It’s not the first day of fall. It’s not even the season of renewal. But it is the season of change. I love fall and not just for the beauty of the trees and the welcome cool air. There is a certain crispness in the air. It feels good to be outside and to breathe it in.
Lawns are turning green again in recovery from summer’s heat. I can open the windows on a typical day to let fresh air finally circulate in the house. I can run around outside with my son without fear of heatstroke.
Mostly, though, I love fall because of the color. Even though the color of the leaves should remind us that nature is getting ready to go dormant, it brings me to life.
I look up and notice trees that weeks before never even caught my eye. Formerly part of a forest of green, trees now grace us with bold and brilliant shades of red, yellow, and orange.
It’s a time of change. I don’t do spring cleaning. I do fall cleaning. I’m cleaning out, dusting off, throwing away. I’m scaling back.
At a time when we start to indulge in rich, warm foods and holiday baked goods, I’m finally changing my eating and exercise habits. And as we get into cooler weather, I can’t wait to change my wardrobe.
Perhaps this is my problem. I always do everything backwards.
But I liken it to leaving the house for vacation. I leave my house spotless when I go away on vacation. I’m not sure why, because it’s certainly not spotless on a day-to-day basis. But I feel more at ease, and more likely to relax, when I leave everything in order, because I know that I will be carefree and worryless when I return.
Perhaps the same is true for me and fall. I’m making everything spotless so that while nature takes a vacation, I can relax and be carefree when spring graces us again.
And as for personal change? This is my season. In addition to diet, exercise, and wardrobe, my hair has changed colors as well. When surrounded by all of the beautiful earthtones, I couldn’t help but take a cue from nature.
So am I as backwards as I think I am? What does fall do for you?
7 comments
I love fall. It is so beautiful here in Maryland this time of year. I think the start of school signals the begining of the season for me. I also see it as a time to recharge my life. It’s the lull before the holidays begin and the weather really turns cold.
I’m so glad you stopped by. Did you ever get yourself on Twitter?? I just love everything about the fall. The changes and the cool weather are such a relief for me after a long hot summer.
Fall is my favorite season! I love the crisp air, the smells and beginning of change. I agree w/you, I love the fact I can go outside w/my boys and not SWEAT my butt off like I do in the 80 degree weather! I love wearing jean, boots, and a sweater, ah my favorite!
80 degree weather? I’m not sure I have much sympathy for you there. We got used to the average temperature being around 95 degrees this summer. It was just miserable. And yes, I’m a boots, jeans, and sweater kind of girl too 😉
I adore fall too, except for the allergies that the change in season seems to bring. (sorry to be a Debby Downer!)
Just get out of here with your downer self. Yes, ever since I had my son, I get seasonal allergies with every season. My body betrayed me! but I still love fall 🙂
I am so jealous of your beautiful back yard!!!!