At the risk of sounding like a humble braggart, the one thing that kind of bums me out about SoCal is the relative lack of seasons. I’m a Midwest-girl and I know that I am really going to be missing my absolute favorite season of all: Fall.

I love everything about Fall: the crisp snap in the  air, the crunch of leaves under your feet,  that smell that just means “Fall is here!” When I was in Wisconsin, I was lamenting to my friend, Tamara, about how I am really missing the idea of Fall. Her suggestion was simple, “Bring in the Fall!” And for me, that means the scents of fall.

Our olfactory sense is so powerful that just simple smells can evoke an emotional response. I mean, think about it: have you ever smelled the perfume that your mother or grandmother wore and immediately thought of her? Or maybe it’s the smell of the Stove-Top Brand of stuffing that reminds you of Family Dinners? Or what about the clover smell of Grandpa’s Pipe?

Smell= experiences=memories

I know that it’s still pretty early in the season (after all, it’s only August) but I have already been burning my Hot Apple Pie and Spiced Cider Candles. I love walking around our apartment and being enveloped by a hug of apple, cinnamon and cloves. As we move through the season, I’ll bring in the Fall Decorations (especially the Halloween ones!) because while there are a few deciduous trees here, I will be missing the beautiful fall colors caused by the temperature change. If it wouldn’t kill our energy bill, I’d even consider cranking our A/C up just so I could justify wearing my Wool Sweaters and skirts!

Trips to the Pumpkin Farm and Hay Rides might not have the same feel here as in the Midwest, but there is no reason that they still can’t be fun! After all, a huge part of the experience is who you are making the memory with. One goal of mine for the Fall is to find a Pumpkin Farm that has NOT just been set up in the parking lot of the local CVS, even if it means driving a bit. It would be easy to complain and lament about the lack of Fall, but what good would that do? Better to be proactive and make the best of everything!

I love our new (adopted) state (except for maybe how State Money is spent, *snark*) but I will always miss Fall in the Midwest.

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What is your favorite season? How do you bring it into your home?

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