Wednesday and Thursday in Minneapolis were a liminal space. Tuesday was in the low 90s and sunny. I welcomed my book group into our air-conditioned house instead of the baking patio, and I served lemonade pie, a frozen confection which suited summer’s last gasp.
During the night cool air crept in. No storm signaled it, but Wednesday dawned in the low 60s. The overcast day felt like a pause. A chance for our bodies to sit with the transition. Acknowledge and accept it. We were no longer part of the humid blanket of summer but not yet into the cool sunny days of fall.
So often we forget that we’re more than walking brains. We tend to ignore our animal nature. But some deep instinct responds to the season’s change–the later sunrises and earlier sunsets. The coming cold and darkness of winter. Beyond the sudden urge for apples instead of peaches and soups instead of salads is the emotional shift many of us feel. An awareness that feels metaphorical as well as physical.
Some are sad that summer’s over and won’t return for nine months. Others are relieved and energized by the sense of a new beginning–it’s a new season and time for new habits, new possibilities. This year, have seemed unsettled by the season’s abrupt change. I’ve sensed an undercurrent of unnamed emotions.
Today is sunny and in the mid-70s. Those underlying instincts are forgotten. Dissipated like the heavy cloud cover that pinned us in place on Wednesday and Thursday. Many have returned to being busy walking brains. But our bodies remember.
I share the feeling of becoming one with the seasons–at least for a time. It feels too fast, the shift, right now. September is always good for delivering a weather surprise. It all feels like back-to-school for me. I remember hanging out the window in my 7th grade science classroom–back in the days when you could hand out school windows–watching and smelling the leaves turning. Thanks for this lovely piece.
I can picture hanging out the school window and that particular scent of leaves!
Depending on where one lives, summer can hold a different meaning. I love autumn, no matter where I lived and still do. Summers are far shorter up north and know they are valued. Tell me the view is from your yard? Incredible! Thank you Ellen for this reminder of summer.
Thank you for reading! Now we’re on the beautiful part of fall–clear sunny days in the 70s. I grow a lot of flowers so the hydrangeas are in full bloom — big white cones with pink edges. My zinnias — red, peach, orange, and hot pink are still blooming. Pink, yellow and white snapdragons are slowing down. Hot pink impatiens and fuchsia are going strong. Basil is looking tired and will become pesto soon. What part of the world do you live?
Having been born and raised in Illinois, I know how long flowers can bloom. . I have been in Tucson since the late 70’s, and it is a hard stretch over summer here to keep certain plants alive. I am not a cactus person. We are on our last stretch of heat this week, therefore, pots and plants will soon be back in my yard and can do very well throughout the winter. Foxgloves and hollyhocks are favs and they just don’t work with me here. I can see from your view, they would!
I’ve visited Tucson often and landscaping takes on a whole new meaning! I’m glad you’re about to get some relief from the heat–really hardcore this year.
This how time feels in the body. You mentioned soup. It’s serendipitous because I made a soup recipe you gave me years ago that remains a favorite, a comfort food.
It’s also a fleeting time. I’m already seeing birds flock which means they will be leaving soon.
Thank you for putting into words what I had been feeling all week. Beautifully said like a sunset.
A lot of these signs feel subtle, some mire noticeable.
Ellen, this is a beautiful meditation on this liminal period. Living in Arizona, I CAN’T WAIT FOR FALL. Sorry for shouting. Not really. I can’t take this heat any more!!! It’s really ruining every day and bad for my health. OK, I’m done venting. Happy fall to you!
I hear you! From what I’ve read, Arizona has had a HELLacious summer. Cooler weather will be a blessing for you!
Yes, just horrific
I know! Suddenly Weds I had to find long sleeve shirts and pull out jeans.
So true… I feel the seasonal changes, but none so much as the turn to autumn. I always feel the urge to migrate… perhaps as my ancestors once did?
True–autumn affects me more than spring, but I feel both. Who knows what urge to migrate is encoded in you?
I got caught by the cool night air…woke up freezing and had to go in hunt of a sweatshirt. Trying to pay more attention to the outside world during these becoming-fall days which bring so much colorful change.