Pumpkins, spice, and overload?
Just a minute...I need a smile here.
Pumpkin spice is everywhere during this time of year. It’s in milkshakes, coffee, lattes, eggnog, cupcakes, muffins, pies, breads….it’s even in your creamer! It’s easy to say in this lovely fall season that we’re suffering from pumpkin spice overload. But take heart, this can be overcome! Lol-ok, ok, so it’s not that bad, but I thought you’d get a chuckle (and a smile) over it! Instead of grudging the thought of more pumpkin spice anything during this beautiful fall season, think instead of the other loveliness’s of the season. Is that even a word? lol. Some of my absolute favorite things in this, my most favored season of autumn is, wait for it…………………….AUTUMN! Ha, ha, and you thought I was gonna say pumpkins, didn’t you? Nope.
Although I DO love a good pumpkin. After all, who doesn’t love the round, firm, yet ever manipulated bumpy sphere of goodness, I can honestly say that the pumpkin is not my favorite part of autumn. Don’t cry my little pumpkin lovers, I still love a good pumpkin! (The orange decoration of it is great). It’s just there’s so much MORE to the autumn season that’s even greater, which overshadows the lovely pumpkin. Such as the crisp, cooler air (here in the Midwest), and in the northern part of the country. The changing of the leaves with their bright oranges, reds, and yellows, especially in the northern states like Maine, Michigan, Wisconsin, Minnesota, and more. The ever falling leaves to rake into piles for the kids (and dog) to jump into. Which by the way, fun fact, makes the BEST organic mulch ever! Two thumbs up for nature doing double duty! Here’s another fun fact to save you labor. Did you know that a shop-vac makes a great leaf vacuum, and it saves your back? You’re so welcome!
Lest we forget that autumn is also the ultimate PIE season. Oh my! How do I choose one pie from another as my favorite? I just CAN’T! So now I have a delicious phrase, all my own. And here it is:
“I never met a pie I didn’t love!”
To be sure, there are some pies that don’t rank very high on my list, but, I would still eat them of course. After all, it’s pie! I must confess I’m not a cookie, cake, or other sweets person. But a slice of freshly baked, warm from the oven pie and a cup of coffee or tea, and I am so there! The pie is definitely one of my all time favorite reasons for autumn, or fall season, whatever name you go by.
The cooler air also means easier breathing, plus not sweating to death trying to talk a simple walk outside. There’s night bonfires (in cooler temps) where you roast mallows, hotdogs, or even eat a S’more or two. Camping also is much better than in the summer, as the cooler nights mean no need for a fan in a tent!
Another one of my favorite things about autumn is the warmer clothing. I adore a good sweatshirt, flannel shirt or long sleeve shirt. They feel like a good snuggle all day while you wear them. This is definitely a reason to make me smile this season!
So what’s your favorite things about autumn, or fall season? Do you have special things you do, or places you go during this season only? Put it in the comments, as I’d love to hear what makes fall special to you. No worries, I won’t take points off even if you do say it’s pumpkin lattes!
I was just in Trader Joe’s yesterday. The amount of pumpkin items loaded in the store is incredible! It would be a great place to take a French tourist. French people don’t really do pumpkin. A nice Trader Joe employee (Trader Joe employees are always nice) suggested I try their pumpkin samosas. So, I bought some out of curiosity. Trader Joe’s has certainly embraced tte concept of fusion cuisine.
Thanks for sharing your essay. I liked your choice of topic. Maybe I’ll write my own pumpkin story.
Yes, it's that time of year again! My favorite seasonal pumpkin treat is the Pumpkin Smash drink at Jamba Juice. Starting from mid-September until they run out of the ingredients (usually sometime in early December), I just can't get enough of them!