The warm sun touched my skin when hints of my past drifted through my sense of smell. It is strange how the smell of something can bring back memories or feelings. There is always something that can be said about the smell of the fall leaves on the ground, the sweet aroma and the soft breeze in the air that almost stops time. It was my personal fitness class and all I could think was how much I was regretting having to go run outside in the crappy weather. When I arrived to school earlier in the morning it was cold and .. well cold. I couldn’t do my cardio inside because they were painting the newly remodeled area. I tried to do Extra in my weight training, but alas still had twenty minutes, so I had to suck it up and run. I mentioned how I was not looking forward to the weather, since I was wearing shorts and a sleeveless t-shirt for class. I trudged outside to feel that warm sunlight and the moment I got to the wooded trail all sense of “now” drifted away.

Memories of the falls of my past came to me. Building forts, and deer stands with my family members, learning how to hunt and shoot a gun. Even though I was never much for killing stuff, I was one hell of a shooter. Especially at the age I was(which was much under 16).

Later years spent with my friend Derek on trails and in the woods exploring places we probably were not allowed to go and the fun and adventures we would have as kids. There was also the sense of school dances and Halloween, one of the greatest holidays ever.

Freedom, The smell of the leaves was always invigorating because you had to get out of the house, There is a need to go and be active and enjoy it. Soon the snow would come and you would be trapped inside for many months. It was the moist sweet smell of color and freedom before the long, stale, dark, black and white drudgery of winter. I almost always say that Summer is my favorite season, and many people love the “smell” of spring. I for one should state for the record that fall, when done right is really a great season, short season, but great none the less. Hay Rides, Pumpkin Carving, Costumes, Trick Or Treaters, Jumping in the leaves, going for walks, building forts in the leaves, the cool but not ice cold breeze o the afternoon, the last bike ride, the once a year drive or walk to see the color of the trees. It is here now. Do not let it slip by, or you will have to wait another whole year.

... And then my class was done. I had to get back after my mile and a half run, which had turned into a jog, I am guessing by the time that I saw when I looked on my stopwatch. It brought a smile to my day and made me miss the past and realize I had to enjoy what I have while I have it. Take time to smell the leaves, cause they smell so much better than roses this time of year.