Falling Into a Bucket

I know that summer is still lingering and that many of you who read this are willing the seasons not to change. It's always a little hard to see things go, change of any kind is difficult for me, but when the change is from summer to fall, I'm usually pretty onboard. This year is no exception. Fall is my favorite season, so to cheer all of you up who want summer to stay forever, I thought I'd share some of my fall bucket list. Please feel free to borrow from it as you like.

1. Leaves

I might not be a very outdoorsy person, but I love leaves, collecting them on walks and dipping them in wax to preserves their vibrant colors. Fall is also one of my favorite time to take pictures or have pictures taken (in leaves, around leaves, under leaves). They are fun to throw and roll around in and play with.  I love the crunch, too.

2. Picking apples at Green Bluff.

We have a wonderful orchardy area here in the Apple state which just happens to be a hop, skip and a jump from me. You can pick all kinds of produce there and sample delicious concoctions having to do with apples in all forms. I love apple picking up there in the sunlight, usually there is a lot of laughter, and yes, pictures. If you're in the area, I also recommend the pumpkin season. So much fun, especially with kids. Oh, and the corn maze. You just can't go wrong there getting lost with someone you like. (Yes, I do really get lost).

3. Going to the Fair

It's been a bit of a tradition for my family since we moved to Spokane. My brother and I used to enter things quite regularly. I went out with a bang right before I turned 18, making a full-length satin dressing gown modeled after one Myrna Loy wore in After the Thin Man. I still love looking at all of the things people have created, checking out the animals, watching the racing pigs (still getting over the fact that I once won the pig-mascot naming competition with Francis Bacon) and walking the midway into the evening. Before I go to the fair, I like to re-watch State Fair, paying special attention to the judging of the pickle competition. If you're a fan of old movies, or just looking for a hoot, give it a watch.

4. Dress up as something

I'm not a big fan of Halloween. My family spent many happy October 31st's in our dark basement watching movies and eating popcorn. However, I love to dress up and I'd like to find a time to do it this season.

5. Get a deal on Black Friday.

My mom and I have a tradition of trying to finish our Christmas shopping the day after Thanksgiving. It's hard core. Not stay up till midnight and be finished by 3AM hardcore, but still hardcore.

6. Read a Book Outside.

As the bugs die down (literally) and the air gets just a little cooler I like to take a book (and a warm blanket) to the park or my backyard and read in the sunshine. Sometimes simple pleasures are the best, don't you think?

7. Swing.

Swinging has always been a delight to me. I still visit my own swing at Manito Park when I need to think or be alone or pray or process. Sometimes I take people with me and we swing together. Sometimes I take my ipod and swing to music. Either way, fall is the perfect time.

8. Drink unfiltered apple cider.

I like to put cinnamon or cayenne pepper in it if I'm warming it up, but I really like it best cold. It's like drinking a liquid apple.

9. Make Homeade Soup.

Nothing is better on a cold day than a bowl of soup and a hunk of bread.

10. Ride on a Leaf Train.

There is an amazing train ride (we all know how wild I am about trains) which the Lion's Club puts on. You ride a vintage train for about 90 minutes and look at the fall colors. Best idea ever.

11. Sip a Pumpkin Spice Latte.

I realize that the Pumpkin Spice Latte is designed by Starbucks especially for people like me who romanticize and revel in fall. I love it anyway. There is something delightful in the taste and it makes me want to write a poem. Every time. They are good iced, too. On Pinterest, this summer, I found a do-it-yourself recipe. While this may not be a replacement for the Starbucks classic, I think it's worth a try.

What are you looking forward to or wanting to try this autumn?