I've Fall-en For You.

It's that time of year again and already, I am fall-ing hard.

The trees are slowly undressing themselves from their summer bloom, the mornings are becoming crisper, and the scent of heavenly decay is present every time I step outdoors into the beautiful brilliance.

I simply adore autumn. 

Unfortunately, the season here in Alaska is short, and fall colors are only here for about a week. And this year, we have been bombarded with a torrent of continued rainfall, making it rather difficult to enjoy the scenery.

Until today.

I woke to an incredibly clear crispy cold morning (say that ten times) and throughout the day, the sun shone and there was warmth once again.

I've always had a crush on fall.  

Like the end of tourist season, things get quiet. While the start of the spring season accelerates into summer activity, fall is the wind down into winter hibernation. There's this feeling of tranquility, the slower pace and I am reminded again that it isn't the end of summer, but the start of winter. 

Between the pumpkin spice lattes, warmer wardrobe, colored landscapes, and breath of fresh air, it's easy for me to say that I've fall-en for you, my sweet autumn. 

And although your presence here is short, know that you made a memorable impact on one very adoring tall girl... 

Fresh Air.

There's nothing more Alaskan than waking up in the middle of the night to the sound of a family of moose devouring what's left of your summer landscaping. That, plus the sound of moose mating calls.

When I was so rudely awakened, I couldn't help but think "You moose be kidding me."

The signal of summer's end is unfortunately upon us. I must retire my shorts (most of them unworn), my tank tops, my lovely spaghetti strap dresses, and instead transition to the inevitable season's change and my winter wardrobe.

My body is apparently not ready for such a change too, because this past week, I have been a bit under the weather, utilizing every spare minute to nap my cold away.

Leave it to some fresh crisp autumn weather to cure me of my illness though. It took one return to our garden, one hour spent picking the remaining raspberries that the moose hadn't yet trampled (yes, they jumped the fence and went so far as to stomp on my precious berries!) to make me feel better.

So while the change of seasons put me under the weather, at the same time, it cured me too. A reminder of how unpredictable and stubborn Mother Nature can be, but generous and healing as well.