Finally, FALL!

No, my area doesn't look like this, yet!

Early fall has started to sweep into my life.  This is part of why I wanted to move to Maine, I wanted to try out their famous fall weather.  What surprises me is how many of the locals are not only indifferent to the scenery but hate the fall season.  Those Mainers are officially dubbed as being crazy in my book!  But I'm a bit crazy as well and today you are welcome to come in and find out a bit about that side of me!  I am a woman filled with rituals and with fall being my favorite season it is overflowing with 'firsts' and fun little things that get me into the spirit.

The first official sign of Fall is when one tree, any tree decides to give it up overnight and change colors.  The darkening of a few leaves just won't do it for me.  I want something bold and dramatic.  Something that screams Fall every time that I walk by.  This started in college and is now one of my favorite traditions.  This year it was a little spindly tree, not that remarkable except for how early and quickly it turned from deep green to an almost blood red.  This happened over three weeks ago and the other trees in the area are just starting to catch up!

I love Woodwicks!

The second step is my candles.  I put away all of the Mango Breeze, Melon Madness, and bright summer scents.  Then comes out the wonderful smokey and dark fall candles.  Cider is always a favorite but other scents include Bonfire, Gingerbread, and almost anything with Cinnamon or Nutmeg.

Next I like to set out my handmade gloves, hats, scarves and coats.  I've always known that I'm not a 'shoes' kind of girl.  I usually buy one or two pairs a year and only if my sneakers and hiking shoes from last year have given out.  What I am instead, is a coat girl!  I own at least 5 coats, multiple sweatshirts, and more jackets than pairs of pants!  Now is the time to dust them off and pray for those crisp autumn days.

Then there are the cocoas, ciders, wassil, and hot tea drinks!

That apple tasted even better than it looks!

Maine has added a few more exciting things to do.  Apple picking, corn mazes, and leaf peeping (sounds dirty huh?).

Now you can understand why I love seeing that first tree change colors!

What about you guys?  Do you dread this season as the death of the trees and the first sign of winter or do you pack on the mittens and go hiking for that first fall tree?