Pumpkins and Spice and Everything Nice

There's just something beautiful about the fall. The crisp air, the smell of apple cider and baking pies, the glow of orange pumpkins and changing leaves. I just can't help but love it all! It is a time of year I look forward to. I sincerely anticipate it's coming. Every September, my soul begins itching for the scent of fall. I stare at the trees and eagerly point out every hint of red and yellow I see. I begin dreaming of visits to the farmers market where I can peruse the aisles of prized pumpkins. I buy candles that will make my house smell like a warm pumpkin pie or glass of hot apple cider, even if I am not baking/drinking any. It's the only time of year I actually like the smell of vanilla and am willing to adorn my house with it's faint scent. There's something magical about it for me, because it really does make me feel warm inside. The little girl comes out in me as I happily step on every crunchy leave at my feet.  I eagerly track the fall foliage so I know when the ideal time is to visit the mountains of North Carolina. I begin concocting new recipes to try; what pumpkin flavored dessert can I make this time? It's finally slightly chilly enough to wear my beloved long sleeves and occasionally even worthy of a beef stew or bowl of chili! I can visit every coffee shop and know there will be a pumpkin spiced latte awaiting me there. If I'm lucky, there will even be a chocolate chip pumpkin muffin. What more could a girl ask for?