Desert Breeze Author Shawna Williams blogs about Autumn

Perhaps it's the quiet that descends after the playful days of summer, and seems accentuated by the crunching leaves beneath our feet. Or the early setting of the sun, cool nights, and the smell of smoke escaping from a nearby chimney -- but something about autumn casts a mood that causes one to reflect. We gaze out onto the horizon, watching as the sun falls behind the colorful trees and take stock of our surroundings, the people in our lives; our blessings. We think about where we've been in life, and where we want to go.

My daughter took this picture just days ago, and it seems to say so much about the season. As I look at it, I'm reminded that just four short years ago we lived near the city, where life sped by at a much faster pace. The climate was sub-tropical, and everything went from green to dead within a month. I couldn't see the horizon for the house next door.

It's not my intention to disparage such a place. To some, it's perfection – or almost. And during our years there we made many wonderful friends. So I cherish those memories, but at the same time, I'm glad they are on the road behind me.
I'm filled with a sense of gratefulness for my family, friends and home. Living in such a beautiful place is a dream. There was a point in time when I thought that's all it would ever be. But right now I can walk out my back door and stand in the very spot where my daughter took this picture. I appreciate more because of where I've been.

As to where I'm going, I have plans. Whether I'll succeed in them, who knows, but I'm anxious to find out. I'll post a picture next autumn when I'm a little further down the road.

Cherish life's blessings and its lessons; and then look ahead.