Sweater Time

I've spent the day working from home in order to take it easy. Michael was sick earlier this week and yesterday it felt like the same thing was going to happen to me, so I've been at home napping on and off and doing what I need to do for work in between. The patio door has been open all day and I've been listening to the wind blowing, the leaves rustling, the neighbor's cat yowling, and feeling autumn creep into my bones. At this moment, I am actually cold enough that I have pulled a fuzzy brown sweater out of the closet to wrap myself in, whether from an early autumnal chill or illness, I can't decide. Either way, it's official: fall has arrived.

This is my favorite season. I can't pinpoint exactly why but I love the colors, the smells, the sounds, the feeling of fall. Some of my favorite memories involve cool evenings with the windows and doors throw wide open, warm fires lit to fight off the chill, the smell of cinnamon and nutmeg wafting from the kitchen, long walks home from class in October. As I lay on the couch taking in all of these things, I am keenly aware of something pulling at my soul. I sometimes wonder why I am so drawn to fall. I get these pangs of longing for something, and try as I might, I can't quite place my finger on it or put words to it. I strive to capture every feeling and emotion as autumn sets in and I fill myself full of them until I am fit to burst.

Fall marks the beginning of a busy season for me, what with the holidays approaching and baking to be done. The hundred degree heat is replaced by 60's and 70's and the cool weather wardrobe makes it appearance, and with the days shortening I have to work harder and more efficiently to get everything done before daylight fades. But I love and embrace it, just as my sweater hugs my body.

It's sweater weather at last!