This Time of Year

There is just something about this time of year that stirs the soul. The sights, the smells, the feel of the cool air and the clarity of the crisp Autumn sky that dances with the sparkling of the stars.  There is just something about this time of year that causes me to slow down, to breathe deep, and to appreciate the life I've been given.  Last Sunday our family (meaning my mother, sister, niece and I) took a road trip to Asheville, NC; one of the best places to experience Fall. On the drive we whizzed by multitudes of trees that were transforming from lush greens to the fall bouquet of colors; reds, oranges, and yellows. By far one of the most riveting sights my eyes will behold. My sister mentioned the irony that this beauty blazes from the dying of the leaves. 


Autumn is a favorite time of year! A season marked by the beauty of the changing weather and colors but as well by the time spent with friends and family. A time for campfires, corn mazes, pumpkin pie, and anything warm to drink.  Just a few weeks ago at a friend's pumpkin carving contest we baked pumpkin seeds sprinkled with cinnamon and sugar. This is a time of year characterized by everyone's favorite seasonal foods and drinks; pumpkin spice lattes, pumpkin bread and even pumpkin beer. What is it that makes this time of year so wonderful? What is it that you love about this time of year? 


A number of things I have experienced even over the last few weeks that capture what I love about Autumn:  Wrapping my hands around a hot cup of Brueggers "Pumpkin Spice" coffee. The smell is as good as the taste!   I love sitting on the front steps of my town-home in the evening enjoying the smell of the cold, crisp fresh air. I love the rustic smell of a distant fire that carries across the cool evening air.  I love the blazing colors of the leaves and their crunch underfoot as you walk a trail.  Things I hope to experience over the next few weeks of Autumn: I love the thought of a warm bowl of mom's home cooked chili with some sweet cornbread. I love the thought of Thanksgiving Day with the food and family and a reason to slow down and just enjoy life!  I love the thought of gathering friends on a cold Friday night and drinking hot cocoa and watching a movie - or Tennessee football. 


I wonder what you look forward to most about Autumn? 
 there is just something about this time of year that stirs the soul!