I used to have a tradition of rereading Anne of Green Gables every fall. About the time school started, before things got too busy, I would keep a copy of my well-loved book with me at all times. I only read through the first three, because it seemed to be a good stopping point before midterms and papers.

Last year, I broke this tradition. Sadly, I broke many traditions during my senior year. Too many other wonderful commitments.

However, I am picking it back up this year. I have read the books so many times, I know all my favorite quotes. I would like to see the movie one day, but I haven’t yet. I love the Anne in my head too much to see a different Anne on screen.

I like to imagine myself in the story. I like to picture the White Way of Delight and the Lake of Shining Waters. I just know I would have bumped heads with the likes of Gilbert Blythe, and I would have held that grudge just the way Anne did. And, although my love story with my Eric is not very similar to that of Gilbert and Anne, I like to think of Eric as my Gilbert. I suppose it is, in a way, since I was very opposed to dating Eric at first, and the man continued to pursue me until I gave in.

At the end of the first book, Anne murmurs to herself, “Dear old world, you are very lovely, and I am glad to be alive in you.” That’s the way I have felt this past week – morning weather in the 50s, daily highs in the low 80s. Cardigans and sweatshirts are starting to come back into the picture, and I had my first cup of hot chocolate earlier this week while I had my quiet time on the porch. I love the beginning of fall, and I love all that this new season is about to hold.