The Season of the Witch
I love autumn . . . love the name autumn—so why would anyone want to call it “fall?”
Personally, I always preferred the term “autumn” to “fall” because ‘fall’ conjures up a negative overtone. When has the word ‘fall’ been used in a positive manner? There is the ‘fall of the Roman Empire,’ a person can ‘fall from grace,’ a baseball team can ‘fall’ in the standings, and all of us have ‘fallen down’ at certain embarrassing points of our lives. In fact, I cannot think a single circumstance when a ‘fall’ was thought to be a good thing—can you?
But what about autumn? Now, this term brings forth earthy visions of jack-o-lanterns, Halloween (my favorite holiday as a child because of my extreme sweet tooth and my favorite holiday as an adult because I love dressing up in costumes), the lovely foliage of the changing leaves, cozy days that darken more quickly, and evenings in front of a roaring fire. Autumn is a lovely time of year and holds the promise of charity and goodwill of the Holiday season, just around the corner.
I have always loved autumn for the reasons I mentioned above but also because I always felt the promise of a fresh start when autumn arrived. Whereas most people think of spring as the time of year for new beginnings, I always felt an unsullied start that autumn brings forth. Going back to school each year, I had inherent optimism, so central to my makeup, which always directed me to believe the upcoming year would be a better one than the last. I always looked to autumn as a chance for new opportunities.
I love autumn in New England the best. In fact, one of the most profound memories I have from the New Shakespeare Company was traveling through New England in the autumn of 1979. We drove through the sun-streaked forests of New Hampshire, the vivid colors of autumn splashed everywhere in hues I never dreamed could be possible, having grown up in the rushed and lacking falls of Montana. Montana rushes from winter to summer and from summer to winter; spring and autumn are as remote and inconsequential as the tiny towns that dot the Montana countryside: blink and you are sure to miss them!
While San Francisco boasts many pleasures that fill the senses, autumn is not one of them; she is either dazzling in her brilliance of sunlight, bay breezes, and dancing clouds or remains shrouded under the drizzling gloom of constant rainfall lasting weeks on end. Therefore, the New England autumns are such a wonderful treat.
I identify with the season, as I am in the early autumn of my life—and I offer no apologies for that. Spring is a long distant memory, summer has freshly passed, and I find myself in the colorful brilliance of the autumn of my years. In fact, getting older is a cause for celebration because I never believed I would live this long. Each year as I reach another birthday, it is like crossing a finish line (Hey Ma! I made it one more year—can you believe it!).
I see autumn in my appearance—and surprisingly, I find myself embracing this. For most of my life, my physical appearance seemed to be the most important quality I had to offer any other person. I treasured my physical appearance and I prided myself in it, as well. My physical appearance gave me a sense of power, although I realize now it was terribly superficial.
Letting go of my physical appearance has been quite freeing. Moreover, it has allowed me to develop and appreciate those qualities in myself that I never gave notice to in my younger years. It has only been in the last five years or so that I learned inner beauty, integrity, and character are far more worthwhile and beneficial than the superficial appearance of a person.
Therefore, in the autumn of my life, I am developing, understanding, and appreciating more than I used to. There is the beauty of understanding life—of having rich experiences that add to your character and personality. There is the beauty of empathy—where you have lived enough and have made enough mistakes yourself to hold back your judgment of others. Then, there is the beauty of aging gracefully, which you are not afraid to walk into the autumn of your years and view your fine lines as marks of character rather than marks of depreciation.
While driving through the New England countryside today, I felt a spark of pleasure as my senses took in the striking crimsons, subdued browns, melancholy oranges, and sunny yellows all bursting in a triumphant symphony that painted the countryside.
While considering this, a sense of renewal crossed my mind again. I do feel a fresh start, a new beginning as I venture down the path of replenishment and self-discovery—I feel optimism for what the upcoming year might bring me—what will I learn this year? What challenges will I face? What goals might I reach? I love the tentative promise of a new tomorrow. Autumn will offer me that chance, as it did for every year of my childhood, that I can reach new heights—that I have the opportunity to be so much closer to the person I aspire to be.
