Ah, fall...how I love you!!! You are, far and away, my very favourite time of the year. Autumn has a look, feel, and smell that I think is uniquely it's own. Mornings are cool and crisp, with a fresh, clean smell that you don't get in the Dog Days of summer. I wake up feeling refreshed and ready to meet the day!! And what lovely days fall brings!! The light has a warm, soft, golden, almost romantic feel to it. It softens the rough edges of a dying summer. Who really cares if the grass is going dormant when it's cast in gold? It's true that the trees are on their way to losing their green and vibrant coats. But, when that beautiful light hits leaves edged in gold and red, it always stops me in my tracks. I have to take a moment to soak in this wonder of Nature. Yes, I see it every year. That's true. But it never fails to bring me joy. I am in a near constant state of, as my husband says, "stop and gawk"!! LOL!! I can't help myself. It's too pretty to not appreciate. You should see me when the leaves fully turn colour...a walk down the block can take me a half hour. I need to watch the light hit the leaves. I need to see the colours and patterns on the leaves. Even the bark looks special. I have to soak it all up!! I need that beauty to last me another year!! :)
Fall has a special smell to it that I just love!! I admit, I don't think the CIty smells all that great. The River Valley is pretty nice, but I have to get out of the City and go to The Farm. The country REALLY gives my nose a work out!!! One of my favourite smells has to be the High Bush Cranberries!! People who are familiar with this smell are of two camps. It is either the worst smell in the world, reminiscent of dirty feet. Or like me, they love it!!! It's an odd, sort of a musky odor, but it brings back happy memories from childhood. My family used to pick these glossy red beauties to make a jewel like jelly I just adored!! Maybe I love the memories more than the smell? Who can really tell for sure? :) I love the smell of harvest. Yes, harvest has a smell!! It smells dusty and sweet, and fresh and old, all at the same time. It's complex, almost like wine. Each crop has a particular smell. Some I like more than others. I'm not so fond of canola, to be honest!! Sunflower smell is my favourite!! It's "warm" and yes, nutty!!
Fall also feels different than other months. It's not stupid hot like an August day where you long to live in a meat cooler. Fall is the gentle closure of summer and soft introduction to a long winter season. It is the month of your favourite sweater in the morning and a T-shirt in the afternoon. Two of my favourite things!! I have so many happy memories of digging root vegetables out of the garden and washing them off with a hose. And of course always surrounded by ever present dogs trying in vain to bite the water!! :) We can't forget the dogs!!
Fall is the gentlest time of year. It is like a respite between 2 worlds. One that's far too hot for my liking and one that is too cold to please me. Aren't I the Goldilocks of Alberta?? LOL!! Autumn, I tip my hat and thank you for all the joy you bring me, in even the smallest of ways. How I love the sweet smell of apple pies and the crunch of leaves under my feet!! Nothing is more beautiful in my eyes than a tree all dressed up in fall colours. Speaking of dressing up, I can't wait to wear sweaters and bask in your golden glow!! I love you autumn.
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