Autumn

Why is Autumn referred to as Fall by our American friends? When viewing the spectacular golds, russets and browns from my home, I can see nothing "downwards" about it. To me, it's such a special time of the year. It pricks at my imagination. Makes me think of misty forests, and mythological creatures. I want to sit by the fire, eating butter-melting muffins with my friends and tell creepy stories. Here's a short one to be getting on with:

Last November I went to a fancy dress dance with a new boyfriend and a group of friends. I went as Catwoman, but that's by the by.
When powdering my nose in the restroom, halfway through the evening, I noticed a woman standing at the mirror next to me. She smelled of Lavender. I admired her thirties style evening dress; said it put me in the mind of Ginger Rogers. She smiled, nodded, graciously and continued primping her hair, which, by the way, featured permed, blond curls.
She never once spoke to me. I didn't put this down to rudeness because throughout, she seemed intent on carefully re-applying her red lipstick.
My friend then entered the restroom and joined me at the mirrors. We chatted for a few moments. After the Thirties Woman left, I said, "I wonder where she hired that gorgeous dress?"
My friend looked this way and that. "What dress?"
"The one that woman was wearing."
"What woman?"
I gaped at her for a couple of seconds. "Er....the woman who was here putting her lipstick on. I can still smell the Lavender perfume she was wearing."
"I never saw a woman and I can't smell Lavender. Nobody wears Lavender scent these days anyway. She laughed. "I told you not to drink too much of that punch!"

So, that's my contribution to Autumn. Watch this space for another one next year.

Sandy Hyatt-James