Yesterday was the day. Every year, about this time, I walk outside and sense the promise of fall. Yesterday was that day. The air all around felt cooler, and the hues of the leaves on the giant, old trees in my front yard appeared slightly muted. Overhead, the clouds created an overall touch of grey. And, of course, the first few leaves that only a few short months ago emerged bright green from tiny buds had detached and floated slowly down, the first part of their life complete. I breathed in that cooler air, and I knew. I knew my favorite time of year would soon arrive.
I am an autumn soul. I was one long before perfectly curated images of leaves, scarves, and coffee cups filled little squares on a website. I know this because yesterday, when I stepped outside and felt the first tangible bits of autumn, I was filled with pieces of moments in time I could see, feel, and smell in my soul. All these images, both physical and emotional, came together in one brief moment, and I knew that fall was near. What, though, is fall to me?
Fall is the first day of school. Pictures in front of the fireplace with my sisters, all in our new school clothes. It is shiny floors that squeak beneath brand-new sneakers and smiling teachers standing in doorways welcoming you to your new classroom. It is the distinct smell of a new plastic lunchbox, maybe Benji or Charlie's Angels on the front, and a squished peanut butter and jelly sandwich inside.
Fall is last-period band practice outside on a Thursday afternoon before a Friday night football game. It is lining up with a baton in hand, marching onto the football field, hoping you remember the new routine you learned just last night. It is looking around and being in awe of the colorful range of mountains surrounding you, knowing it will last only a few days, and trying your best to soak it all to remember forever.
Fall is suddenly being the teacher and standing at the doorway of a second-grade classroom, welcoming the seven- and eight-year-olds who will become your world for the next nine months. It is watching as they go inside and smiling as they take in the decorations you so carefully laminated, cut, and hung around as they search the pencil-shaped name tags for their desks. It is starting at the beginning and knowing how far they will come together in a classroom overlooking a playground in Pennsylvania.
Fall is realizing your dream of pushing a stroller down the quiet road with your children on a cool, crisp morning, pointing out the colors of the leaves and the pumpkins on the porches. It is dressing those children in acorn sweaters, snuggling on the couch with cookies and milk, and watching Little Bear or Franklin as the wind swirls the leaves outside.
Fall is starting a brand new school year, this time in your own home, with books, pencils, crayons, and computers, sometimes with desks, other times on couches. It is chocolate chip pumpkin bread in the oven, pumpkin spice candles burning, soup on the stove, and jackets outside after dinner. It is earlier evenings and new episodes of favorite shows together.
Fall is crunchy leaves that smell so good. It is cozy throw blankets, soft sweaters, apple pie, and acorns falling onto faded grass. Fall is more than a season to mean. It is a compilation of many feelings, memories, scents, and tastes. It is a beginning all over again each year and a chance to slow down for real this time and take every single moment into my soul. And, of course, the time of year I love so much is, indeed, pumpkin spice coffee with a splash of creamer in a favorite mug, warming my soul at the start of another cozy day.
It is only late August. I know we will see more hot, sunny days. Summer is not over yet. However, I am comforted by the fact that yesterday, I felt the promise of autumn. And that may be the best feeling of all.
Have a cozy day, my friends.
Billie Jo
