It’s that time of year again, the summer heat and long days are slipping away and the luxorious days of Fall are beginning. I love the colors of Fall. This year it is my first fall without both of my parents or grandparents. I turned fifty in August and in this year of allowing, it is sitting well with me. A year ago August I was in the depths of awareness that it would be my last year with my father, that it would be a year of letting go many things as that period of my life ended. My youngest child was a senior in high school, two of our four children living in another state as young adults, and a period of my own career was changing. Who knew what a year could bring? My father did die, a child married and brought to life a new family to our home, we purchased and began the journey of #TheTackyBrownHouse and life indeed let go of some of its past and created anew a future I could never have imagined.
Aren’t we silly about holding on. We believe the familiar will be oh so much more comfortable than the new. Leaves are turning in my yard this morning, and if they had voices, I suspect some would say that they never imagined being anything but green. Their glorious golds, reds, and ambers are simply brilliant in the yard and in their finery I suspect they would be proud of themselves for allowing the change, for all of us, each one of us, will also face winter, but spring 
does come again.
What are you holding on to? What needs does your heart have that you have to let go to achieve? What fears do you face and how do you care for your heart? This year of allowing has been such a time of recognizing that big things are important, but small things matter. It’s the taking time to drink in the turning leaves, its the changing my beverage to one that comforts me and brings such joy in the very way its prepared, the flavors, and the cup its shared from within. None of it unavailable to me in the past, but not focused on as the best experience for me. Best is often not a place, or a one time experience, but a daily existence that supports my head and heart. Taking time to be good to me allows me to continuing giving to others. Taking time to recognize what is nurturing allows for forebearce when its called upon to be for others.
Fall is arriving, what can you do for you? What can you let go? What can you appreciate? What brings you joy and where is it in your head, heart, and daily life that you affirm who YOU are?
Basics matter my friends, and I want for you a life that you love.
