Autumn is in the air....

I love the smell of fall. Woodsmoke, moldy leaves, wet earth...the perfume of heaven. I love the nip in the air - just the slightest bite - and drizzly rain.  I love putting the down comforter on the bed and leaving the windows open at night, snuggling and cuddling under the covers in a chilly room. Sunday morning rain is falling...steal some covers, share some skin. I love watching Walker build a fire in the fireplace so we can all spend the day in the room that has no TV, watching the flames jump and listening to the wood pop and hiss. I love to see the leaves turn, especially the huge old oak trees that turn flaming orange like their tops are on fire. I love pumpkins and gourds, and hay bales, and scarecrows and turkeys.

It reminds me of childhood - the first day of school, Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas. All the things little kids love, the holidays of childhood, free of acrimony and full of wonderful, almost magical, surprises. Mom cooking all your favorite things for Thanksgiving dinner. Dragging out the Christmas decorations after the Thanksgiving dishes have been washed. Tiny white twinkle lights.

It reminds me of meeting my husband, and sneaking away from college to spend the weekend with him. His coat on my shoulders, road trips and hay bale surfing and long walks with your best college friend. Deep conversations, endless dreams, and youth in the season of aging.

Now, it's my turn to teach my kids to love this time of year. I get to make magical memories for them, pasted on a background of scarlet leaves and perfumed with the smell of autumn in the air. And I ask you a question: what season wallpapers your fondest memories?