A post for someday

I just need to say, (and the timing of this is NOT relevant), that were I to die tomorrow, (and I have no such intentions), it would be okay.  I have accomplished everything I wanted- every burning desire has been fulfilled- there is no BIG item on my bucket list. I have it all. (Heck! I even swam with whales!)

 

 And this is not to say, that I don't want to continue to live, because, I do! And of course, there are all sorts of fun things left that I can do, that I want to do, that I probably will do! But that thing... that driving force people have.... "I HAVE to visit Italy!" or "I HAVE to climb that mountain!" "My dream is to.... (fill in the blank)"  I've done all that. I have all that. I hope to continue doing and having all that... but it's not necessary.

I'm just saying this because EVENTUALLY, SOME day, in the FAR future, this might be comforting to someone. I love where I live. I love what I have, and as long as my children are happy, I'm happy- but even that isn't a prerequisite to a life well lived. Life isn't about running around trying to make yourself happy. But that's a post for another time. 

Suffice to say- I HAVE lived well- been VERY fortunate ('but for the Grace of God, go I')  I've done all that which I've wanted/needed to do, and I have all that I want/need to have. 

It's enough.

I am grateful. 

The Last Months

 So, here it is- the day after Hallowe'en.

Yesterday, I was watching scary movies, listening to dark, bizarre stories, and eerie music on radio. Yesterday was all about jack-o-lanterns, costumes, and candy.

And today? I'm watching Christmas movies on the Hallmark channel!

Which got me to thinking! about these last months of the year... Each one is packed with so much feeling! so much personality! Moreso than their predecessors.

Take September, for example. 

August is HOT, and lazy and still carries with it that Summer freedom. But September is all about getting back into a routine. It's school, and work, sport's schedules, and calendars. It's harvesting, and canning, and preparing.

 But then... comes October!

and with October, comes Hallowe'en.

Hallowe'en is so much more than having a chance to "thumb our noses" at the spooky and macabre.  It's the magic of acknowledging that, despite, all our science, and all our technology and education, there are still mysteries in this world. There are still things we do not understand- things which titillate our senses, and intrigue us.

October is a month of lusty abandon. It's "pushing the envelope", and testing boundaries. It's venturing out into the dark, knowing we're still able to scurry back to the safety of our family. October is imagination, excess and greed, under a cloak of anonymity. 

 

And so, it's no wonder, that November comes with a bit of relief. Even children need and WANT limits to grow into their full potential.

 November seems calm to me- a month of reflection. Most of the work of preparing for the Winter is done. There is still time before the frenzy of Christmas in which to take advantage of being indoors, out of inclimate weather.

I find myself baking in November, and doing x-stitch. I enjoy working on Christmas presents, and making big pots of soup. November is a homey/family month. 

And then... December!

Which has it's own, very special magic! very different from October, and every bit as powerful. December's magic is love, and family, and giving from the heart. December is frenzied, and excessive, similar to October, but with gentler, kinder edges.

December is light! and glitter! and Shiny! right down to the glow of wonderment in a child's eyes. 

 

Where October has the potential to transform into mean, if you don't guard against that, December transforms into Love. Safety. Family.

I tend to embrace all the months and seasons- but these four are, by far, my favorite. If the beginning of a New Year starts out slowly, I can count on it wrapping itself up in a glorious, fervor of activity, radiant brilliance. October and Hallowe'en are over for this year. I miss them, but I, also, look forward to November and Thanksgiving, and December and Christmas.  As my mother used to say, "There are SO many ordinary days in the year, we need to celebrate every chance we get!"  

Bring on the Holidays!