Autumn...

Today is the first day of fall. It's going to be my first New England fall in five years. I'm excited in a silly, nostalgic way. I see the leaves changing, pumpkins on display at local stores, cornstalks and scarecrows gracing neighbors' doorsteps. It all wells up inside me, conglomerating into an inexplicable giddiness - as though in the next moment, I will - unrestrained - throw myself into the nearest pile of dry leaves and roll around in the sweet smokiness.

At the thought of New England fall, my mind immediately regresses to those afternoons spent at Foppema's shucking Indian corn, dusting off gourds, and sipping on sweet mulled cider, the crisp bite of a chilly Autumn breeze meandering through the farmstand. I think of early sunsets, fresh apple pie, chrysanthemums and haybails.

This fall will be different - new. This fall I have someone's hand to hold. I have someone to take long car rides through the rambling roads, gazing at the beautiful cascades of color. I can actually look forward to teh omenous winter - the only saving grace being that I won't be alone snuggled up with a steaming frothy mug of hot cocoa.

Nostalgia has its place; its reign; its comforts. Thoughts of old friends and lost friendships creep in and damper the soul a touch. The urge to pick up the phone and entertain a long conversation revolving solely around flannel shirts is nearly insatiable. People - like the seasons - change. We can only embrace the beauty that promises to unveil itself in the season to come.