Skip to main content

Sowing Seeds of Promise

Aug 31, 2026 09:27AM ● By Marlaina Donato

Sarayut Tanerus from sy/CanvaPro

Whether preparing children for a new school year or wondering what to do with an abundance of tomatoes from our garden, this month compels us to learn as we go, despite well-intentioned plans. Like all times of transition, September may feel a bit disorienting as we reintegrate into more structured routines, but it also presents unique opportunities: a plethora of farmers markets, harvest festivals, renaissance fairs and leisurely weekends dedicated to antiquing and visits to eclectic coffeehouses.

While we may opt for a cozy sweater, it is prudent to keep lighter attire handy for hot days that come before the frost. The end of summer can leave us wishing for a few more watercolor sunsets, and a spontaneous, off-season trip to the beach provides both fire in the sky and unoccupied shores. Fall’s slanted light invites romantic strolls through the city or to a wildflower meadow teeming with goldenrod and asters.

Most of all, this period between seasons is imbued with potential, as grasses and milkweed swell and release seeds into the wind, securing next year’s plenty. We, too, can move forward by emulating their example. As human beings in a society fixated on the mythology of youth, it is easy to be swept into believing that “going to seed” means our finest days are behind us. However, by modeling nature’s wisdom, we may not only see our personal journey through a different lens, but also feel inspired to focus on inner enlightenment and nurturing the next generation.

In his iconic poem Out of the Cradle Endlessly Rocking, Walt Whitman refers to the ninth month as a time when the profound beauty and poignant grief of life converge, awakening the poet’s soul. Like the waning moon that gives way to a glorious sunrise, we too may embark on uncharted paths that only maturity can illuminate.

 

Marlaina Donato is an author, painter, composer and recording artist. Connect at WildflowersAndWoodSmoke.com.


Related Articles:


pPearl_PhotoPixshutterstockbrp

Rediscovering Fun

Play and lighthearted activities restore joy, reduce stress and support emotional health, countering modern habits that suppress natural human tendencies toward fun. Read More » 

 

pDmytro Buianskyishutterstockbrp

Our One Wild and Precious Life

Self-care is framed as essential stewardship, arguing that protecting energy, setting limits and choosing rest can sustain the compassion behind service, activism and daily life. Read More » 

 

pCristian ZamfirShutterstockbrp

Gardening Our Dreams

A reflective spring meditation on growth, intuition and small daily choices that nurture creativity, resilience and personal transformation. Read More » 

 


In-Print, Inspiration National Content September 2026
Upcoming Events Near You
The Tick Tackler Tutor: Three Impactful Tick Remediation Strategies for the Homeowner

By Jennifer Meisenbacher

Did you know most tick bites occur in and around the home—and that ticks spend more than 95% of their life off a host?

With more than 19 years of field experience, Tick Tackler offers a practical, easy-to-follow approach that empowers homeowners to significantly reduce tick activity on their properties. From gardening and yard work to children’s play areas, this guide outlines essential adjustments to help protect your outdoor spaces from ticks.

The Tick Tackler Tutor introduces three impactful strategies designed to identify high-risk areas and minimize exposure. These methods are versatile and adaptable—whether you’re a homeowner, pet owner, beekeeper, or managing a larger property such as a doggy daycare or horse farm.

Inside, readers will discover how education leads to confidence, how small changes can yield visible results, and how breaking tick control into manageable steps restores a sense of control. The book simplifies complex concepts into three core strategies, guiding readers in creating a personalized plan to reduce tick activity effectively.

For those eager to reclaim their yards but unsure where to begin, this guide delivers clear, actionable solutions. Transform your outdoor environment into a safer, more enjoyable space for family, pets, and everyday living.

Available now on Amazon.

Follow Us On Facebook