Something different

There's a distinct, albeit fleeting hint of fall in the air this morning. Some cooler, drier, muskier scent is permeating the soft breeze. And almost as imperceptible... are the thoughts, smells, memories this triggers in the recesses of my mind. I am 7 years old again... 8, 10... heading to school with my new shoes, new clothes that still smell like Target. A fresh sack lunch filled with exciting goodies, new plastic rulers, notebooks, erasers and ohhh that smell of brand new sharpened pencils! The exciting, nervous feeling on the first day of school... new friends, lots of friends, trying to hold yourself still and keep focused for the sake of your wonderful teacher, the sweet all-powerful woman you don't want to disappoint. I can even recall the smell, the feel in my 2nd grade classroom... the dark burnt orange carpet, gray walls, low flickering florescent lighting. That feeling of being surrounded by friends, of learning, always always doing my best... and the sweet smell of fall trees in the cool, dry, musky air.

Another fall is on its way.... :)