It's still summer, but that 'feeling' is already starting.... I don't know if I ever feel more alive than when I'm foraging in Fall weather. I suspect that winter helps boost this feeling, knowing that the plants will be gone soon & you have to get by on whatever you've put away. But the scents, the cool air, those earthy colors from the leaves & plants, the lack of mosquitoes:) Fall in my humble opinion is the most mystical, magical & offers such a rich state of 'being' that it's hard to put words to. It's such an enjoyable time to BE in your body: no oppressive heat, no frozen tundra to deal with, aromatic scents from spices, leaves, plants dying back, fall flowers. The colors! The leaves of course, but also the purple & yellow of the New England Aster & Goldenrod flowers, the bright squashes & red apples. I mean don't get me started on apples:) I make a sourdough pie crust & love to fill blobs of it with apple pie filling - dear god in heaven do these things make life worth living. Plus having an apple tree or a good stash of apples for the winter feels very good - it brings a safety that maybe isn't necessary in today's industrialized world, but I'll take it. I love the scent of the decaying leaves, the black walnut husks (fall is not complete without this scent!), cinnamon & spices and all the fall drinks & treats. Sweatshirt weather! I've never been a fan of 'wearing less clothing' & prefer to be covered, so fall is pretty compatible with that. So for me, August is the beginning of fall & I for one am happy to be done with the oppressive heat of summer. I am already starting to hear the crickets, which signals my body to begin thinking about all the things I would like to gather (most importantly: horse chestnuts, black walnuts & osage orange:)). Take a minute and savor this richness when it comes, if you feel called to. In this technological time, nature is an absolute gift to helping us root into our bodies & feel more alive.