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November 15, 2014

South Lake Tahoe

I spent the first weekend of November in South Lake Tahoe. On the drive in, the first streak of forest was covered in snow, but after a few miles there were more trees hanging onto their leaves than not, and the stark white was replaced by shades of yellow, orange, and red. The beaches were tolerably cold and empty. I took out my sturdy black wellingtons for the first time this season, repeatedly wearing them into the freezing cold water because it’s fun to feel like I can’t feel a thing. The clocks turned back to standard time that Sunday, so I came home to find that the sky turns pitch-black at 5:00 pm, but I like that the morning gets its sun back. I’ve begun drinking a cup of strong black coffee every morning, a very new habit, and sipping away in that extra bit of light makes for a new routine that may outlive fall.

September 30, 2014

Fall

Fall, you’re already here. I feel like I just dropped my arm from waving farewell to August. September has been a stressful blur. For the past two years, I had a job that I did not like very much. I will leave it at that, not only because that line may be the best summary I’ve ever written, but also because the details may threaten my best attempt to keep it classy. After this month’s twists and turns, I have a new job lined up, and I am excited to begin rearranging the pieces of my life in the way that a new chapter requires.

I did read Salinger throughout the month as planned, though a bit sporadically. Let’s be real, life can get in the way of reading. But the benefit of short stories is that they accommodate sporadic reading, so I was able to get through many of those Salinger stories that I had never read before. I look forward to squeezing some reflections into October. I am also eager to get back on track with the books that were lost in the shuffle of this busy month. Good thing we’ve begun the season perfectly suited for some serious reading sessions.

August 31, 2014

Farewell, August

I need a field guide to summer, because as I bid farewell to August, I’m unsure as to whether I navigated the season’s terrain very well. I hope so. Sure, summer is indeed alive until September 22, but I consider the sale of school supplies to be the harbinger of fall. I also happen to live across the street from an elementary school, and I assure you that most of those kids would agree that summer has ended. The good news is that here in the Bay Area, September proves itself to be the warmest of months, so the weather won’t prevent my implementing any last-minute plans.

August included a backpacking trip through the Eastern Sierras, a hot air balloon ride, a new Everlane dress (above), Yo-Yo Ma in concert, a resolution to start running, and currently, a visit from my beautiful mother. Farewell, August. Sending good vibes as we begin the final chapters of 2014.