It's back, and I'm lovin' it.

I realize I might have laid the 'oh I'm grieving the end of summer' on pretty thick, so let me take a moment just to say:

I love fall too.

Fall, you see, is a return to routine. And, though my 'adaptability' gene sometimes causes me to freak out when planning a schedule, my equally present 'nerd' gene gets weirdly excited about it:

Welcome to my week.

Because in routine, you know what to expect. You feel a bit taken care of, because you don't have to worry about what happens when. And you recognize the beauty of your extremely full but spontaneous summer season even more fully, when you're put safely into the arms of stark contrast.

Plus, you discover that even though fall is less spontaneous, it's still full of things to open your lungs and breathe in.

Things like early morning walks,

and recognizing that your valley is one of pristine grace.

Things like feeling a part of an on-going story, a reality you are reminded of one morning when, completely unexpectedly, you are joined on your journey by a friend:

Riding on my sleeve, this guy took in my view, 

all the way from Orchard Park to Fairmount.

[He even tolerated my excessive picture taking.]

Even the return of Dissertation Days is a reminder of beauty, 

because I get to work in the comfort of my house [which I love], 

where the beverages are plentiful [and, free. Sort of.]

I spend the day walking around my house, my head buzzing with ideas, thanking God [for He is abundant in His acknowledgement of who He has created me to be].  

And then, this particular Fall is characterized by a new season with a new housemate,

and all the treasure that comes with learning how to live life, together.

Whether it be over dinner [and goat cheese!]

or while welcoming random guests [Hello?],

beauty is everywhere, because Fall is back.

And indeed--I am loving it.