Autumn in the Rockies

September 30, 2014

I read a quote a couple months back that only young people list autumn as their favorite season. The quote went on to explain that as you get older in life, spring becomes your favorite season, because you are excited to once again see life begin anew.

I guess the good news in all of this, is that I’m still young.

Since I started college in 2002, autumn has been my favorite season. I love football and the camaraderie it brings with it. I love pumpkin spiced anything. Save for maybe humus–can you believe they’re selling pumpkin spiced humus? I love crisp air and the changing of colors.

Here in Florida, we don’t have autumn. Leaves don’t turn color, let alone fall from trees. The temperature doesn’t dip. If you sport fall riding boots or scarves, you just look like an out-of-touch fool.

I learned my lesson last autumn, which my first one in Florida, when I didn’t book a plane ticket home to Colorado during the fall. This year, I didn’t make the same mistake twice. I needed my season.

I spent the weekend with old friends and family at some of my old haunts. I had a chance to see Mines play in its homecoming football game. I visited the newly renovated Union Station with my girl friends and got a kick out of feeling like I was living in the Prohibition era whilst sipping on Sidecars.

Most importantly, though, I saw color. And felt crisp air.

On Sunday, my parents and I took a drive into the Colorado Rockies to see the aspen trees changing colors. There, we saw gold mixed with green mixed with orange. And it was perfect.

Hat: Nordstrom
Blouse: Anthropologie
Denim: Joe’s

I guess I like autumn best, because it signals to us that there is always time for second chances. There is always an end to the seasons in our life, whether they are good, bad or indifferent. Sometimes we have to be broken down raw, cleared clean of our brightness to come back even better. No matter how bright the spring is or how hot the summer is, autumn comes and wipes it all clear. Autumn is the punctuation that leads to coming change. It signals new life, a re-birth in a sense. It’s a reminder that no matter what season of life you are in, there is an end to it. For those traveling through difficult seasons, that’s news to celebrate. For those in the midst of joyous seasons, it’s a gentle–albeit, colorful–reminder to savor it.

All hyperbole aside, I dig autumn. I dig it a lot.

Another thing that I’m digging right now is Rocks Box. Founded by two women and based in San Francisco, Rocks Box gives women access to high-end designer jewelry for a low price. Each month, Rocks Box members pay $19. With that payment, they are sent a box filled with three pieces of designer jewelry valued at over $200. Since my ears aren’t pierced, my boxes typically come with a necklace, bracelet and earrings. The pieces are all coordinated so you can wear them together or individually. If you don’t like the pieces sent to you, you can mail them back to Rocks Box and they’ll promptly ship you another box of pieces. You can interchange the pieces an unlimited number of times throughout the month. Or, if you’re like me, you can purchase them for 20% off!

I love Rocks Box, because I am trying to downsize my life. I’m all about sustainability and reusing products. Think of Rocks Box this way: It is one giant jewelry box that women across the world can share! How awesome (and financially responsible) is that?!

In my Rocks Box this month (and featured in this picture):
-Gorjana Bali Three Charm Necklace (retails at $118)
-House of Harlow 1960 Sunburst Bangle in Black and White (retails at $68)
-Gamine Zofia Ring Set in Gold (retails at $40)

If you haven’t heard enough to sign up yet (or purchase one for the lady in your life), this should seal the deal: Beginning on October 8, Rocks Box is giving away FREE Rocks Box credit to every member! On October 8, members will find out if they’ve earned a $5, $50 or $500 shopping spree to celebrate a newly launched Rocks Box website. So, spending $19 on a month’s worth of designer jewelry could turn into $500 for free to use to purchase designer jewelry!