Another Half Year Down

You don’t have to look at the calendar to realize that it’s July. For the first time this year the sweat was flowing freely down the faces of anyone who stepped outside for more than a couple of minutes. The immediate chill and relaxation upon opening the door to the office building is something that is unique to summer and if often the highlight of the morning commute. And, for the first time in three years, I have been able to enjoy the heat of the day and sleep wrapped in the cool of the night.

It seems that it was a mere few weeks since I last wrote about the resolutions and the recap of the previous things checked off the list. That is not what this blog is about, not today, not this summer. There are too many great things that have happened so far this year some that I previously listed as goals and resolutions while others just happened, surfacing in the flow of life. I have been too focused on lists at times to truly embrace the greatness of this world and the gift of life that we have all been given.

This year has been one of tremendous personal satisfaction and, thankfully, stability. While it has been far from perfect, there are few things that I would go back and change. I couldn’t tell you any particular instance that comes to mind as I can’t recall the moments to which I reference. I have made a point to forget that which prevents me from keeping my eyes looking forward. While I am not always successful in this endeavor, I am making the effort and I am definitely better off for doing so.

And one of the tools that has allowed me to do this is this blog. This is why you will occasionally read the rants or the recounting of days that may have been led astray. Writing these things down allows me to forget. Words and photos are things that live in the past. Once a picture is taken or a word is written it is immediately thrown into the past. It was captured. It was written. Only the sentence that I construct at this very moment is a piece of the present. All other thoughts and actions have already happened and been recorded.

It has been a great year so far and one that I am happy to forget. All those moments are within me, stored in my mind and influencing my current direction, but they are not cognizant thoughts that dominate my every moment. Each of us have in our own mind the greatest story ever told which only ends when we can no longer remember who we are and what we have done. This year has been great thus far and I look forward to continuing to write the story of my life in the following days, months, years, and for the rest of my life. And the best part of this story is that no matter how much I try to plan or anticipate I have no idea what is going to be on the next page.

Why Hello There Fall!

How long before we see this again? October? September? 

This past week there was a meteorological snafu. For some reason fall decided to visit in the middle of August as the daily highs topped out in the high 70’s and low 80’s. Now don’t get me wrong, I love fall, it may be my favorite time of year but this is a little ridiculous.

I have certain expectations during the summer especially in August. While I don’t look forward to it I anticipate frequent sweating and a mild disturbance in my mood. I am a little thrown off when my brow is bone dry and my marbles are cool and comfortable.

However, in the long run, if this is global warming I am happy to purchase a case of aerosol cans to ensure the longevity of this pattern. Al Gore said that we have to do our part and I am certainly willing to do so if it means bring summer to a premature end. After all, he is doing his part too. Remember, it is our duty to bring an end to swamp pants. So everyone please do your part and save the planet.

I hope to see more of the Facebook posts from friends that I read this week. Love letters to a refreshing day that make us long for the splendor that awaits us in the turning of the calendar’s pages; reminders of the simple pleasures that accompany the comfort of transitional seasons. More posts like this one I came across on Wednesday:

“Dear Glorious Fall Day - Why hello there! I think you might be a bit early, but I hope to be seeing more of you in the near future. Counting down the days to pumpkin spiced chai and boots. Oh yes.”

I don’t know about the Chai and boots but I am looking forward to more frequent visits from our Fall friend. Unlike the Summer house guest that won’t leave and insists on bringing their pestering insect friends and won’t let you walk around barefoot without getting third degree burns, Fall is a pleasant albeit temporary roommate that that opens the doors and cools the body as they awaken the senses to the aroma of fruit orchards and the breathtaking kaleidoscope of transforming trees. I would much rather have Summer’s stay cut short so that Fall could move in early.

Hopefully this new weather pattern holds up and we can all begin to relax in this early season. Maybe this early arrival will bring about prolonged fall. Of course, it could just mean that winter will arrive early too and really mess things up. Either way I am fine with it so long as it doesn’t get hot again until next year. I guess we will find out.