itsfallwhen pslFall. There's just something about it that captivates my soul. Maybe it's the return of all the rich flavors and scents, manifested as a cliche obsession with pumpkin spice lattes; the bittersweet bikinis-for-boots and sandals-for-sweaters exchange; saying goodbye to the grill and hello to the crockpot; the ageless Faith Hill ringing in a new season on the gridiron and funnel cakes at the fair; or maybe it's the crisp mornings and clear afternoons. Whatever it is, it makes me want to turn over a thousand new leaves, rake them into a heaping pile, and jump in.

anthropologie Ernest Hemingway Starbucks couponAnd whatever it is, it's tugging me in a million different directions. Pushing, pulling, driving, distracting. Just like the weather this time of year, there's no predicting it. I love it, and I hate it. It makes me want to kick ass at my job and take over the world - or quit my job and travel it. It makes me want to dye my hair and paint my toes only to curl up in sweats and eat my weight in tuna noodle casserole. It makes me want to sleep in on Saturdays or wake up early to sip hot tea... or hike... or vacuum. It makes me want to bake beer bread and cupcakes and join a spin class for damage control. It makes me want to read a book, then write a book, and then give up and watch TV instead. It makes me nostalgic as I flip through the mental photos of old friends, volleyball, and college. And it makes me want to dust off the Canon and capture the beauty of today. 

Felts Field Upriver Dam Benders CornerBut mostly, it keeps me up at night. I lay in bed staring at the blades of the ceiling fan spinning around and around as a thousand wild ideas surge through my mind, trying to keep up. Not even the white wine can tame them. And when my eyes are finally too weak to follow one more revolution of the fan, I fall into a deep, tumultuous sleep where Wonderland-like dreams invade my subconscious - the kind that take over when you eat chocolate just before bed. I wake up exhausted, yet energized, to face another day of this strange dichotomy.

So whatever it is - the confusion, the distraction, the inspiration - I welcome it, and the change of colors that's coming my way.

6 Responses so far.

  1. Anonymous says:

    I really enjoyed this read and love the end comment where you welcome the change of colours that's coming your way. I think I may just put that up on my wall for inspiration :)

  2. What a fun read this was for me. I was right there with you, through every word that turned into a sentence that came to a conclusion. It was delightful and made me smile. Now I want some chocolate or maybe some cocoa. :-), Susan Cooper from LinkedIn BHB

  3. Dan says:

    The safest thing to do when you're in that position is to at least get your thoughts out of you head and on paper! A for fall, I think my wife's favorite part of it is pumpkin spice latte as well... they must put crack in that :)

  4. Anonymous says:

    Now this was a fun read. I was excited and worried at the same time. Can't wait to see what winter does to you.

  5. Leora says:

    You have a lot of energy from the change in season! Love some of the contrasts you pose, like rising high at your job or quitting or your job. The imagery you chose is a powerful complement to your words.

  6. What a lovely post, your writing is so captivating - I really enjoy reading you and I've discovered your blog! There is definitely something magical in fall and I look forward to it every year. Burning scented candles in the afternoons/evenings (since they get longer), drinking even more tea (to warm up), snuggling up under a blanket, picking up conkers.... I love fall.

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