The Colors of Fall
By Liz, wondering how it got to be October already
Can you guys believe it’s already fall? I can’t. This year went by way too fast. But it is, and I’ve been thinking a lot about this season.
Most people know I’m a beach/summer/warm weather junkie. If I could have sunny and 80 degrees every day, I think I’d go for it. That said, it might be a little less known that I actually love fall. It’s more than a close second favorite season – it’s tied with summer.
There are a few reasons for this. I’ve always loved Halloween, so there’s that. And having gone to college in Salem, Mass., home of Halloween central, I’ve come to recognize the entire month of October as its own season. I love everything about it – the costumes, the haunted houses, the scary movies, the hot cider and pumpkin everything. It’s just its own atmosphere, and it’s addictive. 
But there’s more to fall than just Halloween. It starts with that tiny chill in the air, even on the still-warm days. The leaves are turning those rich, vibrant colors. You don’t need the air conditioner, but you don’t quite need the heat either. Hot soups are back in season. If you have a fireplace, you’l probably use it. The air feels…fresh.
I worked at Mann’s Apple Orchard in my hometown, Methuen, back when I was in college. The fall season was the absolute best time of year to be part of that scene. At the time, it was a small, family-owned place – it’s since expanded to a much bigger operation – but back then, we were a little family. Sunday was apple crisp baking day. We sold more apple pies in October and November than we could ever count. People came from all over to pick up maple candies, fudge and handmade apple butter. Hot apple cider was always on tap. And everyone had more good cheer than Christmas time. I loved going to work and just being part of that.
Spring is the season of rebirth, but fall is its own new beginning. Albert Camus says, “Autumn is a second spring, when every leaf is a flower.” There’s just something about driving down a street lined with brilliant colors, leaves spiraling down. The nights are turning darker a little earlier. There’s energy and urgency in the air.
Now, if we could just skip winter and go right to spring…
Readers, what’s your favorite part of the fall season?
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