The Sky is Falling

There was no mistaking it.  Stepping outside into the morning air, I paused, wigged my toes in the dewy grass and looked up toward the sky.  It's starting.  Although I suspect that we still have a little bit of time before it happens, my advice is to make the very most of these next few weeks.

Hmmm... Can I be sure? And no sooner had I questioned myself, the stillness stirred ever so subtly with the gentle nudge of the breeze.  And I could just feel it.  I walked around with my dogs for about twenty minutes.  And I could tell by the way they pointed their noses into the breeze that they could sense it too.  

Reminders are everywhere.  In fact, you can't go anywhere these days without noticing bright orange banners advertising huge discounts.  Everything is half-off at the end.

Superstores are stocked and ready.  Get everything you need here! It's almost time... 

I have mixed feelings.  To be honest, I didn't see it coming this quickly.  I have so much yet to do.  I am not really ready.  But ready or not, the fact remains; it is going to end.  I can see the fear in their eyes: small children cower under the giant banner stretched across the entire expanse of every major grocery store and outlet.  They scatter throughout the aisles; as if they are racing the clock like a bunch of panic-stricken civilians under siege yelling, "The sky is falling, the sky is falling!!"

I can't blame them.  In fact, I shudder every time I pass beneath that heinous banner as well.  As if I need to be reminded of that time in my life.  They are practically forcing it down your throat.  The words are crimson and outlined in black.  The entire banner is painted that cautious shade of school-bus yellow. A small child is pulled unwillingly down that dreaded aisle.  She looks back to me; our eyes meet.  And although I cannot spare her from what I know is just a a few short weeks away, I can offer her a little wink and a knowing glance that says, Honey, I've been there.  You'll be okay.  

I look back up at the banner and whisper the words to myself as if it were a quiet threat: "Back To School." And when I gaze back to offer a brave smile and thumbs up to that little girl, I realize it's too late.  She must have checked out. 

The wet grass pulls me from that dark place in my mind.  Ahh, we still have time.  It may sound contradictory, but I can assure you that Fall is my absolute favorite time of year.  I love it.  I love the way the air feels and smells.  I love wearing fuzzy boots and scarves.  I am addicted to pumpkins, caramel apples and lovely amber earth tones.  It is an enchanted season for sure. And I am always excited when it is here.  

But, the time leading up to this lovely season, is treated as if the clock is ticking and the sky is falling!  And I would venture to guess that many people can certainly understand that anxious feeling that happens every August; when the sandals, tanks and beach towels are on sale for pennies on the dollar.  

Though my favorite season is just around the corner, I do not feel entirely ready for it.  I had hoped to have saved more money by now and as a side-note; my legs are as white as a ghost.  The summers up here in Traverse City are perfect, and that is no exaggeration.  Lazy floats down the river, sunsets at almost ten o'clock at night, northern lights, sand dunes, ice cream cones and festival after festival after festival: yes, the summers are perfect up here. 

I suppose there is no stopping that annoying race against time.  But if you can't beat it, just try to enjoy the time you have.  The time is yours. And that time, is now. 

Today:

PHD Cocktail 

(Piled Higher and Deeper)

3/4 oz Vodka

3/4 oz Gin

1/2 oz Triple Sec

1/2 oz Rose's Lime Juice