Walking on Sunshine

 Walking on Sunshine

 

Back in the eighties there was a song called Walking on Sunshine. The chorus said “I’m walking on sunshine, wo-oh, And don’t it feel good?”

 

Despite the poor English, I agree. 

Walking on sunshine indeed feels good. 

 

I can’t help but sing these words as I stroll through my neighborhood. I feel good in part, because with the changing of seasons, the leaves are turning from a somewhat monotone green to glorious colors of red, orange, and gold. I feel good because the sun warms my face and touches my soul. 

 

October is one of my favorite months for many reasons. Yes, it is soothing to sit outside and soak in the autumn sun. But there is more.

 

In October, the apples are ready to be picked. When I was a little girl, we worked together at my grandparent’s farm cleaning the apples, cutting them, and feeding them into the cider press. To tell the truth, I probably did little to help with the making of cider…but give me a tree to climb and I was your girl.   

 

Perhaps the best reason for me to embrace October is that my middle daughter, Danielle, celebrates her birthday this month. Like the leaves, Danielle changed from an active baby to a tomboy; from tomboy to a beautiful girl; from a beautiful girl to an incredible wife and mother. 

 

Now all four of her children are in school and Danielle is making another transition as she finds new ways use her many gifts and talents.

 

It’s what happens. Like the leaves on the trees, as we move through the seasons of life, we all change. 

 

Change isn’t something to fear. Neither is aging. We cannot live in spring or summer forever. Though my mother disagrees, I am likely in the autumn of my life (okay, Mom…early autumn). 

It is a vibrant time of joyful living, a new and exciting relationship, and rest from the demands of raising little ones or plodding off to work every day.

 

I enjoy this time. I enjoy the sun whether it shines above or crunches beneath my feet in the form of colorful leaves. 

 

I’m walking on sunshine…and don’t it feel good? 

My Neighborhood In Autumn