Cold wind, muddy boots and happy work...

It's only September 26 but this morning it sure looks, feels and sounds like winter is settling in.  As dreadful as that may seem, I actually enjoyed spending some time outside.  I happily immersed myself in the simple task of cleaning out the gardens.  I pulled the spent corn and sunflowers and put the pea fences away for another year.  However, I left the root crops - carrots, beets and potatoes - in the ground, hoping for the soil to dry up just a little before I bring them in for winter storage. 

The yard is beginning to look bare and somehow a bit sad and lonely.  It's oddly beautiful though.  I paused more than a few times, while I worked and clomped around in my muddy rubber boots, to take it all in.  Golden poplar leaves swirling and dancing about.  Flocks of Canada geese honking their disapproval overhead, as they make their way south.  The cool wind and rain on my face.  It sounds unpleasant but was actually quite calming.  And it felt so good to get some of my life's work done before sitting down at my desk to do the busy work of an accountant.  ​

We've barely said farewell to summer and we've had significant snow here twice already.   It's felt a bit like winter in my life lately too.  Today though, like each and every day, is new beginning.  I'm committing to these new beginnings.  New opportunities.  New  choices.  No matter how gloomy it may seem outside or in your heart, there's always sunshine in hope.  ​