Summer is coming to an end here in New Hampshire.  The mornings and evenings are chilly.  The crickets are no longer chirping with vigor. And, the squirrels are scampering in earnest about our yard, diligently preparing for the coming months.  Something about this turning of the seasons always makes me feel very peaceful.  I can feel my spirit changing from the energetic “outer-me” of summer, to the self-reflective “inner-me” of autumn and, eventually, winter. I feel a longing to be with myself again. And, though I hold dear those precious memories of our summer days at the beach or pool, and of our languidly basking in the sun on the back porch, I think I am ready for fall.  Yes, I am ready.

But, for one moment longer, I will savor the glory of summer.  Here are the holders-on, the last of summer’s vibrant bouquet. When we are deep in the dark and cold of winter, we can look back at these living flames and feel just a bit of their light and warmth when we need it most.