Childhoodtake2!

Every Friday we unite for five minutes. Only five minutes, that's all we get, that's all we have. And then, right where we are, no edits or second-thoughts, we publish those words. This week, we write on season.
Go.

Each turn of the calendar is another change.
Each change is a good-bye to where we were.
And as we said good-bye to our summer and the season changed to fall
I said good-bye to daily swims
and long long days
and warmth.
I had to welcome a little girl in grade 1
and a little boy going into pre-school.
I had to welcome backpacks
and made lunches
and homework.
I had to welcome teachers
and how much they love my kids too.

And as fall came to a close
and the change in season shifts again,
we said good-bye to cool air and warm days.
Gorgeous color and the smell of leaves.
And hello to holidays.
And traditions.
And decorations.
And pjs all day on the weekends.
And little face excitement.
Dreams of what is coming.
Movies all day long.
Warm houses and fireplaces.

Change in seasons remind you to enjoy your time
enjoy this short amount of perfect because the next season is right around the corner.
Change is coming
and it can be daunting
it can be hectic
it can also be the reminder you need to
slow down
enjoy
sit in your little perfect
and take advantage of the season.

Stop.

Every Friday we unite for five minutes. Only five minutes, that's all we get, that's all we have. And then, right where we are, no edits or second-thoughts, we publish those words. This week, we write on green.
Go.

The color of hope at the end of a long winter.
When you see that first green leaf, trying to break through the cold.
The color of summer and all that comes with it,
grass and plants and flowers and trees.
All around you is green.

The color that has always meant go.

And as Upstate New York says goodbye to an incredible summer
full of warmth
and sun
and beaches
and sand in our toes
and being outside for as long as possible
and long summer days
and sprinklers
and pools
and bike rides
and long family walks
and laughter
and childhood unfolding before our eyes.

We start to say hello to fall and all that comes with it,
70 degree days that we are loving
change of colors everywhere from green to the color of warmth
oranges and yellows and red
the colors that make fall incredible around here.
Cooler nights and mornings
leaf piles
and pumpkins
and childhood laughter
and childhood unfolding before our eyes.

And we know that winter is right there, right around that corner.
And soon all of the color in our little piece of the world will be gone
and we will be covered in a blanket of white.
And all that comes with it,
shorter days
and sledding
and mittens
and snow suits
and hats
and boots
and childhood unfolding before our eyes.

Because not matter the season
kids find a way to make every change exciting
full of new
full of love
full of childhood.
They have no favorite.
They love the season they are in,
because each one brings a change they are ready for.
Each one brings a new experience.
Each one brings out a part of their childhood.
And that is one of the things I envy most in children.
Their ability to just be present in the moment.
Green isn't the only color that means go to a kid.

Stop.