Autumn's First Blush

"A solitary maple on a woodside flames in single scarlet, recalls nothing so much as the daughter of a noble house dressed for a fancy ball, with the whole family gathered around to admire her before she goes."- Henry James

I memorized that quote in high school and have always since looked for the first blazing leaf of Autumn. Henry James paints quite a portrait, doesn't he? Whenever I spot that first changing leaf, I see a princess surrounded by her admiring family.

The official start of the burnt orange season is still a week away, but already she blushes at the thought of her entrance. My favorite time of the year: the leaf-kicking, hot apple cider sipping, Harvest moon gazing, woodsmoke scented, frosty mornings, cozy quilted time to which I eternally look forward.

I am so happy that John and I decided to take some vacation time in the Fall instead of the traditional Summer respite. Intentionally we've decided not to make any big plans; just let ourselves follow the colorful trail of leaves where ever it desires to lead us.

Autumn has changed us into a pair of wayward gypsies.