Simple Seasonal Surprises

A guest post by Marci Jefferson*

When I was a child in the south I looked forward to autumn’s cooler days and the evening smell of burning leaves. Our landscape burst into kaleidoscope golds and reds, and woodsy roadways we traveled every day became colorful tunnels. I’ll never forget the plump round perfection of a giant pumpkin my grandfather brought home one year. Or looking forward to dressing up as something other than yourself every Halloween.

Now I live in the midwest and, though much of the land is preparing for rest, the farmers markets are still full of the last harvests. I’ve been stocking up on dried herbs for a winter’s-worth of savory stews and indulging in Pumpkin Spice Lattes. I’ve also been working with my kids to get their trick-or-treat costumes together. They seem to love this time of year, too. To see my son’s eyes brighten at his first sip of hot cider this season surprised me. And my daughter’s comfort as she cozied into a big fleece scarf by our bonfire this weekend filled me with a nostalgic joy I didn’t expect.

Why is fall wonderful? Not just because leaf piles are such fun. Maybe it’s the coming together against the chill. Does the brisk air just invigorate us after the heat and rush of summer? I’m not certain, but I’m thankful for the sense of calm and renewal it always seems to bring. I’m especially thankful to see my children enjoy one of nature’s many gifts.

*By way of introduction: Marci Jefferson is my friend, critique partner, and “house sister” – since her debut novel, THE DUCHESS OF RICHMOND, was recently purchased by St. Martin’s Press for publication in 2014. You’re going to be seeing a LOT more of Marci!

6 thoughts on “Simple Seasonal Surprises

  • October 15, 2012 at 11:54 am
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    Thanks for having me today, “sister” Susan! Blogless as I am, it’s nice to be able to express myself at your home-on-the web! I’m curious whether your readers are fans of the fall season? What does everyone else like about autumn?

  • October 15, 2012 at 12:31 pm
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    Thanks for guest posting Marci! It’s great to host you here at the blog and I’m looking forward to seeing your future posts!

  • October 15, 2012 at 1:23 pm
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    Lovely post, Marci. Fall is my fav in every way. The warm clothes, the colors, the smells, the foods. But my favorite part, shocker, is all the witchy activities. Muahahahah. Great post! 🙂 I look forward to more.

  • October 15, 2012 at 3:58 pm
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    I’m another autumn fan. It’s the one season I really miss here in Northern California. Our anemic fall is nothing like the ones I experienced growing up. The area is so rain-starved by October that everything is dry and brown and shriveled. The foliage does seem more colorful in November now than when we moved here twenty years ago–I think many of the East Coast/Midwest transplants have planted deciduous trees to remind them of home. Would love a weekend drive through New England, though!

  • October 16, 2012 at 8:54 am
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    Oh Marci! What a lovely, sensual article about fall. You know, in the south, we rarely get to experience a true fall. When it happens, I carry it with me all through the rest of the year. It’s my absolute favorite season, and you captured it’s essence so, so well. Wonderful!

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