Fall.  Every September I seem to become more aware of my deep love for this time of year.  Crunchy leaves on the ground, changing colors, early sunsets….if I could capture the beauty of fall in a box and look at it from time to time, I would.  For some reason, fall seems effortless to me, if there is such a thing as an effortless season.  I never feel like fall tries to be something it’s not, or invades our summer months too soon.  Fall comes at exactly the right time every single year, bringing cooler weather, color, and fashion trends with it.

Fall, I am always happy to see you.

I am reminded of the park.  Not any park in particular, but when people say “fall” I instantly have three images in my mind: a park (full of laughing children running through the fallen leaves), boots (my Steve Madden black slouchy suede pair from last year, also known as the most comfortable shoes I have ever owned), and freshly sharpened pencils (the look and smell of them appeal to me greatly for some reason, probably a feeling of nostalgia from my childhood).

There are a few favorite items on my Fall to-do list, that I cannot wait to dive into:

1. Put away all tank tops and shorts, replacing them with jeans and sweaters.

2. Pull boots, scarves, and leggings out of hiding.

3. Purchase a ridiculous amount of tea (Tazo BerryBlossom, how I’ve missed you).

4. Place every item of fall décor around the house (including my favorite pumpkin picture frame).

5. Light my pumpkin spice candles as often as possible.

6. Bake. A lot.

7. Visit Dave’s Pumpkin Patch, as tradition fits.

8. Start making endless lists of Christmas gift ideas for friends and family.

9. Watch lots of amazing TV.

10. Set aside one short moment per day to breathe it all in.

So thank you fall, for arriving on time this year per usual.  I’ve missed your presence greatly and promise to soak you in as long as humanly possible before you are swept away.