Jewish World Review Oct. 11, 2005/ 8 Tishrei,
5766
Greg Crosby
Autumn
http://www.NewsAndOpinion.com |
We are now officially entering the "warped time" period of every year. From the
beginning of October on, the next three months seem to fly by faster than Superman on speed. I
don't know if it's because of the Jewish holidays and the fact that so many of my relatives
have birthdays this month (including and especially the fascinating and fetching Mrs. Crosby).
Then of course come other holidays everything all on
top of each other. For whatever reason, I know that it will be January 2nd in no time at all!
We plan on doing some traveling at the end of this month, which always contributes to the
season flying by. I'm always glad to greet autumn and see the hot, humid days of summer come
to an end. For us in California, it is a relief when the early fall Santa Ana winds finally
subside and cooler temps bring the dreaded fire season to a halt for another year.
For awhile there, it seemed like all the plagues of ancient Egypt were being rained on
America, what with the Hurricanes of the South and then the brushfires out West. I kept
waiting for the locusts to hit next. Homeowners near the fires had a lot to be thankful for
this year, thanks to the great work of the brave and dedicated firemen and the luck of the
shifting winds. I believe only a couple homes were lost during that whole week of fires.
Amazing.
The choking smell of brushfires will soon be replaced by the fragrant, inviting smell of
cozy fireplaces once the air turns cool. I find everything gets better when the weather
changes. Food tastes better when it's cold outside. Reading a book in a cozy chair next to a
fire on a winter's evening is preferable to sitting on a blanket at the beach under the hot sun
of August. Having a cocktail is much better on a cold, rainy evening. And going out with
friends to a show or dinner is more pleasurable when the air is crisp and has a chill. I
always feel warm, cozy and secure during the winter months, I don't know why, but I always
have.
Cooler weather means warmer clothes and warmer clothes are always better looking than
summer wear. Coats, sweaters, hats, gloves, and scarves have a dresser look and I like that.
If summer and spring are the more casual seasons, then autumn and winter are definitely more
formal. Naturally in Southern California most everyone will continue to walk around in the
same old clothes they've worn all throughout the year baggy shorts, T-shirts, jeans,
flip-flops and running shoes. That's why I really enjoy going back east or up north where I
can dress in winter clothes during the cooler months. You don't see a lot of flip-flops and
shorts in New York in January.
Because the season goes by so darn quickly it's imperative that you take time out to
savor it all. When the leaves on the trees start to change color, notice them. Take a drive
out of the city and see the autumn colors yes, even we in California have fall colors if you
look for them. Enjoy the cooler nights, put on a sweater or coat and take a walk in the
evening. You'll find it delightful and refreshing and quite a bit different than walking in
the evening during the summer months.
If you have a fireplace, buy some wood and use it. There's nothing like a crackling
fire on a cold night. Invite some friends over for a drink, a sit-down dinner party or a movie
and popcorn. A warm cozy house needs the laughter and camaraderie of people gathered within
it; people to smell the fire, drink the cocktails, and eat the delicious food. That's what the
autumn and winter seasons mean to me, a time to be with family and friends, telling stories,
sharing experiences, and enjoying each other's company. Happy autumn!
Enjoy this writer's work? Why not sign-up for the daily JWR update. It's free. Just click here.
JWR contributor Greg Crosby, former creative head for Walt Disney publications, has written thousands of comics, hundreds of children's books, dozens of essays, and a
letter to his congressman. A freelance writer in Southern California, you may contact him by clicking here.
Greg Crosby Archives
© 2005 Greg Crosby
|