What matters to you? A few months ago I read a book that was chock full of great quotes and thought-provoking notions. In Brian Doyle’s novel Mink River, this sentence which goes on to include a long detailed paragraph begins, “These things matter to me, Daniel, says the man with six days to live. They are sitting on the porch in the last light. These things matter to me, son.” When I read all the heartwarming things the dying man listed, it had me thinking of my own list ever since. Again, in the spirit of September, I’ll share what matters to me in this month of September.
The way eagles cruise on autumn’s thermals. Hot, steaming comfort food on a chilly day. Holding a warm mug with both hands. The golds, rusts, oranges, reds and everything in between on leaves and grasses. The musty aroma in the forest after a heavy frost. Salty sea air. The gabble of a flock of migrating Canada geese. The tender notes as well as the bubbling exuberance of a piano well played. The peal of ancient church bells. Sheets and towels fresh off a windy line. Sweaters. September’s golden hour. A smooth, clean wood floor. A dog’s velvety ear. A good novel cradled in my hands. The warm feeling of contentment after an engaging dinner party. The autumn blue of the sea. High tide. Morning air after a solid night’s sleep. People who walk tall. My son’s laugh. Photographs you can hold in your hand. Memories, of all kinds.
If you care to share, I’d love to know what matters to you during this lovely month of September.
Until next Monday may you revel in what matters most to you.
Beautiful words and images, Diane. What matters to me most in September is what seems to matter to most of us Arizonans…the end of summer is in sight. Although still hot in the afternoons, the mornings and nights are teasing us with what the rest of the winter and spring will be like.
what a lovely list…..and beautiful photos. I loved Mink River for just those kind of passages. Autumn is my favorite time of the year….yet I’m still waiting for summer to end here. Anxious to start enjoying the best that fall has to offer….soon!
You write so beautifully, Dianne. I would certainly agree with these blessed things, even though I don’t have a dog right now, nor am I near the sea. But I have been lucky enough to have had and have been. I would add the joyful laughter of children at the fair and the fulfillment of helping a child write his first words. I will look up Mink River…always find something interesting here…And your images are cosy and wonderful.
What a beautiful post. I found myself nodding my head along to almost all the things that you listed. Right in this moment, I’d add: Conversations with friends. The way the light and shadows change with the seasons. Crystal clear night skies with stars as far as the eye can see… oh, I could go on and on. Thank you for getting me started! 😉
I have Mink River on my ‘to be read’ list. Perhaps I need to dig that out this fall?
What a lovely post and a wonderful list, Diane. I so enjoyed reading this.
As for me, I could probably go on and on with items on my list, but probably the most important, in September and all year long is, my family.
Happy day to you, my friend! xo.
Ah…the glorious autumnal Septembers. For me, not having the sharp definition of the seasons will always be the hardest thing to accept in my present latitude.
But I do have colour and have even managed a blog post!