Quicker than the blink of an eye, the season changed from an exotic Indian summer to a cool, crisp autumn. This gray day that sits on my shoulders and robs my motivation making it nearly impossible to focus on work. I am battling with myself to sit up straight in the desk chair that has enveloped me like the chrysalis of a caterpillar. Although, I don’t feel like I will emerge from my office today looking like a beautiful butterfly.

I don't mean to sound negative because fall is my favorite season; however, the rapid transition sometimes catches me off guard. Many people concur that a main reason for living in the Midwest is to enjoy the beauty of the four seasons. We withstand the frigid winter as a trade off for the natural splendor of fall. So in honor of its hasty arrival, I have compiled a list my top ten reasons why I love fall (in no particular order of importance):

10. Cozy sweaters, tights and tall leather boots (you know fashion has a spot on every list I make)
9. The smell: crisp air and bonfires
8. Halloween - the most ridiculously enjoyable holiday
7. Traipsing through piles of fallen, dehydrated leaves as they crackle under your feet
6. The vivid splashes of orange, red and yellow hues smattered on the foliage
5. Anything pumpkin flavored - soup, muffins, bread
4. Apple cider
3. The pumpkin/apple farm (Maybe one of the only times you will see the word farm on my top ten list)
2. Football (for the social aspect and camaraderie of course)
1. The warm breezes from the lake

Get out and take advantage of what the season has to offer!