Take a hike. Take a walk this time of year. All those leaves that were way up there just days ago are now underfoot. Kick them. Pick up a handful and smell them. Smell the story they tell you of change that is coming whether you are ready for it or not. Do you know any babies? Nephew, neighbour, daughter? Hold her in your arms. Feel the weight and the warmth. Feel the story she tells you of innocence, of trust, of fierce love and protection. Go to the kitchen right now and bake a batch of chocolate chip cookies. I'll wait 'til you get back. Eat one while it is still warm and soft and messy. Taste the story it tells you of richness, of home, of comfort. Pick up the phone and call your favourite person. Get the answering machine. Listen to that voice and hear the story it tells you of friendship and happiness and connection. Look another person in the eye. Someone you like, or someone you don't. In that moment of shared recognition, see the story it tells you of laughter or f...