Autumn-Spice Air

It's here at last! Those lazy dog-days of summer may have dragged their feet through September, but October is when life picks up speed; rolling and dancing towards the glittering bustle of the holidays. If you pay attention you can catch it: that moment when Nature changes her cloak and the monotony of heavy, sun-melted days burnish to crisp-edged autumn. The air fills with myriad delicious colors and smells: from rich tones of gold, russet, copper to baking spices of pumpkin, nutmeg and clove. It's a season for baking delectable goodies, mischievously plotting gifts, decorating(...well, everything!), feeling cozy on rainy days,  and eagerly awaiting the first leafpile and first snow.

Many times this season seems all-too brief for us. We're so focused on getting everything done that we don't pause to look up and catch a falling leaf in our hands, or a snowflake on our tongue. We don't savor a good book or movie on a drizzly day, or walk in a crisp autumn afternoon. We're so busy with the work that we don't take time for the whimsy.

And that brings me to my invitation to you, O Reader :) I know things get crazy about now, and don't drop to anything less than crazy until after the new year. But here's my advice: hit the pause button now and then. Make time for the whimsy, the fun, the delicious, and all the moments where the season wraps around you like a cider-scented hug.