I am waltzing into a fresh start, during the season that is autumn and in the autumn of my own existence.
Peace,
Melinda
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Categories: Crossroads,Living in the Moment,Self,Inspiration,Happiness,Gratitude,Healing,Healing the Past,Reflections
Tags: fall aging gracefully autumn reflections getting older Halloween gratitude happiness
Hello Melinda - Oh I loved this piece! Beautifully written! I never really thought about the word Fall. I used both words. Oh and the Dutch word of course 'Herfst'. I think it's so important to embrace life and feeling comfortable in your own skin. You only live one. Live it to the fullest and be thankful for everything you have and not taking it all for granted.
Have to say, that this season is my fave as well! Not only because of my birthday, but I just love the colors that you see in this season. The image in this post is simply stunning and a perfect example of the beauty of this season! Also the softer weather & Halloween (even though it isn't a big holiday in Holland just yet). I just love the whole vibe in this season. When is your birthday?
How are you feeling? Bit better?
Oh I saw your comment! Thank you so much! I'm always happy to see your comment on my blog haha. I'm already starting to get orders. I never thought it would go this quick! I'm just very happy that others really like my illustrations! Because I see a lot of digital art on blogs, a bit like Disney and I'm always like 'Man! I wish I was as good as them'.
So hearing that people really like what I'm doing, just gives me more confidence. Oh and I would be more than happy to create something for you =D. Just let me know and I'll create something extra pretty!
Take care and remember to take enough rest okay ^_^?
Ciao!
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Hi TJ! Thank you so much for your sweet comments--that means a lot to me. I am so happy to hear that your new career is taking off nicely! I am not at all surprised to hear you have some orders--and I plan on asking you to do one for my niece--I just need to figure out what she might like best!
I was born on the summer solstice--just a few minutes before midnight on June 20th, right before the date turned to the 21st. I have always liked having my birthday on that particular day--but if I had to choose a season to born under, it most definitely would be autumn.
You know, I am 1/4 Dutch! I am half Egyptian, 1/4 French and 1/4 Dutch. My grandpa's name was Vant Hull (which is my mother's name now and has been since she divorced my father many years ago).
I do agree that embracing life is so important--it took me many years to learn to do that. How wonderful for you that you learned much earlier than me!
Take care,
Melinda
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Ciao Melinda! You are very welcome ^_^!! And thank you so much again haha!
The summer solstice! Really cool. You know, I would also choose autumn to be born under. I will write your birthday in my calendar!
I don't really know why I look at life, the way I do. Some people say that I'm very mature for my age ^_^. I think it's because of my grandma. You can easily write a book about her life as well. She experienced so much sadness, pain and injustice in her life and yet she is such a sweet and caring person. She wouldn't even hurt a fly! I admire her so much! She always says to do the things in life you want to do and don't let anyone stop you. I think that's why I look at life the way I do. And I do know, that you can't control all elements in life, but you can create your own happiness to a certain level ^_^. And that's what I try to do!
But it's always the life lessons of someone else that can make you realize important things in life. Or you experience it for yourself.
1/4 Dutch! Do you know a bit of the language? You have a cool heritage! Can you speak more languages?
Take care!
TJ
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I think you are an old soul, TJ--I honestly do. I do think you have a wisdom that is rare for someone your age--and that's a great thing. It likely means that you have learned many of the lessons that life brings forth to all of us. And some of those are painful lessons (take it from me--I know!).
Your grandma sounds like an amazing woman--and what a great role model for you. I feel much the same way about my own mother, who has been far more than a mother to me--she is a friend, mentor, role model and even a spiritual advisor. She's a lot like your grandma I think.
Unfortunately, I do not speak any Dutch! I wish I did. I speak a tiny bit of French, an even small amount of Arabic and a spattering of Spanish. I plan to take a Spanish class in the near future though--it's so prevalent here in the U.S., it is a benefit for everyone to know it!
