Pumpkins and Spice and Everything Nice

Today just smelled like fall. Completely and fully like the crisp, sharp, cool air of Halloween and wood-burning fires and apple orchards.

It's amazing how the smells of the seasons can set off a whirlwind of memories. All the handmade costumes my mother made me for Halloween parades (and my amazement each year that I never won a prize!)... making taffy apples and roasting pumpkins seeds... family members trying to outdo each other with our artistic carvings... walking through crunchy leaves just to hear the rustle and enjoying a fire each night as the temperature slowly dropped.

I can't wait to enjoy the season with Ari and for all of us to create new traditions as Andy and I select from those of our childhood and savor the nostalgia brought on by a confluence of elements that make this season special and familiar and exciting - even at the age of 35.

Nice Day

There are few things better than an impromptu afternoon picnic with your family in the middle of a blissfully beautiful day of sunshine and light breezes and the fresh, optimistic scent of fall.

Childhood memories of pumpkins and apples, fallen leaves and thick sweaters, hayrides and bonfires abound.

Meanwhile, I watch my little bunny cavort among the playground goodies... eager to climb, run, jump, and move with speed throughout her landscape of brightly colored fun. I look at my partner, my husband, my friend and feel so grateful to be joined... to be living this day together and so lucky as to have these moments of time together - all of us as a family.

The water dances, the trees gossip, and the sun reaches down with warm, long fingers to wrap us together at the end of September as we heave a happy sigh.