Ever since I can remember, I have absolutely adored the season fall. As bipolar as Indiana weather is, you never know what it will be like. In the winter, you could be barricaded in your home by snow, the spring could be an emotional mess, not knowing what it wants to do, and the summer may bake you to a crisp, or drown you like a rat. It honestly just depends on the day.
But fall in Indiana is the one season that I feel has some consistency. I look at fall as a 5-year-old waits "patiently" to open presents on Christmas morning. I am THAT in love with it!
I would like to share with you 10 reasons why I love fall in Indiana so darn much.
1. The temperature!
As Goldilocks always said from "Goldilocks and the Three Bears," “not too hot, not too cold, just right!” Or something along those lines! Nothing quite compares to stepping out the door to face the day and a cool crisp morning greets you outside! Ahhh, it is wonderful.
2. PUMPKIN EVERYTHING.
Candles, pies, desserts, coffee, butter, pumpkin patches, etc. I can hear Starbucks just calling my name as the thought of a Pumpkin Spice Latte creeps into my mind.
3. Football time!
Coming from a high school that did not have a football team, I still feel as though I was able to catch a little piece of the football bug to an extent. You know it’s fall when high school, college,and professional football is in full swing! Well, not swing. That’s baseball, but you catch my drift.
4. Let’s talk about the beautiful outdoors.
I wait every single year for the leaves to begin changing from shades of green, to vibrant crisp red, orange and yellows. Not only do these displays of God’s craftsmanship make for a perfect photo setting, but this also is a great time to go on some fun outdoor adventures with friends! Go to a pumpkin patch, go for a hike, maybe even go horseback riding. Do whatever you can to enjoy the beautiful scenery.
5. It’s harvest time, y’all. 
This may mean absolutely nothing to most of you, but if you were raised in rural Indiana and/or have a farming background — you live for harvest time.
All of the corn and soybeans turn to a golden shade of brown, combines and semis are tirelessly working away throughout the day and late into the evening.
For my family, harvest time is very important. It is a time to reap what we have sown and to find out how the Lord has blessed us for the year ahead. You may think very little about the farmers driving along in the fields, but know that the outcome of their harvest is something that they work all year long for. Please remember to be patient with farmers on the road this season.
6. The festivals!
In my town, Hope, Indiana, we have a fall festival towards the end of September called Hope Heritage Days. This festival is based on celebrating the history and heritage of our roots. We have entertainment throughout the weekend, fireworks, vendors, food booths, a parade, fellowship and community. Having a population of a little bit over 2,000, I always look forward to gathering to celebrate the history of our town!
7. Shopping.
Do I even need to explain myself on this one? Just so I know we are all on the same page, I will. Going to cute little stores in places such as Nashville, Indiana, or Edinburgh, Indiana to the Outlet Mall. Downtown to Indianapolis, Indiana, or down on the rivers of southern Indiana to Madison. We have some cute places to do some shopping. Fall weather is perfect for the outlet malls or places that you come in and out of frequently. If you dress in just a few layers, you will have a comfortable and enjoyable day of shopping with friends.
8. This girl loves me some bonfires and some s’mores!
Just think of the reality of the s’more. Hersey chocolate, graham crackers and a crisp brown, slightly roasted marshmallow — best invention ever. I love being beside a bonfire, dressed in jeans and a sweatshirt and spending time with family and friends. It is so nice to enjoy life when you sit back and enjoy nights like these that come one season out of the whole year.
9. Usually my hair actually cooperates!
Humidity is not too high and there hopefully aren’t as many rainy days. Straight or curly, my hair cooperates much more than it does in the spring or summer.
10. The fellowship.
Fall brings my whole family together. Living on a farm, we are always together. But when there are bonfires to have, events to celebrate, and holidays that remind us to give thanks, it is so nice to be with the ones you love!
Showing some love for a season that I have so many found memories of, here in Indiana. Here’s to the fall of 2016, included with Pumpkin Spice Lattes, sweaters, shopping trips with friends and enough s’mores to last you a lifetime.
