Here we are again

It’s officially fall and, as if someone flicked a switch, summer has sprinted off, high-fiving the next season on its way out (“Go get ’em!”). You can feel the shift in the air. For some, it brings dread—cooler temperatures, dreary skies, and relentless rain. We’ve already endured a few days of it pelting down, and there’s undoubtedly more to come. Can’t wait!

Cozy Nights & Fiery Leaves

That aside, I happen to love fall. Who doesn’t love hunkering down on a chilly night? The rain becomes the perfect backdrop for quiet time indoors. Even the wine seems to taste better.

And then there’s nature’s artwork. The leaves are turning gorgeous shades of fire-red, bright gold, and burnt orange. It’s a stunning display—one of the season’s greatest gifts.

Pumpkin Spice & Halloween Hype

As for Halloween, there probably won’t be any trick or treaters, masks on masks? Thankfully, saving me from gorging on those bite-sized treats.

Hey, but Pumpkin Spice Lattes are in full swing. I don’t understand this craze, but enjoy them while they’re here! And while we’re on the topic, have you heard that pumpkin spice might become the new Kraft Dinner flavour? Seriously…have we gone mad?

COVID isn’t going away

It will be interesting to see how we manage another season with COVID. It’s like an unwelcome guest that simply won’t leave. There were definite mistakes made during the summer. Large gatherings created anything but a flat curve. It’s embarrassing to think we can’t follow basic guidelines—we’re behaving like children.

I hope we’ve learned from those mistakes and made the necessary improvements. Perhaps we could try behaving like adults instead? Fingers crossed.

In the meantime, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has said that families likely wouldn’t be able to gather for Thanksgiving, though it’s “not the time to give up on Christmas quite yet.” Who’s giving up?! I can live without Thanksgiving, but yikes—please don’t take Christmas away.

Are we living in our worst nightmare—or some kind of How the Grinch Stole Christmas! reality? Seriously?

We need to suck it up, take COVID seriously, and do our part—wear masks, social distance, and think long term. I know, it’s a pain. But it’s short-term discomfort for long-term gain. It really is that simple.

FASHION

Fall wouldn’t be fall without mentioning fashion. After all, it’s my favourite season for style.

With that comes tradition—like reading my favourite magazine, the fashion bible, better known as Vogue. For its September 2020 issue, American Vogue invited artists Kerry James Marshall and Jordan Casteel to create paintings for the cover—a rare and noteworthy move.

I love getting lost in its pages—yes, even the ads. Do we really care? Not at all. It’s about tuning out the world (because, let’s be honest, it’s gone a little sideways) and indulging in a bit of instant gratification. Sometimes, it’s perfectly fine to escape into what makes us happy.

Dare I mention November 3, 2020, and the US election? Nah! That’s a later conversation. The world will be watching. I know I’ll be on pins and needles, stay tuned!