Change is afoot in the world, isn't it? If only it were all this beautiful.
Autumn is my favorite season, and the older I become, the more I love it. There's certainly a poignancy to it, this spectacular gala nature throws for us just before the earth turns cold and dark for winter. But somehow that only makes it more lovely, like Cinderella at the ball, racing the stroke of midnight and ekeing every last morsel of glory from the dance.
Just over two years ago, I began writing here at a time of change in my life's cycle. About to turn 50, I found myself searching for a way to express and challenge myself. In this chronicle about "life in general and my own in particular," I've explored my thoughts about the typical things which occur in the life of an American woman - relationships with adult children and aging parents, carving out time for one's interests and passions, finding the balance between fulfilling the expectations of others and creating a meaningful life as an individual. In sharing those thoughts on this forum, I've been fortunate enough to meet a veritable world of talented, inspiring women, each one on a journey of her own, each one looking to learn and share, each one reaching out a hand in solidarity.
Lately, watching mother nature perform her annual metamorphosis, I've been wondering whether it's time for some bigger changes in my life as well. I feel slightly adrift in my writing life, as if I've lost my focus, my outlook on life in general turning fuzzy and disjointed. I come to this page quite often, but sit staring at the blank screen not knowing what it is I need to say.
All this by way of saying I'm putting the Byline on hiatus for a bit. Maybe a couple of weeks, maybe a couple of months. Maybe the act of publicly stepping back will free the thoughts that seem to have frozen into an early winter.
I'm leaving you with this gorgeous maple, decked out in fullest autumn finery to remind you (and myself) that change can be spectacular.
I'm hoping for that in all our worlds.