Into the Fall.

I love fall and winter. It brings out the comforting side of me (not hard to do, though): warm simmering stews, knitting up comfort in wool, games with my kids by the fire, books read in candlelight, and visions of the holidays...

Isn't fall beautiful with its fractal golden light and crisp air? 

In the past, I maintained certain fall rituals:   back-to-school routines, an annual birthday trip with my Mom, Halloween preparations, and then Thanksgiving with family...

My traditions are malleable right now: catching bits of my past and reaching for new ones, as well. What does it mean to enter into the holidays as an officially divorced family full of transition? What new traditions will we rejoice in? What do the holidays mean to 'tween aged children? Though I mourn the past still, I also look forward to new beginnings with new opportunities and my own positive outlook on life...