does the weather set your mood?

I don't mean ENTIRELY but, you know, certain weather inspires certain activities, etc?

I am loving the fall weather. I think its because I never really experienced fall growing up. We didn't really have seasons. My "first" fall at Hillsdale was incredible--definitely THE MOST spectacular fall I've ever witnessed.

I'm drinking a hot cup of coffee. Today I bought a pair of red underwear with white snowflakes. Can I just say that I am ridiculously excited about them??!!

I love the colors of fall. I love the scent of fall. I love the anticipation of winter (even though in the city it's a rather dreary thought)...the picture in my mind of desolate fields with grey, naked trees in the distance. Houses with candles lit or fires in the fireplace...and family. I love seeing family. This year we'll have Jay and Kristen, which is a pleasant surprise. I am eager for the time to spend at home. I can't wait to sit in my pajama's at the kitchen table drinking coffee and watching the family wake up--kristen on the couch, mom in the kitchen, dad puttering around. I'm so thankful. SO thankful. A lot of people don't have times like these...

I've been asking myself how much I take for granted. How much I "enjoy" without thinking about it...and trying to be truly grateful for such rich blessings. Even something as simple as the colored leaves falling to the ground or a hot cup of coffee. Is the enjoyment of such pleasures wrong? No. Last year I really wrestled with these thoughts--because I was just back from Africa, I think. Here I am, coming up on ONE YEAR being back in the States. Crazy. I guess I've just been thinking about all that I've processed and learned since then...some things learned the "right" way and some things handled unhealthily. God's a patient teacher. So are my friends. Sigh.