Things I Love About Fall

Once upon a time, someone described to me how our bodies and minds correlate to the seasons.  In fall, we begin to slow down and take stock of our lives, thinking about our next direction.  During winter, we take cold, hard evaluation of who we are, where we are, and what we want.  Spring is a time for putting those winter plans in action, and in Summer, we blossom in our new found path.  Rinse & repeat.  It's a cycle we continue our whole lives.  

From the I first heard that theory, I've appreciated each season a little bit more.  I really try to think about how the season relates to my own life--Am I celebrating how wonderful my life is?  Do I need to look more closely at my choices?  Do I need to slow down and make some plans?    

In the spirit of fall, here are a few of my favorite things about the season, and how they encourage me to slow down, relax, and prepare for the hard decisions ahead:  

1. Waking up in the morning, knowing that it's chilly outside, but being warm and snuggled under my 3 quilts, with Lucy-dog right next to me.  I'm so grateful that I have a safe haven--my home.

2. Watching Lucy-dog hop through piles of leaves.  Her little 3-inch long legs make it impossible for her to walk, so she bunny-hops.  This is quite possibly the cutest thing ever.  I could have ended up with any pound-hound, but I am so, so, so lucky that Lucy choose me to be her mommy. My life would be much emptier without her cuddles and wiggly butt.

3. Hot coffee in the morning, warm spicy chai in the afternoon, and piping hot anise tea at night.  I will remember to be grateful for the little pleasures in life.  

4. FOOTBALL--Go Dores! Last weekend, I got to see a Vandy game with my Dad, and it was quite possible one of the best days of my life.  I don't get to spend a lot of alone time with my Dad anymore, and I relish each time we have daddy-daughter days.

5.  My favorite holidays:  Halloween, my birthday, Turkey day, and CHRISTMAS (Ok, so maybe Christmas is in the winter, but I get to decorate for it in the fall!).  My dad used to walk us all over our little town trick-or-treating, and my plastic pumpkin was always overflowing.  Mom let us eat as much candy as we could manage when we got home, i.e. a little kid's dream.  I love, love, LOVE (one more time) LOVE being with my family, and fall holidays mean my whole family is together.  I am so lucky that the women in my family taught me how to cook, and holidays are my favorite times to be crammed in the kitchen with my mom & sister, asking for help with the gravy or making pies.  I will always remember my grandmother at the stove, stirring creamed corn, and I'll never forget the way her blackberry pies tasted.  

6.  Boots!  I finally get to drag my lovely Frye's out of the back of my closet.  Nothing reminds me of my glory days in Nashville more than pulling on my Harness boots and clomping around town.  I still remember the day (my birthday, actually) that my mom & dad bought them for me. 

So there you have it--Kate's preparation for the winter, little reminders of what makes me happy at this time of the year.  Just a little reflection on an underrated season.  I encourage you to use the falling leaves as a reminder to evaluate & remember the simple things that make you smile.