Signs of September are everywhere — a yellow school bus, falling leaves, and shorter days. The world at large celebrates January 1 as a clean slate–a chance to start from scratch. But for me, September has always been my new beginning. I guess this is somehow rooted with the start of a new school year — new pencils, blank black & white notebooks, and (back in my day) new book covers. It was a chance to get better grades–doit right this year.

When my kids were in school, it was a big rush to get everything just right for the first day. Four backpacks filled with new supplies lined up at the door, “important” papers all filled out, and new “first day of school” clothes hanging in the closet.  My youngest just graduated college in May – the new school year should be meaningless to me – but somehow I just can’t get past that it is a new beginning just the same. Continue reading →