Falling in love with fall

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Today marks the first day of fall, and in California it's always been hard to tell when the seasons are changing. This year is the first California fall I've had in six years. It's hard to believe how fast time has flown, but as I see the leaves on the trees here changing colors (a first to be sure) it reminds me of the falls spent back in NYC and the autumn sagre season in Bologna with the crisp cool breezes, the smell of the chestnuts {or marone in Bolognese dialect!}and tasting all the new wines and celebrating the season.

Escaping the chilly weather into the warm cafe` for a cappuccino has been replaced with a quick drive for a pumpkin spice latte, and the last of "summers" beach-side bonfires. But as I reflect on the past, I look forward to the change of the season, to leave summer of 2010 behind and begin a new season, a new chapter and a new appreciation for everything loved, lost and learned.