Where Did Summer Go?

I flew home this weekend, in the middle of a business trip, and then back out of town on Monday to continue it. First time I've left my car somewhere else and flown in and out of home, instead of the other way around with a rental car. It still has me feeling inside out somehow.

But mostly I feel like the summer vanished while I wasn't looking. Our oldest started college; the weather turned cooler and rainier; the crickets took over the insect chorus from the waning cicadas.

This weekend I painted this little piece - a reach back towards fading summer, end of childhood, the last pinky golden light of the day, wistful ends and exciting new starts, my favorite season of autumn. The landscape and creatures are jumbled as in my dreams. It took a few hours to start looking anything like I wanted, then it finally got in line. I had to get the pigments dark enough to make the light work. About 10.5 by 14 inches, watercolor. It was nice to see when I got in late this evening after over six hours of very steady driving. I was so eager to get home. I feel like I've been gone for weeks. I guess I sort-of have. I held Dearest for a long time when I got in the door. Youngest came out of his room and threw himself at me when he heard my voice. Life can be as sweetly lovely as the theme of this little painting.