New Years is foolishly placed.

Everyone should be able to see how the real start of the year is not at the winter solstice nor even at the slightly more sensible spring equinox. The real time for new beginnings is Fall. Perhaps around the time of the fall equinox but that would just be for convenience.

I probably think this way because I've spent so long living by the school year (which generally starts in September). But still, when I'm living by a system that has me starting something new every January and May as well as September, it's September that seems to make the most sense as a time for change.

Maybe it's because the changes in the natural world are so quick and obvious around this time of year. A few weeks can bring us from rich yellow sunlight to perpetual dimness and rain. Just as fast the leaves on the trees change, in a striking display of change.

January has nothing like it. By January everything is just waiting. Waiting for spring and the time to grow again. And even in spring happens so gradually that there's no indication that anything is changing until it's already over. In fall the change is quick and obvious.

People, similarly run around trying to get crops off before the rain comes and then we're swept into a more thoughtful time. At least for people who still have connections to the natural world. People in cities just dust off their umbrellas.

All in all fall is the best time for planning and dreaming. I never truly make resolutions; there's not that much I would like to actually change about myself and a resolution just seems like a stick to beat yourself up with. Plans, however, are standard fare and disconnected dreams even more so. Especially in fall.

So what's your plan for the coming year? What do you dream for the future?

I think I'll cross post this to the Rinkworks Forum just for fun.