… And Art Shows, Expos, and Snow!?

I love fall (most of the time), even though I get a wee sense of dread, thinking about what follows the cool, crisp autumn season. This year in Calgary, we had a hot beautiful summer and woke up to immediate winter, with a huge dump of snow, in early September…we thought it was an anomaly, however, the chill has persisted. So I’m just looking on the bright side and enjoying the humour of Mother Nature and our kooky weather in this city of four-season days.

Often, in Calgary, we get an extended summer in autumn. September and October can be our most beautiful months. The days can be warm and the nights are cool. The trees are splendid in colour and the long angle of the sun makes great shadows and photogenic scenes. (yes, my accompanying photo is a typical Calgary autumn photo taken on one of my daily walks with my canine companion, Luna). Sunrises and sunsets are spectacular and the moon is huge and golden.

There is a sense of bittersweet farewell, knowing that summer is behind and winter is ahead. The days seem fragile. You never know when all the colourful leaves and warm glowing days will end… the uncertainty makes these days precious. Fleeting moments need to be savoured.

…and just like Robert Frost’s poem:

Nature’s first green is gold, Her hardest hue to hold. Her early leaf’s a flower; But only so an hour. Then leaf subsides to leaf. So Eden sank to grief, so dawn goes down to day. Nothing gold can stay. 

The mystery, of when old man winter will put everything to sleep, makes fall even more alluring.

Fall is also the time we get back to our routines; we start to crave comfort foods and we enjoy wearing sweaters and of course there’s ‘Pumpkin Spice Latte’s’. Turkey dinners, stew, and root vegetables are welcomed and we often entertain, bake, and visit our friends and family more in autumn.

And for artists and healers like me, there are art shows, expos and lots of quirky, fun, and unique events to attend. I had the great privilege of showing at The New Earth Expo in late September. It was a truly fun, enlightening, and successful adventure. I want to give a wee shout out to some of the amazing vendors and spiritual mavericks that I met at The New Earth Expo: Starlein Fox, Wind Haven Shaman, Janet Lofstrom, Leslie Vivvian, Crystal Engenz, Adina Gifts, and Health Energy. This expo was inspiring, energizing, and collaborative.

October has numerous art shows in Calgary. I was busy and unable to show in one of my favourites, Beacon Original Arts, this year but I’m very excited to be at Calyx and Palette this month. I’m also doing my teacher training in Meditation until December, at Sunshine Yoga, which will add to my healing portfolio.

And for those of us who celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, or any winter celebration, we start to think about plans, gifts, get togethers, lights, and decorations. For me, autumn is a time to get organized and to make the most of outdoor activities, to prepare for feasts, and to get ready for winter. Hunker down with a good book, a glass of wine, and  a fire in the fireplace… and spend some time relaxing! Autumn days are good for the soul.