I’m one of those fall-loving lunatics who can’t get enough of everything involved with the season. From pumpkin spice to the warm red, orange and yellow of leaves turning colors, I absolutely adore it all. My favorite (aside from all things pumpkin spice) is the snap in the air as the season starts to turn. There’s nothing like leaving the windows open on a chilly day, the smell of fireplaces used after a sleepy summer and leaves turning dry and brittle, crunching under foot. My love for fall dates back to childhood; the house I grew up in had a big yard, and every weekend my dad would spend Saturday raking leaves. There would be a massive pile in the backyard by the end of the day, and my sister and I (along with our Scottie dog, Max) would dive in, sending a spray of leaves into the freshly raked yard. While I’m sure this created more work for my dad, it was something we all loved doing. Once we were done playing in the leaves, my dad would create smaller piles to burn, sending the smell of leaves into the air. As I’m sure you can tell, it’s one of my fondest childhood memories.

My favorite park, which you’ve seen several times now, is starting to show fall’s splendor, and I was lucky enough to get some lovely shots this morning. It makes for a lovely walk in the morning, giving me time to collect my thoughts before diving into a busy work day. It’s hands down one of my favorite times of day. Everything is still quiet, and I get to reflect on the wonder and beauty of nature.

Of all the seasons, fall will always have my heart. What’s your favorite?

— Sarah Ward, account executive