Another Solstice

Meandering Thoughts with a Poem

As each season replaces the one before it, I usually find myself trying to de-clutter my possessions as well as my overactive ADHD mind, cluttered with too many conflicting thoughts at one time.

Like so many of us, I have too much stuff — too many clothes, shoes, boots, tools, and myriad odds and ends. I also have too many books, but I’m one of those diehards who once believed a person can’t have too many books, until you realize you haven’t read all of them or used them as intended, such as too many reference books made obsolete with the Internet and search engines, and probably never will read or use them in your remaining years. One of these days, perhaps with the fall equinox or winter solstice, I’ll peruse my library and begin triage and decide what I can donate or otherwise give away.

But back to the other stuff in need of triage… Living in a colder climate requires owning more clothing appropriate for the weather. In some places, like in New England, the weather and temperatures can fluctuate drastically in less than 24 hours. During the winter, you might see the temperature drop 20-30 degrees F from morning to nightfall or overnight is not a rarity.

Likewise in summer, it might be 50 or 60 F in the morning, but 90 in the afternoon. But say it’s 90+, then a cool front brings thunderstorms and heavy rain and the the temperature tumbles to 60. You often don’t know, what to take off or put on when.

After our colder and snowier winter, I already have second thoughts about getting rid of extra lined pants, heavy wool socks, toques, coats, gloves, and the like. I guess I’ll hang on to them for another winter…just in case.

After our wetter, hotter spring, I began to wear my traditional summer wardrobe earlier than usual,which consists of minimalist t-shirts, shorts, and sandals sooner rather than in early July. Before I know it, it’ll be fall, which like spring, can be cooler or warmer than expected, so I’ll be faced with removing or adding a layer of clothing. Instead of agonizing over that now, I guess I’ll justwait and see what I might be able to shed by then.

Allow me to end this rambling with a poem.

Another Solstice

With each passing year
the seasons seem to come and go
ever quicker or do we just
imagine they do?

For some of us each season
brings new challenges
some real others imagined
as our years betray our bodies.

Forget about what follows
revel in the moment
of a perfect summer day to
feel free and discard your worries

As you relish a cooling breeze
resting in peace under the shade
of a tree or beach umbrella
and devote your day to daydreams.

Summer comes but once a year
make the most you can of it.

Above: Joan’s ever-evolving garden in the wood.