For me, autumn evokes more strong emotions than any other season. Most of my life has been tied to the academic calendar, first as a student then later as an educator. Some see fall as a sign of endings, but it seems like a time of beginnings. Not just for school, but for other groups and activities that tend to take the summer off. Every performing group in which I’ve participated started its new season in the fall.
Then there’s the raft of activities from August to the start of the new year – football games, tailgates, fall festivals, Oktoberfest, Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas – it seems like a constant stream of parties and holidays. I’ve referred to this as the Season of Gluttony.
The beauty of the leaves and the cooler weather just bring back a flood of memories of good times. It makes me want to go for a long hike in the woods, wake up early and go paddling, explore the mountains, and sit out by a fire with friends in the increasing hours of evening.
I don’t want it to be forever autumn. We need the other seasons to make autumn feel special. But it will always bring out special feelings.