a note about Fall by: Cayla
The thought of fall approaching makes my heart feel warm. It has always been my favorite time of year. As soon as the leaves start to change I am at peace. At the end of each season, I begin to long for the next season; however, I have never felt this way about fall. I find that fall is when my inspiration and creativity hit the most. There is just something about painting in a candle-lit room with the windows cracked open allowing the crisp fall air to seep in that causes my creativity to flow.
I compare my feelings towards autumn and the changing leaves to the feelings one may have for a long-distance partner. When I’m separated from it, I find myself constantly longing for it. However, when it arrives, I blink and our time together is over. As the tones of the trees turn to reds, yellows, and oranges, I am filled with joy. Long car rides feel shorter because I can spend the time staring out my car window taking in all the colors.
Burgundy, sunset orange, golden yellows, and dark greens are the colors I dream of when it comes time for fall. 3/4ths of my closet is filled with these colors and not to mention my extensive sweater collection. You could say my love for these sweaters and layering clothing is a bit of an obsession. Although, I would consider it more of a hobby. Nothing makes me happier than putting on a bulky- I'll say somewhat ugly- sweater that surrounds me like a warm hug from an old friend. My favorite sweater changes frequently, at the moment it is a grey and red patterned sweater that fits more like a dress than a shirt. However, I would say it sums up my collection pretty well.
Being outside has always made me feel free. I grew up in the country, and I've never felt more myself than when I'm outside. Although I also love summer, I tend to spend most of my summer inside avoiding the Missouri heat. Fall is when I find myself outside the most. Whether that’s strolling through pumpkin patches, sharing laughs around a crackling bonfire, or simply finding a peaceful moment to myself, with my dogs, on my back patio. The abundance of these little joys during fall sustains me through the upcoming solitude of winter. While many of us are no stranger to the impact of the seasons on our emotional well-being, there is something about this time of year that feels safe.
Fall is where my heart is, it’s a long-awaited embrace. It makes me feel full, vibrant and gives me a space to let my creativity run free. While the rest of the world continues to change with the seasons, you can find me here in a perpetual fall.
Photo credit: Ali Happer