Exactly the kind of autumn I can handle

It was cold this morning, so cold I made Lil E grab a fleece hat on our way out the door. So cold that we've been waffling between wearing our winter coats and adding an extra layer underneath our fall jackets.

It is too chilly for this time of year, I keep saying and thinking as the heat kicks on and I crawl underneath my comforter or turn the faucet so the water in the tub is just a little steamier. And this morning, as I stepped out on to the balcony to test if we would need those hats and coats, I did want to turn right around and go back to bed or at least into the warm comfort of the bath.

But the morning wore on, and later, when I stepped back out on to the balcony, I found the sunshine there. It was warmer and I could see all of the signs of fall that I love emerge. A smattering of red oak leaves seemed to reach out to me from the tree in the yard. The mums on the neighbor's porch below seemed brilliant among the dark green and brown and gold grass and shrubs. It was pleasant, peaceful, even pretty.

I got a cup of coffee, left my coat inside, and sat on my balcony, soaking it all in for a few perfect minutes. This won't last much longer. In fact, the sun is already fading behind gray clouds. And this autumn will become winter all too soon.

But today, I got to stretch my legs and feel a little of the fall I love, caught on my balcony, my bare arms, and right in front of me.

Comments

[viola]

I love your writing, Jess.

[Andarte]

That red leaf is just gorgeous!