Friday, September 26, 2008

Hello Fall?

From Toni's talented collection.
Fall. Where do I begin? I'll start with this. The older I get the more I appreciate Fall. Do you have any idea how long it's taken me to come to this point? Believe it or not, until recently, I've really, truly hated Fall. I believe I suffer from seasonal depression like my dad. There have been certain "routine events" in my lifetime forewarning me Fall was on the horizon. One is the Bevier Homecoming. Two is school starting. The last is the sun growing higher in the sky. These three things seem to take place chronologically. In the order of only a few weeks. As soon as homecoming was over, we prepared for school to begin. During that same time the sun slowly floated higher in the sky. It was almost as if it were trying to trick me into not noticing. But I did. (I do.) Even as a child, I knew what time it was. Time for Fall. Time for the sun to release itself from my fingertips. Pulling to a threatening gravity I could not see. Not for months. Time for things to change from wonderful bright, cheery colors, warm breezes and hot days. Time to dissolve to dull, dark, dying days. Once the days would become cold, my spirit lifted. Almost automatically. Once the dying of green grasses finally faded to brown, I was good. But not until then. I can't really put it in words. It's just something my body and spirit detected (detects). I could not appreciate the beauty of what I would then call, "the dying season". My spirit deflated. Going into hiding until March 1st when all doubt surrenders to the hope of spring. The rebirth of my spirit.
So now since everyone knows exactly how I felt (feel) about Fall, it's time to move on. As I've gotten older and wiser, I've come to appreciate the fact that life seems to slow down a bit more in the fall. Maybe it doesn't die? Maybe it just hibernates for a time? Maybe, just like me, nature needs a nap now and then? Hmmm... did I just tell you I was wiser? Maybe, maybe not. Maybe I need a good stiff banana daiquiri that I've been threatening to make for over 7 months but haven't. Fall isn't really a time for daiquiris. Not unless I was sitting on a sunny deck in Florida. ( I promise I will be wishing for that in approximately 2-3 weeks. )
Finally. 20 things I love about Fall. I've seen other ladies post about this very topic. The first one I saw, I immediately thought, "how difficult". So I got to thinking. Do you know what? It's a challenge that really isn't that difficult. So, I'm going to give it a try. "I must make it to 20. I must make it to 20. I must make it to 20..."
  1. Decorating. My house glows with fall decorations and lights. I don't do this in the spring. Just doesn't feel right.
  2. Thanksgiving, it's my favorite holiday.
  3. Candles, lots and lots of spicy candles.
  4. The crunching of leaves.
  5. Cooking/baking, fall just puts me in the mood. I think you know what I mean.
  6. Sweatshirts. Other than jammies, nothing better to keep the chill off than a cozy sweatshirt.
  7. Pumpkins. I love pumpkins and fall berries.
  8. Cool breezes of early autumn.
  9. I don't let myself feel guilty for staying in for the evening.
  10. caramel apples, not that I've had one for years, but I love the idea.
  11. Craft shows and festivals begin.
  12. Airing out my house. The breath of fresh fall air.
  13. The little kiddies dressed up for Halloween.
  14. Good long books I wish would never end.
  15. The scent of a warm house.
  16. The World Series
  17. Getting into a warm vehicle after being out in the cool air.
  18. Autumn rain, it's so much more peaceful than any other rain.
  19. Stocking up on grocery sales for future bad weather.
  20. My own personal heater named "hubby".

Now I'm going to add one more. My friend Gayla asked me once if I had ever snuck outside to look in my windows on a fall or winter evening. At first I thought she drank too much Earl Grey Tea. "No", I replied. I knew exactly how my home looked inside and out. Why would I waste my time? She told me it was one of her favorite things to do. She did it when no one inside knew what she was doing. She felt like there was nothing more heartwarming than looking into your own cozy home watching what was going on inside. I must admit. There is something to this. I remember "sneaking" outside to watch inside for the first time. The "future" hubby was "boxing" with my Boxer Frankie Beans. He was laughing. Frankie was in his element putting up a good bout. This went on for a minute or two. The "future" hubby got tired and sat down. Frankie didn't give up. He continued his end of the match until he realized "future" hubby was down for the count. Frankie padded into another room then returned with a ball. "Future" hubby threw it and continued to watch TV. Don't ask me why I remember this first "peek" into my home with the "future" hubby, but I do. It's just, well it's just, just heartwarming...

10 comments:

Anonymous said...

Beautiful post, Lisa! I love your list!

I have indeed gone outside and peered in the windows of our home!

Rue said...

Hi Lisa :)

Beautiful beautiful post! Great list too :)

I do that too... the watching from outside. I don't know why, but it always makes my heart warm to do that.

rue

Anonymous said...

What a great post! I kind of feel that way about winter, but the fall to me, is lovely. Your list was wonderful. I can see your begining to like fall. You have a lot of things to look forward to on your list. I like what you said about stepping outside and looking in.

Anonymous said...

He really is getting fat.He has changed alot. He has started to smile and laugh this week. Such a good boy.

Susie Q said...

Such a lovely post Lisa! I loved it all and especially your list.
I think thye beauty of Fall is growing on you...it is sneaky that way! *grin*

I like to be outside looking in as well...: )

Love,
Sue

Nancy said...

Thanks for stopping by. I do love fall. For me it's the chance to get back in the kitchen, do some cooking & baking w/out worrying that the house is getting hot and decorating the front of our house with pumpkins/gourds & mums.

Nice list, by the way.

Becky K. said...

Loved this post, Lisa!

Sometimes I have to take the dogs out for their doggy duty...the windows will be open and we'll have a housefull of people.

I love to listen to the rumble of various conversations and see people mingling...unaware that I am watching.

The happiness and the coziness blesses me.

Becky K.

carolyn@simple~primitive~devotion said...

I really enjoyed reading your post about fall. I can understand your feelings too.
I have always loved fall, but I dread halloween. A lot of people do not understand that, but I just try to concentrate on the beauty of fall instead. But so many people celebrate halloween and enjoy it and some try to force it on us. I don't like that. And some are well-meaning, but don't realize how uncomfortable it makes us feel. To each his own, and all that. I don't try to force my beliefs on anyone and I wish people wouldn't do that to us.
But with everything fall has to offer that is good, we do enjoy and we get through the rest.
May your fall be filled with wonder and beauty!

Sandi @the WhistleStop Cafe said...

Beautiful post!
I love fall to. It is a breath of fresh air after a long hot summer in alabama.

Something Nice and Pretty said...

Beautiful post, love the idea of going outside and looking in I really should do that soon before it gets to cold.lol

I never used to like fall either but as I got older I've learned to love the colors, smells and veiws of it.
Rondell