Just as time appears to stand still, life

Jumps forward and a new year begins.

Jobs continue, back to work. The bitter,

Jarring cold prevails.

Feeling weary yet hopeful. So

Far from sunshine, but spring is near.

Fresh air is still brisk, days are longer, the

First daffodils start to bloom.

More sunshine. And rain. Lots of rain.

Maybe summer will come after all. The clouds

Manage to part. I feel

My mood lift and a smile cross my face.

And just like that - lambs, flowers and butterflies.

A world of colour instead of dreary grey.

Awakening warmth. Leading towards the

Arrival of bbq days.

Mother Nature you goddess. This is

My zen. The first little

Mosquito bite. Itchy, annoying, but we’re not

Mad yet, because the sun heals all wounds.

Juicy mango in hand. Drips down my

Jaw. Finally warm enough to go out without a

Jacket. Feet swinging off the

Jetty. Eyes closed, face towards the sun.

Jet-setting. Beaches and cocktails.

Joining new friends and we’re all a bit

Jolly. We’re free. Experiencing

Just what it means…to now be over half way.

Airless days take us from

Amber to red. The grass feels spiky,

Arid, flaxen. Post-lunch siestas take their place in

A reality that’s, dare I say it, a little too hot.

Somewhere the first leaf turns golden. A

Soft breeze returns. Welcome and

Soothing. The final warm evenings are

Something to enjoy before the nights draw in.

Once the fall colours take root I

Observe them fondly. The cold to come not yet

Occupying my mind. Curl up with a book.

Only one blanket, not two.

Nights are chillier, days are shorter. Darkness

Never really leaves. She’s back. Is it

Normal to reflect on the year already? I

Need to do better next year.

Dancing snow lands softly. Festivities are the first

Defense against winter sadness. The

Dawn of another new cycle is

Dangerously upon us. Crisp. Promising.

Three hundred and sixty five more.