Autumn Musings

 Fall is in the air, and it feels like Autumn is giving me a big hug. It wraps its arms around me by remembering past Fall memories so distinctly. The lighting feels more nostalgic, and a dim hew, the leaves on certain trees are starting to change to golden and reds. And I am reminded this is my favorite time of year! 

There is anticipation on the air for what's ahead- October, pumpkins, Halloween, November chill, rains, sweater and scarves and Thanksgiving, pumpkin bread, pumpkin pie and pumpkin spice latte. I ordered my first pumpkin spice today and, it's a warm welcome to the season. 

Memories of being a university student at my college and even if classes were hard, busy, and I didn't have much of a social network, Fall was always a happy anticipation. I felt like I could enter into my own world and make things better- ideas and inspirations would come to me easier and creating Fall lists. While at the library, books would jump out at me and the November rains hitting against the windowpane would add for a quiet and still reflection. 

Crafts would speak to me more- baking and cooking recipes with distinct Fall ingredients or creating a scarf with beautiful colored yarns. 

I remember working in that classroom alone during the pandemic and though some days were brought with a heavy hardness, I tried to make it my own and embrace that Fall that had its own thorns of transition. 

One year, going to Apple Hill and trying the best apple cider donut. Studying languages and reading in coffee shops, even amidst all the required readings for my classes. Last year, it was Russian, one year it was Arabic, another Hebrew, and sometimes I feel like I've come full circle with starting to review Chinese again. 

Fall brings about something new despite the season of harvest, transition and closing out of greenery, heat and summer. Each year brings about something different, some new growth, realization, spiritual strength and growth.