Melinda
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You really humble me with your words. I really am grateful for what you said. Thank you so much ^_^ *HUGS*
Yes, I also think that your mom and my grandma has some similarities. I think my grandma and your mom would have really liked each other
Well, if you want to know something in Dutch, just let me know haha! I had French at school, but don't know a lot anymore. This also goes for German. Spanish, I can understand a little bit. Also Italian, just a tiny bit though. This is because my dad's language is a mix of all those Mediterranean countries. Oh Arabic! Is that difficult? Yes Spanish is really like like the second most spoken language in the U.S. right?
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I shall definitely let you know if I need a Dutch translation. Where do you live in the Netherlands? My husband and I get to Amsterdam fairly frequently as he travels a great deal for business. If you are anywhere near Amsterdam, I would love to take you to lunch!
Arabic is very difficult. It's not only a completely different language but a completely different alphabet, which makes it even tougher!
And yes, Spanish is the second most spoken language in the U.S.--and getting stronger all the time! It's very beneficial to know it!
(and TJ--I meant every word--truly).
Melinda
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Ooh that would be soo cool! I live in Rotterdam, but Amsterdam is only like 45 min by train. I would love to meet up! But I shall warn you, I will stare a lot, like "Oh my...That is Melinda! She is here! That is Melinda..."
Yes I will do that haha! Let me know when you are planning to come to Amsterdam again. It would be fun!
My mom's grandfather has his heritage from Arabia. Really cool you can speak a little of it! My younger sister has a large vocabulary of Spanish words. It's funny she knows the words that makes you think "Hmm when will I use that".
Have a nice weekend!
Take care, TJ
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Hahahahahahahahahaha! We can take turns staring at each other, TJ! I will definitely let you know when we might be there. In fact, we might be heading over there within the next month or so--I'll know more in a week or so and I shall definitely let you know what our plans are!
You have a wonderful weekend too, TJ! Take care!
Melinda
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I, too, loved autumn in New England. In fact, October is the only time that I feel even the tiniest bit of nostalgia for the Boston area. The crisp air, the fragrance of apples in the air, the flaming foliage...New England is the place to be this time of the year.
As far as "fall" goes, we fall asleep. we fall in love, and in South Africa, we "fall pregnant." But I also prefer the word "autumn," if only because it is unambiguous to the ear. But here, we are entering spring...
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Hi SV! I so agree with you! New England is best in the fall--and I am with you on the winters there (we have talked about this before).
Aha! Leave it to you to come up with some great meanings for fall!
Thanks for stopping by--
Melinda
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Autumn is my favorite season too, although I like winter very much as well. And I have always seen autumn as the beginning of things. I loved reading this, you always put things so beautifully.
I'm setting my NaNoWriMo in autumn/winter and look forward to writing it just at that time.
And Like you I'm in my own autumn - going to be 47 soon, which is mostly OK.
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Yep! We are both in our autumn, Lidian--and I am happy to hear you are mostly okay with it. Interesting that you, .like me, always looked at autumn as a time of new beginnings! But somehow that doesn't really surprise me!
Melinda
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I love autumn too and I love Halloween. Autumn is a beautiful time of year and I think the reason you see it as a fresh start is because the leaves are dying in preparation for a new beginning.
This was beautifully written, Melinda. I cannot wait to read your book!
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Excellent insight, Sheena--and thank you so much for your lovely comments!
Melinda
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Well, there's falling in love. Falling into your sweet baby's arms. Falling into a deep and restful sleep. And, generally, "falling" can convey a sense of letting go...
Nonetheless, I prefer Autumn, too...I just like the sound of it...
And now you've got that Donovan song "Season of the Witch" going through my head...Donovan...the guy who sang "Mellow Yellow" and "Jennifer Juniper"...that's sooooo not punk rock, Melinda...
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Hahahahahahahahaha--several of you now have pointed out to falling in love--and indeed that's a wondrous experience.
I had that Donovan song going through my head all day yesterday! Glad I could share the joy, Jay--that's my job here!
Melinda
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I've fallen in love...that was a pretty good experience!
