Autumn has hit with full-force here in Seattle. It’s funny how the seasons here seem to match the calendar exactly. September 20th hits and summer is over, autumn is here. Weird.
Skies are grey and the weather is chilly. Seattle cold is different from the bitter, frozen Midwestern cold that I grew up with. It is an insidious chill that crawls under your skin and remains there. When the temperature freezes, the cold is on your skin. When it drizzles and hovers just above freezing, as it does in winter here, the cold gets into your soul. Coffee helps, and/or tea in copious quantities.
Along with the cold weather is a desire, no, a need for all that which is epic. As with most years, I gravitate towards The Lord of the Rings once autumn hits. I started reading The Fellowship of the Ring again recently. Some years I don’t make it all the way through the 1000+ page story (though I’ve read the entire book probably five or six times now), but every year I at least get a taste of it. This year I’m really wanting to finish it, as it’s been a few since I made it all the way through the Scouring of the Shire.
Along with epic literature is the need for epic music. My epic, melancholic band of choice for these purposes and at this time of year is Summoning, the Austrian band comprised of Protector (also of Die Verbannten Kinder Evas and Ice Ages). So vast and majestic, like armies marching across the Pelennor. Expansive metal with orchestral execution. Perfect.
Tonight my partner and I carved our pumpkins and put them out on the step. The rains are here, but tomorrow we get a respite. I’m looking forward to the cool ride in to work.
Namárië.
