Recovering The SelfA Journal of Hope and Healing

Commentary

Fall Days

by Evelyn Horan

I know summer must end as seasons all do, and this summer has been quite warm and sometimes uncomfortable. Our faithful air conditioner in this “inland valley” city, nestled in-between Riverside and San Diego, California, has been greatly appreciated.Autumn Colors - fall foliage in Central Park, Manhattan,New York

However, I have enjoyed the long days of sunlight from early morning at six o’clock to dusk at eight o’clock. I seem to be full of pep and energy in the summertime, but now, I see shades of darkness approaching at six o’clock and in December there will be total darkness by five o’clock.

I think I am a bit spoiled by this mellow Mediterranean climate in Southern California, although we always seem to be in need of rain, and as fall approaches there is always a danger of fires touching off the grassy hills, especially during this time of year when we experience the “Santa Ana” winds blowing in from the East to create even more of a fire hazard. Unfortunately, at times, there are “fire-bugs” who deliberately set fires that can cause millions of dollars in damage to homes and animals. Brave fire fighters try to control the thousands of acres of burning brush on the hillsides, and sometimes lives are lost.

We seldom have snow in Southern California during the winter, but two hours away are snow-capped mountains and winter fun for everyone in the San Bernardino Mountains at Lake Arrowhead and Big Bear Lake offering snow play and skiing.

In my youth and child rearing days, my family and I took advantage of such nearby pleasures. Now, at this point, in the wintertime, I enjoy a drive to the mountains and a tasty lunch in a restaurant with rustic décor and a warm fireplace. Does this sound familiar to any of you who once enjoyed the activities of winter outdoors?

At this time, with fall approaching, I find myself more willing to prepare for bedtime. I begin yawning, and I have diminished energy and zest for the evening hours. Outside the full green trees are beginning to shed their leaves as fall approaches. Their beauty is fading, but I know they will leaf out again and bright green leaves will return in the springtime.

Still, a slight melancholy has touched my spirit as the end of another year approaches. Now, I know I must take a deep breath, and try again to “age with a cheerful attitude.”

About the Author

Evelyn Horan is a former teacher/counselor. Her articles and stories have been published many times in periodicals for children and adults in both secular and religious publications. She holds General Elementary, General Secondary, Pupil Personnel, and also School Psychologist life credentials in the state of California. Horan is the author of a number of books including Aging Requires a Gentle Attitude. Learn more about her work at http://www.authorsden.com/evelynhoran.

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Recovering The Self is a forum for people to tell their stories. Individual contributors accept complete responsibility for the veracity, accuracy, and non-infringement of their reporting.
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