Does anyone else share my shock that it’s  October? I have nothing personal against October mind you, although I get a little resentful at the sky being grey all of the time and dampness being the status quo. But I  move beyond that and get  a giddy sense of relief when fall makes it appearance. There is something about leaves turning the color of orange justice and pomegranates that makes me feel that all is right with the world.

I do love summer though, she is defiantly my BFF. She is  active, curious, sometime short on attention span and looses all since of time, making the days linger deep into what should be night. She initiates cook outs,  picnics and bike rides. She sparks outdoor theater, sun dresses,  and skinny dipping.  Here in the Northwest when she is adorned with real honest- to- goodness sunshine, she is glorious. I do however in her company, feels compelled to “get things done”; to “take advantage of the weather”. She is so much fun to be around I and feel a little guilty if I am not taking advantage of a non rainy condition. So when I sit and read a book or take a nap in the summer, it is  much like I eating an entire can of  Pringles, it’s  in secret and a little embarrassing.

Now Autumn,  she is a grand dame; a come- as- you are kind of gal. She encourages, snuggling and snuggly clothing. She gives you books to read and peaches to can and new beginnings.  She lavishly  gives the last  gifts of the harvest. Everything from the garden tastes better when it is October. Yakima peaches, oh my love for you. Ever prolific and versatile zucchini, this year you were my bread of choice.  And home grown tomatoes?! No wonder songs have been written about you. I get a little misty when I think that such tenderness will be replaced by  well, hockey pucks. Sigh.

Singing for seniors has been fun and funny, they are an appreciative audience, and honestly, what is not good about that.  Many of the residents  are active mentally and physically,  but there are some that struggle with varying degrees of  dementia which often manifest as a refreshing disregard for social etiquette, causing them to speak plainly and bluntly.  The last time I was there, I brought some instruments, shakers and bells etc for people to play. When I was done with the activity , I saw that a set of bells  had been missed in my clean up and was sitting on the table in front of one of the residents. Teasing, I  went over to the table and said, “D are you hiding my bells?” D looking directly at my chest,  innocently and with the utmost honesty  replied,  “No, when I look at your bells, I just want to ring them”. I paused, held laughter and told him I would see him next week.   He had proclaimed his love to me earlier in the day so this comment was…well was part of his MO.  I do love my life.

It was great to sing at the Royale the last couple of Mondays, I hope to get another show in before the year is up. In November, I start rehearsals with Book-it Theater’s school touring show about Wilma Rudolph. The program takes theater to the schools along the I-5 Corridor. More about that next time.

Til then, be good or least aspire in that direction