In my early twenties I lived in a couple different places in California for a few years – they have cool summer and warm summer and not much else. Rainy season and drier season. I thought that I would enjoy the no winter part, but found instead that I dearly missed spring and fall.
I have spent the majority of my life in the Midwest where we have all four seasons – though to varying degrees. (I liked living in the mild winter parts the best, but then the summers are a bit more intense – no such thing as perfect.) I’m not a winter person, though there is something to be said for being out on a cold crisp winter night. I can get my winter fix from photographs and movies. Summer has its benefits, but a bit too hot for my taste.
And it wasn’t until my California experience that I realized the importance of spring and autumn for me. That is where it is at – the world wakes up and comes back to showy noisy life in spring, and offers a final burst of color and crunch before slumbering in the fall. I can put up with the inconvenience of winter to enjoy these seasons. (Of course, if I could find a means to migrate like the birds every year I wouldn’t turn that down.)
I get a bit wistful in the fall, don’t you? Each season seems to have a predominant sentiment associated with it which gives us the opportunity to change our thinking with the change in season. I’m sure there are contrarians out there who have a very different response. I start out with my usual thoughts on all of the summer activities that once again I did not partake. The days were long and invited the thought that I had plenty of time, take it easy.
Suddenly the days are getting shorter and there is a hint of crisp in the air. The geese are honking in formation over my house, but the windows are still open to let in the warm breeze. Ah – woulda, shoulda, coulda got me again. But, not in all ways – I have learned a little something – I do have a short list of summer activities I did accomplish.
I’m going to make a point not to get too wistful in my posts in the coming weeks – help keep me honest, will you, let me know if you think that I do. Plaintive is good – in rotation with other viewpoints.
What is your favorite season, and why?
© 2013 BAReed Writing | Practical Business, All rights reserved
Tagged: Attitude, Autumn, Energy, Life, Philosophy, Seasons, Thinking
BAReed Writing, Business Writing 
Here we will have snow soon..
have a great wedensday!
Snow – oh, my. Too soon for snow in my thinking. I hope you like it more than I do.
No- its too early- winter is way too long- miss summer already!
I enjoy fall the best. Maybe it’s because it’s so dramatic here in New England. I enjoy the cool-down from the summer heat and I usually save an outdoor project for those cooler days where I can work outside in jeans instead of shorts and spend less time wiping sweat away. I enjoy the four seasons, and I don’t think I could live in the absence of one. Nice post.
Thanks, Dan. I do so want to see New England in the fall one of these days! I’ve only been to Boston for work, and therefore saw nothing but the inside of boardrooms, drat it all.
Beth–Getting too wistful is what autumn is FOR! Here’s a piece from my Chicago Guy wordpress blog, originally from fictionique, that is very much in line with yours. Really liked this one! Best, Roger
http://chicagoguy14.wordpress.com/2013/10/02/augustus-dickens-october-spirit/
2nd time a charm?
Thanks for sharing, Roger – and agreeing that wistfulness is appropriate this time of year. I never knew much about Charles Dickens beyond his books. Makes me want to know more.