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| October in Blowing Rock, NC |
October has always been my favorite month of the year! When I say that to other people, some think it's because my birthday is in October, but that isn't why...or...maybe it is? Maybe there is some genetic or cosmic reason why I have such a love for this time of year. Since I think it's possible to have been born a bibliophile, I suppose I should be willing to consider the possibility I was born to love October, as well. I mean, I love all the seasons for what makes each one unique, but autumn has been my favorite for as long as I can remember.
While I may live in Texas now, I was born and raised in North Carolina. Autumn in the Carolinas is the best! The leaves on the trees are vibrant colors of red, orange, yellow, and purple. As leaves turn brown and fall to the ground, they layer the earth with a carpet of sound and scent. There is no other sound like walking through leaves, and there is no other scent (no matter how hard the candle and deodorizer companies try) like walking through the woods on a clear, crisp, autumn day. If you want to enhance your autumn walk with some flavor, you should try eating a crunchy, sweet Gala apple as you enjoy your stroll. Mmmmm,...I'm sitting here grinning just thinking about it.
(Let's just pause here a moment to enjoy that thought...)
Yes, October is definitely my favorite month. I did mention, though, that I live in Texas now. There really isn't a true autumn season in the area I live in, at least, not like it is in the Carolinas. I'm not complaining, really. I love living in Texas. I just...miss autumn. This is why I always find my way to some place in the United States that has the season I long for at this time of year. You see, when my love can't come to me, then I must travel to meet my love somewhere else.
I'll let you know how my season hunt goes once I get a fix for my addiction. You see, while Texas was kind enough to give me lovely autumn weather this weekend (for which I am very grateful), and I have a delicious bag of Gala apples in the refrigerator, it just isn't the same. Getting a taste of what I want isn't the same thing as experiencing the whole delicious meal of sight and sound and touch. I still want to see some beautiful fall colors in big trees, and I long to put my feet in some crunchy leaves...
And no matter how many years go by, when this season rolls around, I will always, always, always want to look up at a Carolina blue sky framed in multi-colored leaves, take in a deep breath of crisp autumn air, hold out my arms to spin around, and giggle like a child, as I fall for autumn all over again.
Living in Oklahoma, I, too, find myself missing the few northern Falls I experienced while in Wisconsin. I drive to Arkansas last week and did see the beginning of the colors. I think of Fall as our period of reading ourselves for the relaxing winter season. I am getting patio plants ready to winter in the garage or in the house, cutting the grass for the last time this year, planting the spring Tulips bulbs, and realizing how Nature sets such a good example for us of rest and renewal.
ReplyDeleteYes, I know what you mean. Even now, I find I am still preparing for the winter ahead. I know people love to 'spring clean,' but I also 'fall clean.' It is in my nature to purge my house twice a year, and October is usually when my process begins. I try to overhaul each room a little each weekend in the fall - you know, reorganize closets and drawers. A place for everything and everything in its place. It's something I actually enjoy doing! I think the habit started when my girls were little, and I'd gather things for Goodwill, get rid of well-worn items, and change the seasonal clothes around before the holidays. This is usually the time for house projects, as well. Yes, rest and renewal. :)
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