Autumn brings sudden clarity to the most beautiful of all seasons. The heat of the summer begins to wane. The cool crispness of fall begins to clear the air and brings a clarity that allows us to see visions far beyond the scope of our imaginations. When I begin to feel the onset of fall, I smile as the pressures of the summer activities fades and new, yet endless possibilities blossom for fall.

The greatness of Autumn is felt in the warm hues that infuse us as we watch the leaves take on their glorious beauty - emulating the breathtaking colors in the photography entry Green Jewel Bug in this issue of Mused. The smell in the air as the touch of cleanliness fills us with anticipation. Fall is so perfect - the weather, the colors, the feeling of how magnificent it is to just "be".

So many wonderfully, talented writers and artists have contributed to previous issues and this issue continues to raise the bar on talent. It was a refreshing opportunity to grab my green tea and read through the season’s outstanding submissions.

Poetry abounds in this quarter’s offerings. Prescription for Reading Poetry brings to mind total mobility. The poem tells us that we can read and enjoy written works of art regardless of the place or time. The poem A Fable of Leaves is an amusing poem carrying us to the very heart of the season.

From the flight of fancy in poetry to the reality of nonfiction, the entries continue to fascinate and challenge. Nonfiction brings smiles and tears as I read through the submissions. The story Dining with Eleanor - imagine dining with Eleanor Roosevelt as our writer did during the summer of ‘62. How inspiring for her to speak decades later at The Eleanor Roosevelt Leadership Training Institute – portraying the full circle of life as only Autumn brings.

From reality to fiction, so many readers will identify with the story Waisted Efforts. How often have we suffered the pain of dieting just to impress a friend from our past? The readers will share the journey through the pain of self-image. In the end, we realize our spouses not only love us just the way we are, but really do know us in spite of ourselves.

Wrapped in a light sweater, I swing on my hammock reading the entries. I feel a mixture of profound peace and immense joy. Thank you to all of the artists and creators of images that have honored us with their personal journey by sharing these vibrant submissions.

May the richness of Autumn bring you the peace of the season.

Dianne Walker
Non-Fiction Team Member