Autumn has always been my favorite season.  Much of it has to do with the trees – the way they put on such extravagant dress for a few brief weeks before baring it all in the name of winter.  There are so many other things that I love about the fall – and in the name of gratitude and joy-centered living, I think this is the time to list them:

In the midst of Autumn, I love:

• the crisp, clear quality of the air.  It is as though one can see farther and with more precision during the months of October and November.

• pumpkins:  small, big, round, misshapen, knotted, orange, white, yellowish-green, squatty…I love them all!

• autumn leaves, especially those from the many varieties of maple tree.  The bright burnished reds are my favorite.

• autumn clothing:  sweaters and jeans, boots and jackets, leather and wool…all are snuggly and wonderful.  I’m also a fan of tweeds.

• autumn colors, filled with brightness…as though the world is steeling itself for sharp austere winter with wild displays of extravagance and warmth!

• autumn flavors:  buttery squash, nuts, pumpkin, cinnamon, chocolate, mocha, spiced apple (especially the juicy honeycrisp!)

• soups.  All of them.

• chili.  Any variety will do, though I particularly love the white chicken chilis of the world.

• the way that leaves leap from the trees and swirl down towards the earth – flurries of foliage covering everything in their path.

• the way that our dog, Shelby, seems to gain energy and puppy-ness in the fall.  She scampers and prances through the leaves, picks up the scent of squirrels and is transformed into a tracker, chases the cats with renewed vigor…

• squirrels throwing acorns, hiding acorns, taunting the dog, peppering our windows and cars with a barrage of oaken projectiles…

• college football, particularly glorious purple and white TCU football!  Go Frogs!

• crisp sunny days followed by chilly nights.

• concentrated celebrations:  Halloween, Thanksgiving and Advent all packed into a tight succession of festival joy.

• children living out their fantasies, transformed into ninjas and heroes, princesses and rock stars, fairies and animals galore.

• warm beverages… particularly coffee, but also cocoa, tea, hot cider, hot spiced wine – all transforming the night’s chill into something magical.

My goal this autumn is to be present to the wonder of the season.  Many an autumn-past has slipped by without my full attention, and I have suffered for it.  Many a Fall I have been so engrossed in worry or work or worthless pursuits that I have missed out on the joy that attends this season.  So, this year, I will notice.  I will celebrate Autumn in all of her fullness, all of her transformative glory.