Embracing autumn in the moment

It's October 13th and I guess it is time to come to terms with the fact that summer is over. I have been mourning that fact since Labor Day, which is a little ridiculous. I try so hard to live in the moment. There are many who say that when you spend too much time looking back into the past or wondering what is ahead that you are missing the present. Yet, this time of year I find it hard not to wish it was June and the summer was just starting.

Last week I had to drive 2 hours north for a walk through at a house that I had sold. I wasn't really looking forward to the long drive but as I headed north on 93 through the Notch I was struck by the incredible display of vibrant colors all around me. In the 16 years that I have lived in NH I don't think I have seen leaves of such a striking red color. Have you ever driven down the street in the spring and realized that there are leaves on the trees and you didn't even see the buds? My Mom always used to remind me to not be too busy to notice the little things in life and the conversation usually started with the change of seasons. I have been so buys wishing that it was still summer that I could have missed the beauty of autumn. Luckily, my travels for work took me through the mountains where I was awed by a tapestry of yellows, reds and gold.

I wanted to pull the car over and take a photo every time I turned another corner. And just like that, I wasn't mourning summer anymore; I was living in the moment on a beautiful autumn day. I will try to carry this feeling and practice with me as the leaves fall and we head into winter. And when that comes, I will try to find the beauty that the winter brings. For now I will just enjoy the colors, scents and foods that autumn brings.