Delano Herald Journal

Serving the communities of Delano, Loretto, Montrose, MN, and the surrounding area

Jenni Sebora Column – 10/07/13



The changing of seasons never gets old. We know that each September, summer will relinquish its hold, and autumn enters with its own agenda. It is no surprise, yet, each season change is awe-inspiring. Autumn is no exception. Far from it.

Our senses are alerted, as well as our emotions and spirituality. Autumn certainly is a period of transition. It is a season of letting go and releasing needs that we had, yet opening up to finding new abundance, bringing in the harvest. Things die, but new life begins.

I am reminded of this with my mother’s passing. My mom died in the month of September, actually on the first day of school for my children, as well as myself, as I am a teacher.

I believe this was a message for my children, my family, and me to carry on. She is resting peacefully, with a renewed life in heaven after a long and productive life on earth. Letting go, releasing, and opening up to new abundance and life.

Trees, plants, animals, and birds pull in energy to prepare for hibernation, and then let go for rest and renewal. Leaves change color and then fall, covering the green grass and other foliage to protect and serve as shelter. Squirrels are scurrying, searching, and burying their food supply in preparation for winter ahead.

The autumn equinox, when the sun is directly in line with the equator, when day and night are divided equally, brings change for us.

Leaves are actually turning back to their normal colors. Chlorophyll is no longer produced, blocking out the leaves’ natural colors. Colors of yellow, orange, purple, red, and brown are clothing the trees and then dropping to leave the trees in their winter form.

Our senses are enlightened. Some of my very favorite memories of time spent with my children when they were toddlers and preschoolers were taking an autumn stroll, while mesmerized by the crunching of leaves beneath our feet. We would smell the fresh, cool air. We would watch the squirrels, and look for the lone birds that were still hanging around.

The Northern Lights also bring on its own color show in the sky for us. The orange harvest moon takes over the sky, and reminds us how great and vast our universe is.

Of course, harvesting apples, tomatoes, onions, peppers, and whatever vegetables remain in the garden is part of the abundance. Our family recently spent a day at home to do some baking and cooking with our harvest bounty.

Apple butter, applesauce, and apple pies were filling our kitchen with feasts for the eyes, nose, and, of course, mouth. My kids gobbled up the apple-sauce before I could even get it in the refrigerator – nothin’ like homemade goodies.

I hope you have a chance to spend a day this fall with your family, enjoying the season’s bounty.








Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.