Noticing Fall

I’ve always loved the change in seasons. Granted, living in Florida doesn’t give us the dramatic shifts other places have (we basically go from hot to slightly less hot), but still - this time of year is my favorite. This morning reminded me of that in the best way.

Here’s my theory: while the calendar says a new year starts in January, the real new year begins in August. Think about it—school starts back up, you’ve got fresh notebooks, new shoes, maybe even a new routine. There’s something about it that feels like a reset button.

Then, before you know it, September rolls in. The days get a little shorter, the mornings a little cooler. One evening you notice the sun slipping away earlier, and the next morning you realize your alarm is going off before the sun even peeks through the curtains. The air feels lighter, the birds sound happier, and everything has this “fresh start” energy.

And then, of course, there’s the fun stuff: pumpkin spice everything, football games, mums on the porch, light sweaters, booties, bonfires, evening drives with the windows down. Even the sunlight feels different—like it’s been dipped in gold.

By the time October hits, the fall vibes are in full swing. Halloween decorations pop up everywhere, candy aisles are packed, family holiday plans start getting tossed around. And let’s not forget the fair. I know people have mixed feelings about it, but I absolutely love it. There’s just something about wandering the midway with a corndog, watching the neon lights flicker in the cool evening air, and even daring to get on one of those questionably assembled rides. It’s chaotic, sweet, and - believe it or not - kind of romantic.

Then November arrives and things slow down a little. It’s hunting season for some, hiking and camping for others. For me, it’s about Thanksgiving—gathering with family, eating too much turkey and pumpkin pie, and enjoying a holiday that’s about food and togetherness instead of gifts. It’s the last breath of fall before the Christmas rush kicks in.

So yeah, maybe Florida doesn’t get the same kind of fall other states do, but it’s still here if you know where to look. Golden sunsets, crisp(ish) air, porch naps, and cozy evenings. You just have to notice.

Have you noticed all the good things of fall?

~ Ditto Kiddo