by Julia Sneden

This early American wholecloth quilt was made in the Colonial period. The blue resist fabric includes bold, fanciful botanical motifs. Collection of Bill Volckening; Wikipedia

For my family (and I suspect for many others), summer’s end seems to be fraught with ambivalent feelings about the seasonal changes. We say a lingering, regretful farewell to quiet days, but because we are a family of teachers, we also feel a surge of energy and excitement in anticipation of the new school term. We swelter in the dog days, but then a hint of cooler weather brings the first stirrings of anxiety over what winter will bring. We say sad farewells to visiting family members, but as soon as they are out the door, we begin looking forward to the holiday visits that are not too far away. It’s not exactly a sad time, this folding in of summer’s story, but any change is unsettling, and change is definitely in the air. 

Read the rest of Julia's essay: http://www.seniorwomen.com/news/index.php/julia-sneden-s-magic-moments-at-the-end-of-summer