Happy Autumn!

A man prepares Reshteh and Khoshkar in Rasht Bazaar during Ramadan. Photo by Amin Alipour, Iranian.com, September 2006.

The Iranian calendar month of Mehr, Libra (Septemer 21-October 20), has a special place in my heart. Not particularly because I was born late in this month, but because many people who matter to me are born in it. First day of Mehr also marks the first day of school in Iran, which holds sweet memories for me and my children. Mehr also signifies the beginning of autumn and all that becomes beautiful during this month in nature. Last, but not least, it also signals the start of the new season in performances and events. I have so many things to which I am invited these days. I will try to list some of those events for those of you who live in this area tomorrow, so that you can go if you get a chance.

From the changing colors of leaves to the nip which can be felt in the air, from birthdays to new beginnings and to a calendar full of fun things to do, I love everything that happens in this month and in this season. I wish you all a beautiful Mehr, a wonderful autumn, and a fantastic new beginning. Happy Mehr and Happy Autumn!

Autumn's Surprise Arrival

Autumn is upon us in the San Francisco Bay Area. An Autumn child myself, I have always looked forward to the time of year in September (Shahrivar), when all of a sudden nighttime and early mornings turn cooler, promising the upcoming change of seasons. Quite indeliberately, I tune into the leaves on the trees, checking them for color and texture changes around this time of the year. No sight in nature is more beautiful to me than the way tree leaves change colors and turn into fiery reds, deep yellows, and bright oranges in the middle of evergreens. Foliage is the most profound change in nature for me. This year, however, Autumn has crept up behind me and has surprised me. I feel as though I'm not ready for it. I wish the cold, nippy air of Berkeley away, wishing for the warmer air to linger a bit longer. I think I was robbed of Summer this year, busy with all that comprises my complicated life these days. Well, enough moaning. It is here and it will stay in the Bay Area for about two months when we are delivered into this area's windy and cold Winter. In a few days, I will decorate my house with my Fall decorations, gearing up for the new season, for My Season. (Photo credit here.)