Written by Karen D. Swim
As I write this, the Labor Day Holiday is coming to a close. I took advantage of the long holiday weekend to do some planning, thinking and a fair amount of relaxing. I sit here now watching the sunlight reflect off the water as summer sings its serenade song. Tomorrow the children return to school and you can sense the quiet anticipation in the air, or maybe it’s just me.
You see, I happen to love September. No other month thrills me in quite the same way. I am not sure if it the connection to the start of a new school year (which I always loved) or the anticipation of the changing of the seasons, but I really love this month. My mind seems to expand as the fires of purpose are reignited. Playfulness is replaced with a focused intent to learn and grow.
As you savor the last days of summer, allow me to share a few of the people and places that have brought me joy this holiday weekend.
Melissa Donovan is celebrating her one year blog anniversary! Melissa is an extraordinary writer whose passion for the arts is evident in every post. Please join me in wishing her Happy Anniversary!
Steph Vandermeulen has a new look and new attitude over at In Other Words. Keep your eyes on this brilliant writer. Although she is launching a new Editing business, she has the talent to be a bestselling novelist.
Last but not least, Kelly Erickson is smart, funny and has the award to prove it! You will love Kelly’s bright, funny posts. Most importantly, she opens her toolbox and shows you how to deliver world class customer service. She knows business and she also knows footwear. What’s not to love?
I look forward to sharing this month, this journey of discovery with all of you. Let us learn, grow and laugh together.
How about you? What does the new month hold in store for you? Feel free to share whatever is on your mind.
Natural says
this new month, new year, means back to school, being on a schedule and hopefully some order.
new determination to start over whatever i messed or gave up during the year….to try again.
Naturals last blog post..Butt-to-Gutt Ratio Gone Wild
Kelly says
Thanks, everybody, for your warm words.
Steph,
I’m gonna look for the three minutes under my sofa. I know I lost them somewhere…
Kellys last blog post..Summer Is a Great Time to… Get Some Intelligence
steph says
Sorry I’m just catching up here again!
Thanks for the kudos, everyone. Let’s see if I can deliver!!
Alex: LOL! Anytime. You deserve it!
Kelly: damn, i wish i could tell you where to find those three minutes, but I’m the worst time management person in the world. I have this addiction to blogging and reading blogs, see, and I’m currently getting no work done at all…
Can’t wait to read your book! I think you’re a superb writer. Make that Alex’s book, too!
stephs last blog post..Letting Go
Rebecca Smith says
Hi, Karen –
I’m with you: I love September and all things autumn!
Since my husband is a teacher, our internal “new year” clocks are set to early September. We both reset from the summer and get into our fall routines. (I thrive on routine!) So far, the writing business is booming, so I have high hopes for the season ahead.
Like Brad, Joanna, and Ellen, I’ll be watching football, enjoying the fall weather and foliage, and picking pumpkins 🙂
Nice shout-out to three talented ladies!
Rebecca Smiths last blog post..The scoundrels’ dictionary
Alex Fayle says
I love all three blogs (especially Steph since I’m a vain Leo and she talks about me so much).
What’s new for me? Next week I’m launching an email workshop from my blog making the cure for Someday Syndrome available to everyone.
Alex Fayles last blog post..Practicing Flexibility to Remain Steady
Mother Earth says
I am fascinated by the universal feel of September. It’s really touchable and tangible. I turned off for a few days this past weekend too.
Karen Swim says
Hi Karen JL! Welcome and thank you! You are definitely not a stranger and I am tickled pink that you stopped in to comment, thank you! Isn’t it funny how September truly does feel like the “new” year. I was actually born in January but September is special. I plan to keep up with you and share in your exciting developments too! Here’s to an awesome new year for all of us!
Hi Ulla, yes the end of summer does make one a bit wistful, yet September holds so much promise. I know that you will figure out how to be creative at work and on the blog. Taking your camera with you is sure to help as you look through the lens it is sure to inspire a shift in perspective and spark new ideas.
Joanna, wow! Your seasonal change is a bit ahead of ours but I must admit I love the crisp Fall air and the changing of leaves. It is a joy to throw on a sweater and take a walk in the early Fall evening watching the smoke curling from the chimneys. I really do love this season!
Melissa, you do seems to have a busy month ahead! I love that comment about this season being a natural culmination. I definitely feel more introspective even though summer is not officially over.
Ellen, LOL! This morning I woke up early excited that the kids were going back to school. It was fun to watch tires peeling down the street as parents joyfully called an end to summer. LOL! Congrats! Pumpkins….pumpkin pie! Yum! Hence, my reason for rapidly ramping up my miles. Must run lots of miles so I can have pie! LOL!
