Autumn is here! Chilly breezes make the colorful leaves swirl to the ground. It’s getting darker earlier in the evenings and cozying up under a warm blanket with a good book and a hot cup of tea sounds perfect. A backyard campfire with s'mores and a crackling fire in the family room fireplace are two of my favorite things about this season.

Some late summer blooms are sticking around, like the cheerful zinnias, begonias and impatiens. Orange, white and green pumpkins grace front porches and hearths.

It’s apple season and I can’t wait to make an apple crumble and drink large amounts of apple cider. I’m starting to crave steamy bowls of soup and chili. I’ll pass on the pumpkin spice latte but give me a pumpkin spice waffle!

I’ve filled my window boxes with pansies. The cicadas have given way to the sweet sound of crickets and the cherry tree’s leaves are beginning to turn from green to yellow. Welcome autumn, welcome.

“The falling leaves drift by the window. The autumn leaves of red and gold.

-Nat King Cole

I see it as storytelling. I love photography and writing. Partly, it’s a platform for self-expression and a way to eventually work from home but it’s largely about making good memories; whether it’s in the home, traveling, making a delicious meal, baking a sweet treat, painting a positive image or capturing something with photography. They’re all opportunities to make new, lasting memories. In today’s world, although so much of it is still wonderful and lovely, some of it is troubling, sad or frightening. Anything we can do to spread some positivity and comfort is welcome and a chance for our loved ones and friends to draw on those memories when we’re not physically with them one day. Here’s to making amazing memories and creativity!