The Roller Coaster

Every year, at this time, I feel like I'm at the top of the first hill of a giant roller coaster ride called The Festival.

I look ahead to the coming weeks and months, and suddenly, I see it all spread out before me - the terror and thrill of the ride.  The twists and turns.  The exhilaration, and the exhaustion.  And I know that before I know it, October will be here, and the ride will glide in to the relative comfort and calm of the holidays.

But, for now, I sit at the top of this hill, in the moments before it all begins.

I take a deep breath, and prepare for the plunge.