I got up at 6:30 this Saturday, my one morning to sleep in. I love my sleep, but I love rummage sale season more. The next two weekends are dedicated to my annual fall second hand shopping spree.
The crucial first hour of deals and steals is just sweet enough to lure me out of bed before the sun is up. If I plan my arrival early enough, I can find the best selection before the crowds arrive. This weekend, $50 bought a trunk full of toys, movies, books, and household goods whose values far surpasses anything I can buy in the store for the same price. The thrill of the hunt is addicting.
October really is the best month.
I grew up in south Texas, where the fall season mostly nonexistent and consists of 90 degree days and praying for rain. Virginia was a revelation. There were four evenly-spaced seasons, with colored leaves and daffodils and best of all, snow. It no longer was heat and non-heat. It was beautiful, changing.
There’s a reason why we look forward to summer in May, but later crave fall’s crisper weather and comforting foods. The first weeks of September bring rushing, a new school year. Even the weather seems confused. It’s 60 one day and 90 the next.
Then a tree turns slightly red and the weather stays under 70 for days at a time. And suddenly, fall is officially here. I can revel in the crisp mornings, new leather boots, and early morning rummage sales. Christmas shopping is on the to-do list and Nate can count the squirrels along our street.
Our souls crave change. Indeed, we bask in it. I can soak in the beautiful fall foliage in the next couple of weeks, but later expect winter’s shoveling and black ice. When February is here, I will be aching for warmth again.
Right now, though, I’m enjoying my rummage sale 25-cent books and $10 artwork. October will be over soon enough.