The Threshold

I've lived here all of my life and have noticed that we often have light showers or the first dusting of snow at Halloween. Sometimes ill prepared for the sudden change in the weather while out trick or treating I would shiver through the flimsy material of my princess costume, or clown, or hobo, or hillbilly costumes, as they were mostly pulled together from something we already had at home in those days.

And despite the crazy changes we've had in the weather of late, the rain has come again this year right on cue. It blew yesterday, and the first leaves fell in a shower of their own, cascading and swirling such that even if you don't usually pay much attention you can't help but notice. Nature has that way with things.

One day you step out as usual, only to see the threshold littered with another season. At first the fresh colors have a stunning brilliance, but by just the next day they have become dull and brittle. (At least it happens that fast here in New Mexico.)

The drama lures us out to the already neglected landscape. I was sick, and then busy, and then it was no longer the time for lolling on a summer lawn.

I really do sink at the beautiful sight of the ivy turning red, because it means that it will soon be all gone, and the brown and bleak of this high desert town will take its place. My little brown house looks so sad in winter without her leafy crown.

Even the vines seem to reach out to take one last hold of each other before the last shiver brings them down.

But there are a few surprises tucked away and waiting for a fall inspection. One lone and brilliant rose soldiers on at attention in the garden. 

It chose a nice spot to hold sentinel, as the rain barrel makes a nice theater for one last shot before it's brought inside. . . . 

So another October passes by almost unnoticed but for this pause at the gateway. Tomorrow, on another Halloween, some young someone may insist that it's really not too cold, and that there's no need at all for anything extra over or under a thin costume. It will probably be a new themed outfit. Most likely purchased at the store. And I'm not saying that that's not all right. It's just that I can't help but notice. I know it's only the nature of things. . . .

So long October!

 See you again next year!

Thanks so much for stopping by!

 I'm looking forward to sharing another holiday season with you. . .

Jacqueline

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