A Change of Seasons

September 21, 2009 by flandrumhill

around the corner

We humans are creatures of habit and the older we become, the more we appreciate that which is predictable. We learn to work around familiar limitations and establish routines that make the most of the positive. However, seasons change, both in the weather and in our daily lives. Fresh green leaves turn red as the weather cools and autumn comes knocking on the door, indicators of more changes waiting just around the corner.

JJ&G sept 09 Numerous events over the past couple of weeks have prevented me from posting with the same regularity as before: the birth of a second grandson with more time spent caring for his older brother; the death of my quilting group’s mentor; a new job substituting at a preschool; and final visits with my middle son prior to his upcoming deployment to Afghanistan.

Some changes are more welcome than others. Some are anticipated, while others come as a complete surprise. We never know what’s around the corner, only that change is imminent and part of life on the planet.

sunflower Whether good or bad, change usually brings stress and requires a period of adjustment before bearings can be found again. Nevertheless, new challenges and situations present opportunities for transformation once we dare to break free from our comfort zones. As long as we’re alive, there is potential for growth.

Love is the only flower that grows and blossoms without the aid of the seasons.
~ Kahlil Gibran

20 Responses

on September 21, 2009 at 8:39 am | Reply Nadezhda Konovalova

Love autumn!
Changes are for good only!
Congratulations on the birth of your grandson 🙂
- on September 23, 2009 at 4:59 am | Reply flandrumhill
  
  Thank you Nadezhda. I hope autumn is as beautiful in the Ukraine this year as it is here in Nova Scotia.
on September 21, 2009 at 9:08 am | Reply Cindy Lou

I’ve been wondering where you were, Amy…was starting to get a bit worried. The cycle of life, new seasons and lives, a time for grief, a mother’s worry….you are in my heart!
- on September 23, 2009 at 5:00 am | Reply flandrumhill
  
  Thanks Cindy 🙂
on September 21, 2009 at 10:41 am | Reply p.j. grath

Here in northern Michigan, our season turned the corner literally overnight. Sunday late afternoon and early evening were bright and sunny; now Monday morning is grey and rainy, the goldenrod bending sorrowfully. Our pack of three had planned to be halfway to St. Paul, MN, by now instead of home with one of us nursing a sore throat, but your life has much larger changes underway. Congratulations on the new baby, condolences on the loss of your friend, and heartfelt wishes for the safety of your son overseas.
- on September 23, 2009 at 5:08 am | Reply flandrumhill
  
  Colds have made the rounds here too Pamela. That abrupt change in weather seemed to take place here too. Thank you for your wishes.
on September 21, 2009 at 11:56 am | Reply Gerry

Six ways I write, erase. Can’t find my voice this morning – but I’ll walk beside you a bit, murmuring as women do.
- on September 23, 2009 at 5:08 am | Reply flandrumhill
  
  Murmuring is always enough Gerry.
on September 21, 2009 at 12:44 pm | Reply Jessica

Congrats on the grandson. I had a nephew born this weekend. 🙂

I am sorry to hear of the loss of your mentor. (((HUGS)))

I will also pray for your son in Afghanistan. My brother is there for another 15 months. Is your son in the army? My brother drives ammunition trucks for the Army.

Jessica
- on September 23, 2009 at 5:11 am | Reply flandrumhill
  
  Thanks for your thoughts and prayers Jessica. Another 15 months seems like such a long time for your brother to be there. Yes my son is in the army. This is his second deployment as a bodyguard.
on September 21, 2009 at 3:36 pm | Reply Robin

Amy,

Who said there is nothing permanent but change?
Congratulations on the new baby, and I will keep your son in my daily meditation practice. My nephew is just home from his 5th deployment in 7 years, we know how it is!

Robin
- on September 23, 2009 at 5:17 am | Reply flandrumhill
  
  Thanks Robin. That is A LOT of deployments for your nephew. My oldest nephew is also set to go over within the next couple of months.
on September 22, 2009 at 1:52 pm | Reply centria

Amy, I, too, had been feeling niggling concern. “Where’s Amy? Is she OK?” and got on line here at the airport just to track you down, by email if nothing else, and find out what was happening in your life.

First, congrats on your new grandchild. And sadness for the death of your mentor. (have experienced perhaps similar feelings this fall with the death of a good friend.) Then congrats on your preschool job and prayers of safety for your middle son.

Don’t fret about the blog or keeping up. Now that we know you’re safe, but busy, we’ll enfold you in blessings. Hugs, Kathy
- on September 23, 2009 at 5:19 am | Reply flandrumhill
  
  Thanks so much Kathy. It’s been busy, but hopefully settling down a bit soon.
on September 22, 2009 at 8:15 pm | Reply kameleonquilt

Amy
Good to see you posting again. Seeing all that have happened, you must have been on an emotional roller coaster lately. Congratulations on your new grandson, – he is so adorable 🙂
Also, my condolences for the loss of your quilting mentor, and I hope that your son will stay safe.
Best of luck with your new job 🙂
Eldrid
- on September 23, 2009 at 5:20 am | Reply flandrumhill
  
  Thank you for all your wishes Eldrid. Yes he is an adorable grandson 🙂
on September 23, 2009 at 12:58 pm | Reply shelagh

Life has certainly decided to give you the “works”. I hope that the good stuff will help ease the sad. Congrats on another new grandson and best wishes for a safe deployment and new adventures for your middle boy.
- on September 26, 2009 at 10:42 am | Reply flandrumhill
  
  Thank you Shelagh. Yes it’s certainly the ‘works.’ Nothing like the full meal deal to make you feel alive.
on October 1, 2009 at 4:46 am | Reply Wind

congratulations! what a cool grandma he’ll have to teach him how to connect with nature.
- on October 3, 2009 at 4:17 am | Reply flandrumhill
  
  Thanks Wind. I figure that if a kid can connect with nature, then he can feel at home anywhere on the planet.