September 22, 2021 is the first day of Fall. While I love the heat and long summer days, I always look forward to this time of the year. It’s a time to slow down a bit before the hectic holidays begin and a time for reflection. Not only a reflection on the past year but a reflection of myself and what goals I’ve accomplished or not, a time to reflect on my physical and spiritual self. Years ago, the first week of October was a week of vacation from work for me. Oh how I looked forward to that week. From the moment I dropped the kids off to school until the time to pick them up I was in my yard. Clearing leaves, freshening mulch and preparing to plant my fall garden and flower beds. There was just something about digging my bare hands into the cool soft soil that smelled just like Fall to me. Earthy, woodsy and just home. That was always my therapy! If my fingernails weren’t filthy at the end of the day- I didn’t do enough.

Fall is where heart and home come together. I don’t know about you but there is just something about having my house and yard all neat and beautiful before the holidays begin. A beautiful front porch with pumpkins, stalks of sugar cane and hay are just perfect. Memories are made in backyards full of leaves and dogs running around with the kids.

Speaking of backyards and spending time in the yard, as I’m writing this at 5:30 in the afternoon the sun is creeping below the sugarcane fields in my neck of the woods, edging closer and closer to the ground until the sky turns a beautiful mixture of orange, pink and blue. Last night was the most beautiful autumn moon. Did you see it? Surely Fall is here.

What is your favorite time of year? What do you enjoy most about Fall and what memories are invoked when the coolness visits in the early morning and late afternoons? Maybe it’s that delicious cup of coffee on your back porch. Just enjoy the memories and be still for a little while to relax and take in the beauty. Welcome Fall 2021.