sweet taste of autumn...

September 1st, my favorite day of the year... This day has always marked the first day of Autumn for me, regardless of what the calendar says. It signifies second chances and new beginnings, a time to refresh and renew, to start over and accomplish things that I've put off all year for one reason or another. Maybe it was too hot or cold, too busy or stressful... But with Autumn comes deep breaths, complete with exhalation, something I always forget to do until now. A new energy that the rest of the year always seems to be lacking for me.

Ah, the yummy scents of homecooked meals, and treats that only show up on the table at this time of year. Fresh baked breads, all day simmered soups and chili, pumpkin pies and spice breads, just a few of my favorite things...

Preparations begin for our winter-long hibernation, but in the meantime there are no excuses not to get out and truly enjoy the cooler weather, even if only from the front porch with a cup of hot coffee or tea, as soon enough we won't have this luxury.

I hope that this season you will all find something fun to do that gets you out of the house for a while to enjoy the wonderful weather and happenings of Fall. Maybe you'll visit a farmer's market, an Autumn festival, or just take a walk in your own neighborhood to discover something you hadn't noticed before. We are lucky enough to live within an hours drive of a candle factory and love to take a drive up there to pick up new candle tarts in delicious scents like french toast, hot apple pie, harvest....

Enjoy the company of family and friends, if you are lucky enough to live close to each other, or sit down and write a nice letter to catch up with a loved one who lives far away.

Whatever you choose to do this Fall, have fun and enjoy!