As it has been for years, August was kind of my hiatus season. I slow down and except for a trip to Virginia to spend time with family and friends, I did not add much to my schedule. It is a time for planning, almost like going back to school, and I like to start September with a vision and a plan for what is ahead.

Lately, I have been intentional about taking daily walks. It is more about movement, less about “exercise”, and during these walks I sort out my writing and take in the world around me. I want to be better at observing, listening. I have seen so much on my walks, simply by paying more attention. Earlier in the summer I saw two fawns in a yard, one was resting in a shady corner, and the other jumped up, maybe at the sound of my steps, and watched me.  

I imagined their mother told them to rest quietly, that she’d be back after running an errand. Of course, there is always that one child who is either more skittish or needs to see what is happening. 

That was a joyous moment, and I took delight in seeing them. Weeks later I saw that one fawn had been struck by a car on a winding corner where I always look both ways before crossing, because some drivers think that the wide streets in my neighborhood are an invitation to race. I was sad to see the fawn there, and I wondered about its sibling. Then I wondered why we rush so much these days, not slowing down, speeding past each other, only to have to stop at the same red light.

When I took my walk on Monday, I noticed trees have lost a few leaves, or that the colors are beginning to change, and it reminded me summer is waning, and autumn is approaching. I took pictures, standing underneath some trees; other photos were taken at a distance. This summer has been a progression of colors – fuchsia peonies; red, orange, yellow and pale green zinnias; the orange of butterfly weed; the pink stripes of petunias; the red of roses; and the variegated greens of the ornamental grasses that will soon enough turn golden and burgundy. I want to take it all in, savor it, prolong the delight because I know what comes on the other side of this season. 

Where has all this walking and planning taken me? I realize I am in my calm season, my euphemism for what is something like retirement, but still very fulfilling. It has only been in the last few months that I have felt myself settle into a rhythm after years of work and other responsibilities. At first, I would intentionally busy myself if I sat still for too long, but I do less of that these days. I am learning to be comfortable with less doing, quieting that feeling of I could be more productive. I have my writing, travel, a few gatherings, and of course, my yard work. But mainly I commit to fewer things, seek to do those well, and leave room for serendipity and ease. 

Like a new school year, September feels like a fresh start, and I want to enjoy it while I have the energy of summer to boost me into autumn. I do not want to ignore these outside days, because when the inside days come, I will miss the option of heading outside without first bundling up. I am learning what life is like in my calm season.