The days are turning cooler, cold already in places, though still balmy in others. It is that time of year when earth forces itself upon our consciousness, its beauty calling us to stop in awe and appreciate the golden and red-hued leaves. It is that time of year when we wonder if the frost will come and take away the last of the strawberries. It is that time when we begin to think that the chill will finally stop the growth of weeds, and foraging ants.

We may be missing the loss of hot days, shorts, fresh-squeezed lemonade, the smell of sun-warmed, mowed grass. Revel in these days. Revel in the feelings that earth arouses in us. It is a gift to be alive. We are a gift to each other. May we be a gift to earth.