Well, by the time I showed up on August 27, the river had that end-of-summer vibe.  Plant life and wildflowers were looking a little dry and tired, the bumble bees were slow, fewer birds were hanging around.  Even the squirrel who was scurrying down the tree while clenching a huge hickory nut in his mouth, almost the size of his head no less, had a different energy to him. He seemed focused on gathering, a hint that the summer was at its end and that it is time to prepare for what is next.

Instinctually, the seasons will shift. The beautiful fruits that were born during the heat of the summer will slowly seep into the ground, replenishing the earth, feeding energy and life back to itself.  Just like the leaves, once all shades of green, will change into a rainbow of earthy tones, and then will drift... so... slowly.... and quietly.... to.... the ground, kissing the ground as they land, as if to say "Thank you for caring for me. Now I will give back to you", knowing that giving to yourself is one of the best ways to replenish your spirit. The time to bask and play under the sun is done for many creatures big and small, for Autumn is a time to prepare, to gather, to harvest and to let go.