Yep! I kid you not. On Tuesday, I was walking in the cemetery and I spotted a patch of crocus. I have not seen a crocus bloom for quite some time. To me, seeing a crocus popping above the last bit of melting snow is a cheery reminder that SPRING has sprung and mild temperatures are in the near future. In this new season, transitioning from life in the Philippines to life in Western PA, one of the things that I was most excited about was Autumn and all it brings. Cooler temps, geese, colored leaves, apples and all things pumpkin spice. I can't say that I thought that I would spot crocus!! I will take it! What a fun surprise.
As I mentioned, we are in a big transition expatriating to the United States after 8.5 years living abroad. In Niger there were seasons, not ones I was used to but a bit of a fluctuation. In the Philippines, weather was about the same all year round. Maybe a bit more rain or a few degrees but oh, did I miss 4 distinct seasons. I did have three bushes in front of my home that changed from green to red a few times during the year (that was my Autumn abroad). We do have more grey skies and although the trees are taking their sweet time changing, Autumn is here. I have seen gaggles of geese flying overhead. I love to hear them trumpet.
Seems like these days, so many of my expectations of how this season should be shaping up are different than what is actually happening. As the trees should be changing and temperatures cooling off, I am thrilled to have the time outside. It is beautiful and refreshing. I am not complaining. The temps are nice. Short and flip flop attire can hang on as long as possible. It has feel like a gracious gift from God!
I am learning to embrace it all. Even when things are not shaping up like expected or in a favorable way, there are hidden surprises. I am learning not to be living "under" the circumstances. This is an amazing season. I am adjusting. Life is changing so much more than can be described concisely.
I am looking for more little gifts. There are a few beautifully colored leaves showing up. I am expectant and hopeful! Not just of the season, but life.
So I will take it, the changing leaves, unseasonably warm temps, the flowers blooming out of season and even the random opossum that crossed my path on my walk (at noontime, ugh hope it did not have rabies being nocturnal and moving around in the broad daylight). Autumn is such a wonderful thing. It reminds me that change is alright, no matter how fast it occurs. Enjoy it!
PS Since posting this, a sweet friend (and relative) identified the flowers as Fall Crocus or Naked Ladies. They come up every Fall and have no greenery (thus the naked part). Thanks for teaching me something new! I am thrilled to know I can see Crocus twice a year!
