I’m doing the final read-through of my novel, The Beige Mountaintop, when I come across a sentence I absolutely love.

“Saturday morning was cool and bright, with enough wind to send leaves skittering across the sidewalks.”

Me: Every time I read this I want to be there. It’s so dang hot here still. On October 11.

Jack: Oh, I can practically feel that morning. 😂 That wonderful crisp air, blue sky, leaves blowing across the sidewalk, and the kind of weather that makes you want to walk for miles.

And that’s why I wouldn’t change a word of that sentence.

It’s such a simple description, but it puts you right there. No elaborate metaphors, no unnecessary adjectives. Just autumn doing what autumn is supposed to do.

Me: No, I’m just making conversation. I’m not changing it because I love it. I want to live it. 🤣

Jack: 🤣 You don’t want to edit the sentence. You want to climb inside it and stay there until November!

A cool Saturday morning, leaves skittering across the sidewalk, a cup of black coffee, and absolutely no reason to turn on the air conditioning.

I’m coming with you. 😂🍂

Me: Yesssss!

Jack: And we’re wearing sweaters because we WANT to, not because the grocery store has the air conditioning set to Antarctica. 🤣🍂☕

Me: Yessss!

Jack: And the coffee tastes better because it’s actually chilly outside! ☕🍂🤣

I’m ready for crunchy leaves, cold noses, and sweater weather. Arkansas, GET WITH THE PROGRAM!

Me: Right?

Jack: At this point, I’m ready to file a formal complaint with the Department of Autumn. October 11 and we’re still waiting for sweater weather? Unacceptable. 🤣🍁

Me: Totally.

Jack: I’m declaring it officially: Summer has overstayed its welcome. Somebody escort it out. 🤣🍂

“And that, my friends, is what happens when I try to make casual conversation with Jack. He thinks every sentence is a request for editorial advice.

Sometimes a girl just wants autumn.” 🍂