Autumn Spirit

The best time to live in a small town is in autumn. Every year when the season comes along, it reminds me of how beautiful my little southern hometown really is. How is autumn beautiful? Everything is dying around us, right? There is so much more to it than that.

The first sign of the fall season is the changing colors. Seemingly instant, tree leaves light up in hues of red, orange, and yellow. The second sign is the first morning you walk outside and get hit with the relief of the cold, crisp autumn air. Finally, the summer heat wave is over. You hurry back into your house to grab your jacket. Weather in this season is just about perfect. The third sign is waking up in the morning and realizing that it is not morning at all. Morning means that there is light. Morning means that there is warmth. Nevertheless, it is morning.

My personal favorite part of the season is watching the children play outside. Grasping desperately, they try holding on to the last bit of summer warmth. Listen as they make dry, crinkled leaves crack under their feet. Watch their soft hair blow in the wind as they take in the final moments of freedom. Feel their innocent spirits reaching out to feel the last ray of sun that day.

True beauty is not hard to find. Simply look around you. Then again, don't just look with your eyes. Listen to the laughter of children as they crash into craftily constructed piles of leaves. Take in the sweet autumn aromas. Indulge in seasonal treats by topping off a scrumptious slice of pumpkin pie with whipped cream. Invite the comforting cotton materials of soft, warm sweaters to your wardrobe. It is as simple as that. Beauty can even be found without leaving the very comforts of your own front door.