Mother Nature's Wild Side

"The woods are lovely, dark and deep, but I have promises to keep, and miles to go before I sleep..." ~Robert Frost

As I drove to my mammogram appointment this morning, I noticed that Mother Nature has decked out my hometown in her most vibrant Autumn finery! Seasons have been on my mind a lot, lately, and I'm not just talking about the ones we make note of when the weather changes. If we're very fortunate, we get to experience all four "seasons" of our lives (...although perhaps not everyone would agree that it's a blessing to grow old). According to national averages, as a woman it is highly possible for me to live to approximately 82, without allowing for any other variables, i.e. risks of things like cancer, heart disease, stroke, lifestyle choices, etc. My mother, however, died before she reached her 47th birthday, and really there is no guarantee the number of actual days I'll be allowed to have in this lifetime (...which is true for all of us). Putting that aside, if I allow for the generous predictions of national averages, that lands me right at the cusp of Autumn in my own life. It's been my favorite season since I was a little girl, even though there are distinct things I love about all four.

Autumn has always represented Mother Nature's most passionate side, in my mind. Crisp air that's perfect for long snuggles and warm kisses, extended nights that lend themselves to more time for whispered secrets in the lover's dark, wildly bold colors, as the trees fling off their garments in one final, bold celebration, before all things tuck in for their winter sleep. I remember spending anxious weeks in anticipation of my favorite holiday, Halloween, my mind gloriously enraptured with the endless possibilities of what "character" I could be come Halloween night. It was a sad, sad day when I realized I was too old for Trick or Treating, until I discovered the joy of having or attending a party instead! And year after year, it is always bittersweet for me to see October go. This season, allow Mother Nature to teach you how to catch your own soul on fire! Jump into piles of raked leaves and share smoldery kisses by a bonfire. Make s'mores and dance in the cool night air (...doing so, naked, under the moonlight is the most fun, but that's not for everyone...find YOUR way to get your Fall Boogie on)! The seasons, our seasons come and go too fast! Savor every one with gusto! And call me if you need a leaf pile jumping partner! I'll help rake!

*Images @ lovewallpapers4u.blogspot.com (kissing in leaves) and favim.com (red leaf).

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