Of all the seasons, Autumn offers the most to man and requires the least of him – Hal Borland, American writer and journalist (1900-1978)
Changing your closet seasonally. Set aside an afternoon as the seasons are starting to change to do your swap. Remember, it’s only twice every year and will help you manage clutter too. – Mary Cornetta, of the apartment therapy
For weeks now Sam has been blowing the falling leaves back into the woods where they belong. It’s a time of “abscission” described as the natural detachment of parts of a plant and ripe fruit, though typically dead leaves. For years Sam used the same method my mother did. She would cover the ground with an old bed sheet and rake leaves over them and drag the leaves to the woods. Sam purchased a blower, which is far more practical, leaving him more time for fishing and other seasonal activities. It’s a slow and comfortable time. Not too hot and not to cold. We spend afternoons riding the Gator out to the lake and feeding the fish while watching the sky as the sun sinks slowly in the west.
As to the trees and their leaves, I find nature is so amazing. There are several reasons why trees lose their leaves. Deciduous trees according to the definition means “falling off at maturity or shed seasonally.” Trees with broad leaves would become brittle and torn by harsh winds so they too release their leaves. During the summer trees are also attacked by insects, drought, and disease. In the spring they will recover and start all over again.
There are changes for me in the household to take care of during the seasonal transition as well. The season changes and so is the need to change summer clothes in the clothing closet. Out comes the spring and summer items that will not be seen again until next spring. The clothing is washed, dried, folded and put away waiting for another year. If any of the clothing is not needed or wanted and remains in good condition, they are donated. The clothing that was put away last fall will come out as well. Down here in the South the winter clothing will only be needed when the very cold weather arrives.
Maybe some of you remember the Japanese lady, Marie Kondo. She made quite the company by becoming an organizing consultant. Her business exploded all over the world. She had a TV show, wrote a book on her ways of managing households and lifestyles. She promoted five essential steps for decluttering your home: Commit to tidying up, imagine your ideal lifestyle, Finish discarding first, Tidy by category, and ask if each item “sparks joy.”
Occasionally Marie used the words, pull out all your clothing and make piles, keep, donate, sell, and maybe. Once done, organize the “keep” piles and ask yourself when the last time was you wore it. It’s unlikely a man would want to declutter his closet rather than be outside enjoying the season, but it could happen.
Shannon Bardwell is a writer living quietly in the Prairie. Email reaches her at [email protected].
You can help your community
Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 46 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.
You can help your community
Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 46 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.
