September, September, sweet September...

This autumn, I find myself swinging between two feelings. One part of me still longs for the summer months—the vibrant life, the exceptional moments I was lucky to experience (moments I find hard to let go of). Conversations, moods, feelings that still hold me a little, and maybe I hold on to them too, because their closeness still feels good.

At the same time, my always-returning autumn side is taking shape—the one that simply adores September… The cool mornings; the soft music playing while Ru and I linger in our pajamas in the sunny living room before school; the hearty breakfasts that start our day; the cozy sweaters and the rich coffee I savor on my favorite terrace. This month has a magic of its own—it means the warmth of home to me. A fragrant book, chocolate-flavored afternoon light filtering through the trees in the park, bare feet tucked up on the couch.

Dinner shared on the balcony with my son, scented candles flickering among the glasses on the table, early, long bedtime stories under the gentle glow of many dim lamps in the bedroom. And hot coffee with sweet cream foam; drizzled with chocolate sauce; black with a hint of orange; or warmed with hot milk spiced with nutmeg, cinnamon, and cloves…