Ellen Wilson says
Jumped off to quickly when I meant to add:
Congrats to Kelly on her prize! And Steph on EditQuest.
Ellen Wilsons last blog post..The Disappearing Barns of the Midwest
Ellen Wilson says
Hi Karen,
Yea! School is in session! I love it. I love fall.
Soon it will be getting cooler and the leaves will change color.
Time for pumpkins.
Ellen Wilsons last blog post..The Disappearing Barns of the Midwest
Melissa Donovan says
Thanks so much Karen! September is going to be a busy and crazy month, so I’m looking forward to a little down time in October. And congrats to Steph and Kelly too!
Anticipation is a good word for September. Even though the new year officially starts in January, the natural cycle culminates in the fall, so autumn and spring are always renewing. It’s a good time to reflect.
Joanna Young says
Karen, we’re just starting to see the first signs of autumn here – a slight crispness in the air, brambles ripening, some of the trees starting to turn – and it’s wonderful! Breathing the promise of the new season, the quiet move into winter – a time, as you say, to get busy, to gather nuts, and to prepare…
Thanks for a lovely post – glad you made good use of the long weekend
Joanna
Joanna Youngs last blog post..Writing Advice From The Blogosphere: Labor Day Blog-Lib
Ulla Hennig says
Actually I felt a bit sad about the end of summer approaching, but your comments helped me to get out of this sadness – thanks for that!
After having to go back to the office (I like to work there!) I noticed that I had much less time for working on my blog. So I am just thinking about ways to do both: be creative at work and creative at my blog. Well… the problem-solving process is going on.
Ulla Hennigs last blog post..The Early Bird and the Gold
Karen JL says
Hi Karen.
First time commenting here, so “Hi!”
I feel the same way about September. I always think the new year starts fresh *now* (not in January).
And I sure feel it this year. I have many plans ahead and I think they’re all going to start kicking into gear this month. A good *rush*.
Well deserved links to some awesome ladies too. 🙂
Karen JLs last blog post..The Art of the ‘Hook-Up’
Karen Swim says
Kelly, I am with you on rolling up my sleeves. Playtime was fun but now I’m ready for business. Book, interviews, love it! Can’t wait to see what you unveil this month. Three minutes? Oy, from your mouth to God’s ears!
Steph, after reading your post this morning, I share your excitement! I know that so many great things are in store for you. I am so happy I get to read along, yay for me! 🙂
Friar, I like it! Rabbit, rabbit! Your family has some cool traditions, well except for that icky gum thing. lol
Brad, well shoot football parties are an integral part of this season! I mean gee it’s not really Fall until you’ve had your first tailgate party! 🙂
Kelly says
Steph,
Book’s done. If you count longhand as done. I’m a slow typist, so it’ll probably be the end of September before it’s all typed up.
Ooh, that’s what I should do with my extra 3 minutes!
Anybody know where I can get another extra 3 minutes a day?
Until later,
Kelly
Kellys last blog post..Summer Is a Great Time to… Get Some Intelligence
Brad Shorr says
Congratulations to Melissa, Steph, and Kelly for their new beginnings! I’m looking forward to September, with a couple of new projects coming on stream. Summer was wonderful, but I feel like rolling up my sleeves and getting some real work done now. Between football games, anyway. 🙂
Brad Shorrs last blog post..Do They Recognize You? – Guest Post by Drew McLellan
Friar says
When I was a kid, we’d play this game. On the first day of the month, the first thing we would say when waking up is “Rabbit Rabbit”. This was supposed to give us good luck for the rest of the month.
I still do it, actually. I think my Mom does too.
Friars last blog post..Travels with the Bear: Northern Ontario
steph says
Oh, Karen!! You’re crazy! And thank you. LOL!!
I too feel privileged to be grouped with such a great couple. And I actually felt a rush of excitement, the same you’ve infused in this post. I’ve been so preoccupied that I haven’t really taken notice of the new month. But you’re right. September is usually a renewal, refreshing month for me. Thanks for reminding me – and for motivating me! I feel ready to take on my day, my tasks for the month, my ambitions. Woohoo!!
Kelly – you still working on your book, too? I’m curious…
stephs last blog post..I’ve Been Meme’d
Kelly says
Karen,
Thanks so much for your kind words, and those two ladies are such fine company to be in.
New month, hard work. I’m going to be getting out to do some new in-person interviews for the blog between my regular work and my mommy-job (as I like to say, in my last 3 minutes of spare time) and writing some great new articles as well. That ought to keep me busy.
Happy fall!
Regards,
Kelly