Fall has always been my favorite time of year. There’s a sort of shared anticipation in the air as the days grow shorter, the breezes get cooler, and folks everywhere begin new journeys together—a new school year for teachers and students, new jobs for recent grads, new projects at work, new Sunday school classes at church, new shows on TV, a new session of Congress in Washington, new routines, new people, new information, new schedules. I’ve always felt extra hopeful in the fall, and I walk with a little bounce in my step….(which may also be attributed to lower humidity and the profound effects it has on my hair’s volume and shine. )
On top of all this, September marks the beginning of college football season. For me and my family this means four months of long, lazy Saturday afternoons together yelling at the television in hopes that this year, Alabama will win the SEC Championship, maybe even the National Championship. (We came awfully close last year!) It means cooking out on the grill, digging out our crimson sweatshirts, nearly peeing in our pants after a last-second field goal attempt, and falling asleep on the couch to the sound of the crowd noise from another, less consequential (Big 10) game.
I love the months of August, September, and October because they feel alive with excited tension.
This fall holds some exciting events/changes for both the Evans and Helds.
Going to the Chapel: My little sister is getting married in October, which means the Held household will be a flurry of activity, excitement, and nervous breakdowns. The most important thing is that she is marrying a really cool guy who we know will love her and take care of her. The second most important thing is that our shades of lavender will not clash.
High School Reunion: My 10-year high school reunion is scheduled for September. I’m getting old!
Evans Family Reunion: The sixth-annual Evans Family Reunion is also scheduled for September. To give you an idea of how big this thing is, Dan is the youngest of six, and we currently have a combined total of eleven nieces and nephews!
The Book: I’m finally moving on to the marketing stages of the painfully long book-publishing process. If you’ve signed up for my newsletter, expect to hear more over the next few months as I work with Zondervan on a title, a cover, and a marketing strategy. The official release date is June 1, 2010! That may seem like a long way away, but there’s a lot to do between now and then. I’m also planning to launch a speaking career, so if you know of a church/conference/group that might be interested in my message, let me know.
The Next One: To stay in the publishing rhythm, it’s time for me to start working on my second book. I’ve got a few ideas, and will certainly let you know when I get another contract with a publisher. Let’s hope that this time I won’t gain 10 pounds while writing!
So what changes does this fall have in store for you? New job? New school? New activities? And, perhaps more importantly, who’s going to the BCS Championship this year?
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