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You are not the first one who pointed that out, Missy--and all of you raise a very good point.
Melinda
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I enjoyed your description of autumn in Boston. Although I've never been to New England your wonderfully written post made me feel as if I were there seeing, smelling and feeling at one with autumn.
I live on the west coast of Canada and my favorite season extends from late summer into autumn. I love this season because it's harvest time and there is an abundance of fruit and vegetables available for eating and preserving. I love the changing colors of the trees and shrubs. I love the short cool nights and the long warm days. I love the fact that most tourists have left but the weather is still warm and the forest trails and beaches are relatively empty.
Thanks for sharing your beautifully written post with us.
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Hey TT--Thank you so much for your lovely compliments! They mean a great deal to me.
I am well aquainted with the area of Canada where you live--Les and I have some very good friends who live on a small island right outside of Seattle--I imagine their lifestyle is quite similar to your own and we have visited them on several occasions. The time of year from late summer through autumn is truly lovely there.
Thank you also for stopping by! I appreciate it very much.
Melinda
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Excellent post - wonderfully written. I agree with a lot of your views on autumn too - you have to tear stuff down to start building again, and Autumn signals the start of that.
We had torrential rain here today; it will be interesting in the morning to see how many trees are bare.
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Hey Jonathan,
We had a torrential rain this morning as well--I wonder if you might be close to where I live in New England? I definitely agree that in order to start fresh, you have to tear down--and this is true of people too. For me to change, I had to completely surrender and let go of the 'old Melinda' in order for rebirth to occur.
Thanks so much for stopping by!
Melinda
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Melinda, In the shape of this beautiful post, you have once again provided me a good deal of learning more from experiences of your life.
Although apparently it's autumn of your life. But your following words inspire me to consider this present stage of your life as the real spring season in your life:
"in the autumn of my life, I am developing, understanding, and appreciating more than I used to. There is the beauty of understanding life—of having rich experiences that add to your character and personality. There is the beauty of empathy—where you have lived enough and have made enough mistakes yourself to hold back your judgment of others. Then, there is the beauty of aging gracefully, which you are not afraid to walk into the autumn of your years and view your fine lines as marks of character rather than marks of depreciation."
I appreciate these inspiring thoughts very much.
Thank you, Melinda.
Wish you all the best!
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Awwww, PT--thank you so much for your kind comments! They are certainly lovely to hear. Truly, you inspire me as well--and I have certainly learned from you as well. I never grew up with any religion at all and I have been interested in learning about Islam for many years--your blog has helped me learn more about Islam.
I want to apologize for the delay in my response to you--I am in NYC right now--and getting to my computer has been a little spotty!
Thank you again--and we all really do learn from each other.
Melinda
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Melinda-your writing seems to improve with each post as well as your love of life. Fall would certainly be a misnomer for this upward spiral. So the exquisite word "autumn" will serve much better. I'm a bit older than you, and I assure you the flowering springs and fiery summers are far from over.
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Wow, NP--thank you so much! Coming from you, I take that as a real compliment! And how wonderful to hear that the flowering springs and fiery summers are far from over--you are certainly one I trust to hear that!
Melinda
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This post was beautiful, and you made me want to see fall in New England even more than I have wanted to! Autumn (my preferred word, too) is also my favorite season...by far. I have never, until reading your words here, realized that one of the things I most love about it is the sense of renewal you described. Absolutely this stems from those years of new beginnings with new school years, but the sensation is deeper now.
Enjoyed the comment stream between you and TJ. I didn't realize that you regularly travel to Amsterdam (or even had been there once). Lucky you! I am 1/4 Dutch too...my grandfather's name was Van Swearingen.
Thanks for this thoughtful post, Melinda.
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Thank you so much, Lydia! And I apologize for the delay--I have been in NYC for the past several days and internet access was very spotty while I was away.
How interesting that we share some Dutch ancestory! I hope you can get to Amsterdam someday, Lydia--it is truly an amazingly beautiful city.
Take care,
Melinda
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