time spent living life and visiting with the ones I love, and it is a little sobering to say the least. I do not mean these thoughts in a depressing way. Just in a wistful, melancholy way.

Fall is my favorite time of year, and with fall comes a flood of nostalgia. The cooler, drier temperatures...the clearer, more colorful sunsets...the richer, more flavorful foods all draw my most favorite of memories to the forefront. I remember cool evenings spent on the porch at my grandparent's home watching my grandfather's profile fade into the night as he told stories of his childhood. The faint smell of burning leaves is as prevalent in my memory as it was the day I sat in his lap listening ever intently to his adventures as a boy. The atmosphere was saturated with goodness, simplicity and love.

I also remember the fun of searching for the newest halloween costumes at Perry Brothers five and dime store for the upcoming carnival at our elementary school. The best costumes were homemade, but it was so much fun to look at the most popular costumes that sold in the store. I remember getting to be Snow White one year. It was with great pride that I put on that plastic mask, pulling the rubber band over my head and securing it safely around the back of my head. I magically became Snow White...I even had her hair and face (...as long as I didn't turn around, that is...) I can still hear the way my breath sounded with my nose and lips pressed up to the mask.

Back in those days our small town closed down main street and we got to march in a parade and show off our costumes. This was a big event at our house. My grandparents came to the house early and rode with us to the parade. It always began and ended at the elementary school, and we got to be the stars of the town for the evening. After the parade came the carnival that was set up complete with all kinds of games like bobbing for apples, a cake walk, and a spook house...just to name a few of the attractions. Those times were so, so special.

Autumn brings football and evenings around campfires at the farm. My sons were born in the fall, and it was in the fall of the year that my life with Charlie began. Many say I am entering into the autumn of my life. Come to think of it, I suppose that is not such a bad thing after all. Much like the bright hues of orange, yellow and brown that make up the colors of the changing season, fall and autumn is a warm, vibrant time of year. The colors are rich, the smells are memorable, and the skies are clear. This season of life could turn out to be my favorite of all.