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# Shoulder//Season
- URL: https://mercuryretrogay.ghost.io/shoulder-season/
- Published: 2026-09-24T05:24:13.000Z
- Updated: 2026-09-24T05:24:13.000Z
- Author: Matty Kastellec

[Writer-ish Prompt #194:](https://writerish.substack.com/p/micro-monday-194-dare-to-be?utm%5Fsource=post-email-title&publication%5Fid=1224396&post%5Fid=211591265&utm%5Fcampaign=email-post-title&isFreemail=false&r=bxg&triedRedirect=true&utm%5Fmedium=email) **Write about the weather.**

We are in the short, blissful period here in Salt Lake I like think of as "porch season". The brief respite between blazing temps with endless sun and then long season of Wasatch winds and snow (though not enough, recently), during which it is not just possible but actually pleasurable to spend more than five minutes sitting outside reading or working. 

These shrugs of a shoulder season come with either the slowing down or the speeding up of life, either the composting or the planting. Right now, the clock ticks towards darkness with every day past the equinox; the tomatoes no longer ripen, even the zucchini give up the ghost of their manic summer. The maple in front of our balcony, short iron but still holding firm for now, begins early blushings of orange and chartreuse. 

I rock in the chair that is slightly too big for the space, book or laptop in hand, dappled sun shaming any everyday task or ring light. If I am patient and attentive I will notice not just the ever present squirrels but the neighborhood cats, similarly enjoying this temperate time by sauntering midday through the hedges. And if I am truly lucky, Shyla will come lay and keep my feet warm, setting aside the beckoning of her senses to be at peace amongst the maple, the work, and the sunlight.