goodnight moonlight ladies

fall has come to us again. there might not be anything better than fall in the pacific northwest. everything seems to come to life at the same time that things begin to die and go into a time of rest before they resurrect in the spring with bursts color. color... that might be my very favorite part of fall (aside from the rain, smells, cool air, and all the wonderful fall activities, of course). the reds, browns, yellows, oranges, and greens become even brighter together after they have been bathed with fresh rain. perhaps i just feel hopeful in this season because life always seems a little brighter. even as the days get shorter i find myself more and more excited about all the opporunities the night holds.
fall has only been here a short time, and still there are so many things i have done...

eating soup... so much soup, alone and with the best of friends

sitting in front of a fire all day long. i am not sure where i learned how to make such a great fire, but i really know how to make 'em (that's probably a thank-you-dad).

listening to music in a new way because music is just different in the fall.

watching dear movies with dear friends.

making new friends.

fall drinks at starbucks. and being able to make people's day with those drinks.

searching for my scarves and being pleasantly surprised to find them and remember that i gave most of them to people who desperately needed some warmth.

sleeping with three blankets on my bed (i love love love that).

lighting candles that smell like all the wonderful things about the "holiday season."

and i will be honest... fall television online. it's a wonderful thing.

trips into portland and time spent at church, in powells, and wandering around downtown.

positive memories at bridgeport!

i was driving home from work today and i so wished i had my camera with me because as i came around a corner that i come around nearly every day i was met with the most magnificent scene. the hills stood before me as though they had been waiting to put on a show for me all morning. the thick green that characterizes this particular part of the hills has been interrupted by red and orange and yellow, perfectly choreographed as though it had been practiced. they flashed bright in the wet morning rain, lit by sunshine peeking through beautiful foamy clouds. it was the best kind of interruption.