Soft reflections of summer play in the early September morning light. Feeling as though time was sped up, the songs of the birds gracefully lace the palm tree fronds as they shake in the wind. This summer was a time of discovery and of appreciation – new spaces, places, people and experiences.

The ocean became a comfort and a sense of solace each week – the salty water provided a sense of restoration. The early morning lights beamed to create the dawn, casting shadows and rainbows on the wall as we shook dreams from our slumber. These lights illuminated the gold sands of the beaches as the ocean cleaned our feet and yesterday’s woes.

I found myself stopping more on long walks. The white-flowered bushes of jasmine illuminated the evenings with a glow. Butterflies of every color flickered and flitted with the breeze. I let the bushes grow over just so I could spend more time in their presence.

The dilapidated fountain was unplugged. In its place, the standing water became a birdbath for the neighborhood’s feathered friends. We all needed an escape from the mid-day heat and humidity.

I acquired a stoop this summer: it only has two steps and leads to the backyard. While wilting leaves of the bougainvillea shifted from bright reds to browns, conversations on those two concrete seats entertained color and life.

I felt transformations occurring, the evolution of all things. While my understanding of time continues to speed up the older I get, my mind seeks out the pockets to take deep breaths and appreciate it all exactly as it is in the moment. Learning to simply be and accept.

So here’s to the last few weeks of summer and the continued reflection that fall always brings.