Catching Up

I have been a bit of a slacker with posting my "September Favorites." Part of the problem was that my computer crashed and oddly enough it may take 30 days to create a habit but it certainly only takes one or two to destroy it. So here I am trying to catch up. I think some of these shots are worth the wait though...

Why I love September Reason #5:

The weather is perfect for biking in the mountains. That would be a picture of us driving down the mountain with our lovely two wheeled companions hitching a ride on the back.

Why I love September Reason#6:

Things that look drab from a distance are actually quite interesting and beautiful up close. I found these lovely "weeds" on the side of the road and I couldn't get enough of their shape and color.

My roommate and I were talking about how sometimes the weeds in Utah are kind of like people. We think we know someone, perhaps we even pass judgement on them as someone who will never amount to much or whatever. Then you get to know them and realize just how extraordinary they are, how brilliant their spirit shines when someone believes in them and loves them for who they are. I love things like that because I have a lot of "drab from a distance" qualities. I always enjoy the moment when that surprising discovery presents itself whether it's someone I come to know better or someone that discovers something likeable about me.

Why I love September Reason #7:

Fall Leaves. As I mentioned in a previous post. I am a fanatic about the fall leaves. I can't get enough of them! Look at that blazing color!

Why I love September Reason #8:

Dahlias. I see this marvelous sight every morning on my jogging route. I never get tired of rounding the corner and coming upon these cheerful, bright, packed in color flowers.

Once Upon a Time...

When I was still in school, I used to dream about the days when I could come home and read whatever I wanted. I just knew I'd relish the moment I could delve into The Arabian Nights without having to think too much about plot and characters and symbols, etc. Imagine reading for pure pleasure! That is what I thought and now it is my reality.

One thing I especially love about this time of year is that I can curl up on my bed and read with the window open. Inviting in all that cool air wrapped up in the quiet murmur of crickets is so calming. Soft light and the night time hum are two of my favorite parts of the evening. It is soothing to the soul. Now that the air has cooled I can sleep with my window open all night long. There is something refreshing about breathing cool, crisp, quiet, fall air. I always sleep a little better when there is a little bite to the temperature outside.

Last night I read for a little while and then when I got tired I turned off all the lights and just sat there listening. Eventually I curled my feet over the edge of the bed and peered out the window, down into the reeds, my eyes curling along the banks of the skinny little stream that cuts across our backyard. I took a deep breath and imagined how I remember September smelling. I remember the air being fresh, with a little bit of earthiness mixed in. I remember the smell of campfires, old leaves, and the first few rainstorms of fall washing the summer dust back into the ground. It was kind of a nice contemplative moment. Although I am still trying to regain my sense of smell I still have my memory and my imagination and I still enjoy the memory.

Why I love September reaon #3: Tonight my window will be open all night long
Why I love September reason #4: Even though I can't smell right now I remember how much I love the smell of fall creeping in on the end of Summer.