Labour Day weekend is here, and with its arrival, there’s a tinge of sadness that the carefree, lazy days of summer are drawing to an end. While the Fall Equinox does not officially begin until September 22nd, it feels that “change” is on its way. Children are back to school on Tuesday and all the Fall Course Booklets show the offerings available for young and old alike to register for. September has long been a time for new beginnings.
Our summer guests left a few days ago for their return to England. We had a wonderful time together. For most of us, summer is a time of entertaining visitors or for visiting others. It is also a time when many people embark on voyages to places they have never seen before. Vacation comes from the Latin word “vacatio” which means freedom.
How I remember as a child looking forward to the end of term at school and the freedom of the holidays. Even as a retired person, Summer connotes freedom to me – a time that is set aside for swimming, going to Street Fairs, Farmers Markets, Harbourfront, Centre Island, and the CNE. It’s also a time for “hanging out” with friends. Any time of freedom and vacation is precious because it is only for a duration of time. As Shakespeare said: “Summer’s lease hath all too short a date.” I’m sure that I’m not the only one for whom summer has passed very swiftly.
Because there is an end to everything, we have to make the best use of our time here – day in, day out, year in, year out, and season by season. When the long days of winter are actually upon us, we can be buoyed by our memories of what was good and lovely during our summer past. We can remember the freedom, the fun, and all the adventures. No matter what our age might be, we can keep summer in our hearts all year round. September can truly be a time for new beginnings and here are a few quotes and sayings to remind us of that.
“There are far better things ahead than any we leave behind.” – C.S. Lewis
“You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself in any direction you choose.” – Dr. Seuss
“Wisdom begins in wonder.” – Socrates
“Today is your day. Your mountain is waiting so get on your way.” – Dr. Seuss
‘The best thing for being sad,’ replied Merlyn, beginning to puff and blow, ‘is to learn something. That is the only thing that never fails. You may grow old and trembling in your anatomies, you may lie awake at night listening to the disorder of your veins, you may miss your only love, you may see the world about you devastated by evil lunatics, or know your honour trampled in the sewers of baser minds. There is only one thing for it then — to learn. Learn why the world wags and what wags it. That is the only thing which the mind can never exhaust, never alienate, never be tortured by, never fear or distrust, and never dream of regretting.'”
— from “The Once and Future King” by T.H. White
For all the younger folk going back to school, have a wonderful and adventuresome school year ahead!
~ W.B. Yeats