I love the idea of Fall. I always look forward to the Equinox – the energy shift, the slowing down inherent in this time of year. I love fall colors, the coziness of sweaters, the idea of sipping warm drinks while reading next to a fire.

I also live in Texas, which means I don’t get to enjoy this season until much later in the year. So I have to make some allowances – I absolutely start making pumpkin cupcakes and bars and bread, and even enjoy pumpkin spice creamer in my coffee. But I am doing this in the comfort of my air conditioned home because it’s still in the mid-90s outside. I can’t even open my windows for a cool breeze.

Instead of enjoying the outside, I instead try to bring together representatives of the season to my seasonal altar. Flowers in darker colors, a pumpkin as my centerpiece, I’ve even found miniature cinnamon brooms this season! Acorns and crisp leaves from last fall also adorn my altar – a reminder that even though it comes later here, it does eventually show up.