The end of summer has gotten lost in the trend to begin school halfway through August. A flurry of shopping, early sports practice, and new routines overshadows the winding down of a season that still has a lot of beauty to offer. Stop the rush and take a moment to look, it will soon be gone.
One drawback to living in the country is that we miss seeing the lovely yards in town. Folks who work so hard to achieve beautiful landscaping are giving a gift to all who pass. Too often, my town trips are hurried and don’t include any areas outside the business district. It really doesn’t take much more time to detour through residential parts and be soothed by the beauty of flowers that are taking the last of summer to show off their best. Actually, the sticker shock at the store or gas station might be alleviated when you slow down and appreciate what others have offered.
We just made a trip to the State Fair. My first time. I don’t recall even going to a County Fair until my late thirties. We were too busy teaching our kids to work in the hayfield and too far from town to join 4H. When we did finally show up at a fair, it was for the barbecue and dance.
Bruce’s family was deeply involved in 4H and, seeing how that has enhanced his world view, and the new skills and interests that participation in 4H has given my grandchildren I regret that my kids missed it.
As a child, my world was a lot slower this time of year. School never started until the day after Labor Day. There was time to walk the county road of an August evening and breathe in the spicey scent of sunflowers, listen to Jiminy Cricket singing summer away, and watch birds gather on power lines in preparation for their journey. We had a sense of the natural progression of seasons and the security of knowing that this would continue throughout our lives.
Somewhere along the years, like the proverbial frog in a pot of ever warming water, our kids were sacrificed on the altar of sports and school agendas, and the adults fell into that routine too. I wonder if many people really notice the end of summer bounty and beauty or hints of change, and prepare for transition.
Gather up the kids after supper and take a walk or bike ride around the neighborhood. See how many flowers you can name, or what sounds and smells indicate the coming of fall.
Hopefully you will encounter some neighbors out doing the same, and if so, stop for a chat. We don’t do that enough. As for me, I’ll make a detour through some side streets on my way home from church and say a prayer of thanks for people who offer beauty to passers-by.
Meet me here next week and meanwhile, do your best. Somebody might like it.