It's controversial, daylight savings. And look, I get it. When the boys were younger, it truly meant we were getting up at 5 am rather than 6 am because babies and little kids generally don't want that extra hour of sleep. It meant waking up in the middle of the night got extended. The exhaustion and adjustment were real. As the kids have grown though, so has my mindset. The mornings tend to be my favorite time, and for now, the light to start the day is welcome. I also feel more connected to a "seize the day" approach. If there's only an hour of sunlight after school, we should play catch or go for a walk now, while we have time! When days feel long or endless, the opportunity does as well. It can trick me into thinking we have more time and sometimes we miss the chance.
Daylight savings has me reflecting on sunsets. Of course the beautiful show in the sky, accenting the fall colors and crisp air. But also when the sun sets on different stages. Much like being surrounded by bright oranges, yellows, and reds, I am surrounded by things the boys have outgrown. The sun has set on garbage truck chasing, dinosaur obsessions, Bluey and Peppa Pig characters, and Arthur's preference for the color pink (though maybe it's making a comeback). This feeling gets especially conflicting with the staples of the kids' seasons. I would think "of course they'll always love this thing or do that thing, or at least I'll always remember it." But then you see a video or recall a memory and I think "Oohh yeah, that was such a thing! I totally forgot!" Thankfully their rooms, toys, and our cameral rolls still hold traces of these obsessions. I welcome the reminders as much as the morning light, as much as the brilliant sunsets. Whether the interest lasted days or years, it served its purpose.
The days may be shorter, but they are not less full. There is not less work at the farm. The focuses this fall have been mowing, pruning, clearing tree losses, cutting boughs, coordinating book events, making and ordering merchandise, and planning details for the harvest. Dan even snuck in a quick fence design and install at the back of the farm. Because only he has the strength and intelligence to pull off a project like with less time!
To me, daylight savings means saving daylight for the easy yes or a peaceful no. It means making time for what makes sense right now. Unfortunately that means we will not be open to the public this year, but at least there's less time to overthink or overdeliver. It may be forced or it may be natural; there simply is less daylight this time of year. As I reflect, however, I don't think there's less light.
Images by Kelly Jean Photography
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