First Day of Autumn

As I lingered out of bed this morning, I heard the familiar meter of the voices of National Public Radio beating from the alarm clock in the corner. The woman begins listing the stations currently broadcasting her voice, and I am reminded how odd it is that, while I’m a good 45 minutes by car from West Virginia, it is West Virginia Public Radio that reaches me on the mountain. Occasionally, I can pick up WETA 90.9fm (Washington, DC Public Radio—a good 45 minute drive in the other direction) from my car in the driveway, but that’s really only on a good day. I am saddened a bit that of the public radio available to me in my new home, I have only West Virginia and Washington, DC; nothing more local.

Just when I cross through the doorway to leave my bedroom, our radio lady announces “…and at 11:42am today, the sun crosses the equator and autumn officially begins.”

My mood quickly shifts from being a bit disappointed with the world around me to excited for the changes to the world around me. Very soon I will begin seeing the trees start to don their harvest colors. I look forward to discovering which of the trees around me will color first, which will carry more bright yellow, and which will elegantly flash orange and red. I delight in the fact that our local supermarket may even carry some local produce in the next few weeks. I think about making soups and chilies. Fall is only a few hours away, according the the soft-voiced woman on the radio; and I’m excited.

As my excitement begins to wake me up a bit more, my thoughts take a new direction. Perhaps I could send an email blast out to out regular customers of the restaurants. “We welcome the the turning of the leaves, the harvest, and the new autumn season. We encourage you, our valued patrons, to take advantage of the rich natural wonder of Shenandoah National Park this fall, the lust garden backyard of our community.” As I composed the stilted language in my head I realize it will need some editing, but I instead get caught up in the possibilities of the warm colors, falling leaves. “…When you go, remember to stop by Element for some sandwiches and soups for takeout, the perfect picnic for you and your friends or family.” Perhaps even our menu board could carry some special autumn graphic this morning to honor the special day.

As I reflect on it all, walking down the stairs for some orange juice, I think how much my life has changed over the past few years.

Two years ago I was at Mary Washington, telling myself not to get too overcommitted this year and realizing I already had as I open the Box Office a good fifteen minutes late and would no doubt would see the ubiquitous “see me” email from the Chair of the Department when I login to the University’s monochromatic email system. Thoughts of the future did not extend much further than the end of the week, knowing that I had no real plans for after my coming graduation.

This time last year I was living at my parents’ house, I was working with Wayside Theatre, I was hoping for some change to my life. My sense of time was based on a production schedule that was forever subject to change. I was definitely going to be late to work, but I really didn’t care all that much, as I felt I could pretty much do my job on my own schedule and I’d be spared the hassle of talking to those of my coworkers who felt I cared about their personal concerns, problems, and interests. 

Today, I sit in excitement of the coming season, and of my new life. Even my thoughts have a new context: a new job, a new home, a new approach to the day. Today got up early enough that I don’t have to rush to get to work—in fact there is a pretty good chance I’ll even be early. I have the time to eat breakfast, to plan my day, and to sit down at the computer and reflect on the first day of autumn.