A Glorious Melancholy

It was a nearly perfect summer here in Washington DC - warm but not too hot, not too humid (except for a few days). It was sunny, but not relentlessly. The storm gods blessed us with many beautiful, vivid and dramatic thunderstorms. Summer segued gracefully into a perfect fall. For weeks it's been sunny and warm enough during the day to wear teeshirts and shorts, yet crisp and cool at night. Who could ask for anything more?

Like many of my blog buddies, I feel at a turning point. The bout of pneumonia was transformative for me, maybe just because it made me stop - really stop - and think about things. It scared me into an appreciation of life and health. I don't mean to, but I sometimes take my good health for granted. Not this year, though.

As a result of being ill, I can remember again that everything I need is right here at my fingertips - both "good" and "bad." Even the chaos in the world financial system and the downright nastiness of the presidential campaign (now in its final days, thank God), is motivating me to think carefully about what is and what isn't important. The result of these contemplations is a sense that something wonderful is right around the corner, and that with my renewed sense of liveliness, I might be able to recognize the wonder when I come into contact with it. It's an interesting paradox to be lovingly guided in the aftermath of illness and in the midst of chaos. But - isn't that how fall always is, full of sadness for the waning light and shriveling of summer's green lushness, but also exciting and full of promise?

The weather always explains everything. What it's telling me this year is that everything is exactly as it should be. Not to worry, let the leaves fall where they may. In the midst of paradox, still getting my energy back, I can say with certainty that life is good, and I am grateful. Onwards & upwards! Oh yeah.