that post about Autumn

above: backyard tree color about two weeks ago

(Taken from my notebook)

On my desk, I'm looking at two leaves right now. The first one, from my backyard tree, was, at one point, a deep sunburst yellow. About two weeks ago, late afternoon reflections from the kitchen had this nostalgic sort of amber glow to it, and just outside would be our tree, in full regalia, shining yellow into the kitchen. The second leaf is from one of our hedges near the front steps. The hedges haven't fully changed their color just yet, but some of the leaves are finally revealing their deep crimson fall wardrobe. A little eccentric for some hedge? Possibly.

Also on my desk at the moment: a moleskine notebook and a recycled glass mug (filled with Jasmine Oolong green tea mixed with Rooibos, courtesy of mom's Teavana stash) sitting on a red, kimono-shaped coaster. My iPod is playing the new Belle and Sebastian album, and my macbook power cord is invading the corner of the desk. My description sounds so typical hipster faux philosophical writer. If I was in a coffee shop somewhere in Brooklyn writing this...haha.

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Onto more important things. If Summer is the season for epic adventures, carefree days, and the glory of sun, then Fall is the season of the little things. You know what I'm talking about. Pumpkin Spice lattes, watching leaves fall and gently glide towards the ground, crunching old leaves as you walk down the sidewalk, the 10 second lament about the shortening days, an afternoon sun with a cool breeze warranting a new fall jacket and scarf. All the warmth of summer nights turns into fleeting moments of afternoon light, followed by a fresh round of hot drinks in those mugs you haven't touched since February. And if you don't know what I'm talking about, you're missing out :)

I feel like Fall is the time where we can finally reflect on what happened to all of the time we wasted in spring dalliances and lazy summer heat. Don't ask what winter's for, I haven't figured that out yet. Sometimes, we pace our lives to the point where we learn, erroneously, to dull our senses, power-hour the drinks, consume our caffeine and work towards our personal goals. At some point, we'll all get to where we're headed, but for now, take a moment and enjoy autumn while it lasts. It's beautiful out there.