Viewpoints Editor Janie Ripps watches the autumn sunset. The fall season has played a significant role in Ripps’ life, bringing the start of a new school year and offering time to celebrate with family. “Before I knew it, you had taken away the hot and humid summer days that I had been living in for a million years and your smell of cinnamon began filling the air. Your cold breeze rippled through the trees and I pulled out my favorite sweaters from storage just for you,” Ripps wrote. Illustration by Eleanor Robinson
Viewpoints Editor Janie Ripps writes a letter to fall expressing the love she has for the season.
Dear fall,
I noticed the moment when your leaves began turning orange and I could feel my heart flutter. How is it already that time of year again?
Before I knew it, you took away the hot and humid summer days that I had been living in for a million years and your cinnamon smell began filling the air. Your cold breeze rippled through the trees and I pulled out my favorite sweaters from storage just for you.
When it finally gets cold enough in the mornings for my breath to fog and a chill lingers even in the afternoon, that is when I know you are here to stay for a while. And when I think of you, I’m flooded with memories.
When you’re with me, the sun rises and sets at the perfect time and the hot and cold weather find a balance. There is a sense of equilibrium and happiness, and spookiness is in the air, but the constant you have in my life doesn’t scare me.
I think of pumpkin bread and knitted sweaters. I think of Ugg boots and apple cider.
The orange and yellow of your aura brings joy and, for as long as I can remember, your arrival has brought fresh starts and new beginnings.
Viewpoints Editor Janie Ripps smiles with her sisters Natalie and Olivia (from left to right) in Nov. 2010. Throughout Ripps’ life, autumn has been a time to enjoy with family and friends. “From picking out Halloween costumes with friends to gathering with my family for turkey and sweet potatoes, you also bring happy holidays,” Ripps wrote. Photo courtesy of Kim Ripps
Even before the calendar hits Sept. 22, I already feel you here. When the start of the school year approaches, you bring a time for me to refresh and reboot.
From picking out Halloween costumes with friends to gathering with my family for turkey and sweet potatoes, you also bring happy holidays.
When you’re with me, the sun rises and sets at the perfect time and the hot and cold weather find a balance. There is a sense of equilibrium and happiness, and spookiness is in the air, but the constant you have in my life doesn’t scare me.
To my fall, the months of September, October and November will always hold a special place in my heart. Please stay with me for a while.
Sincerely,
Janie Ripps
