The wind blew throughout the day and into the evening, rattling my windows and calling to me with a roar of invitation; as I willfully entered the storm, the trees were shedding red and orange leaves that scattered across the roadway like dying embers, the clouds were racing across the grey sky and blurring the early-rising moon, and I felt myself relax and let go, fully immersed in its rough embrace, unified and at peace. A long day ended with a fruitful outcome and we launched again into a weekend that felt strangely magical, starting with a chance meeting with a dear friend until the rain chased us off into the night.