september

September is here, and after years of childhood freedoms ending with Labour Day, it’s hard to shake that ‘first day of school’ feeling. Even as an adult, there’s something about the day after Labour Day that signifies the start of getting down to business. Only hours after kicking-back on the dock, tending the campfire, or packing up a tent, thoughts turn - like the flip of a light switch - to objectives with work, to packing away the summer furniture, and digging out the sweaters and boots. Leaves have mysteriously started to gather in the corners of the driveway, rain is falling, and nights are cool and comfortable for sleeping. It feels like it does every single year, like it all happened way too fast ... the end of the playfulness of summer and acceptance of the impending shift into the seriousness of fall and winter.

This feels like the beginning of the year for me, so much more so then January 1^st ever does. And this year in particular has me considering accomplishments made (and not yet made), goals for the coming year, and the urgency to make good on a whole host of promises I’ve made to myself and to others. Like the end of summer always feels so sudden, all this responsibility feels sudden, or rather, ‘timely’, too.

This time last year was pretty miserable for me. So, I’m also reflecting a bit - a bit too much. I like to think that its all different now, that I’ve moved past that rut, but its on my mind a lot. I feel like I should be better, further ahead, more certain, way more accomplished. I'm avoiding acknowledging the fact I've let myself down. Of course, as is often the case, I’m my own worst critic.

You know? I ought to add ‘cut myself some slack’ to that list!

However, outside of the melancholy that the end of summer brings, is the promise of fall. Fall is my favorite time of year, and even though I say that about every season coming up next, I really do mean it with fall. Especially the fall here in Ottawa. Still warm enough to go outside without too many layers, cool enough to put on a cozy sweater, and waaaaaay more comfortable for running then 30+ degrees and humidity. The crunching of leaves, fall colours, and anticipation of that first snowfall – its all magical. So rather then get overwhelmed with all the other stuff, that what I’m trying to anticipate and celebrate.

And hey – summer is technically NOT over just yet! Still lots of sunshine, butterflies, and dock-time to be had. So, its only fitting that below are a few highlights of my summer (so far):

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