The Sound of Drying Leaves



Who remembers this screen background?

It might just be that overcast skies are forecasted for this entire weekend, or it might be the emergence of Halloween decorations already on store shelves, or it could even be the return to school and the smell of musty books that is doing it, but whatever the reason, fall is creeping in.

This time of year always makes my heart race a little bit faster. I love the change in weather, the grey days, the sound of drying leaves shimmy-shaking in the breeze, the smell of apples, and my growing desire to watch kid's Halloween movies (yup, any and all of them...it is a weakness) culminate in my mind to signal the coming autumn. I am already preparing for bonfires, s'mores, horror movies, pumpkin carving, drinking cider on our balcony with blankets, making homemade soup, hayrides, and fall festivals. Since I will have to wait longer for most of those things, for the moment, I am content with a pumpkin spice candle burning on our dining room table.

This last week was back to the books for me. School started on Monday and already my schedule is filled with thesis research, faculty guided readings, office hours, a T.A.ship (which I am loving), and multiple trips to the library. Not to mention my fellow grad students and I redecorating our office in the Art School. All things have been good this week and I am glad to be back in the swing of things.