The “leaf-peepers” have gone home and my corner of northern New England is quiet. I love the bustle of foliage season–and its spectacular beauty–but there’s something special about this time of year, too. With the leaves off the trees, the landscape opens up. I see more of the river on my walks and runs. Fewer cars pass by, taking back roads to check out the Vermont scenery. I haven’t been asked directions in a couple of weeks.

I don’t take my phone with me as often on these quiet days. No music, no podcasts, no audio books. I let my writer’s mind wander…