November has always been a favorite month of mine. Growing up in the Midwest, it always meant that the weather was officially set for cozy holidays like Thanksgiving, Christmas and the new year. The cold November rain that Axl Rose so passionately described is in full affect, making it perfect weather to curl into a plush throw blanket and pick up that psycho-thriller novel you’ve been working on for, well, too long.
With autumn well under way, October promises cooler temperatures for Floridians and the hope for less rain than September gave us. Not only does the weather begin to make its seasonal pivot, but this month means the start of the rich, cozy holiday season—starting with Halloween, or Día de Muertos for those practicing Mexican culture, moving to Thanksgiving and finally December’s family-oriented holiday celebrations.
My most comforting memories involve family, specifically time spent with my grandparents. When I was younger, I would spend a weekend here and there at their house. My grandma would pick me up on a Friday from my parents’ house and we would go to our local Meijer. I would “help” her do the grocery shopping for the week.
Each year, July lazily rolls into August and brings about a blazing end to the summer season. No matter how you might try, this month is, without fail, the warmest out of the year. With air almost too heavy to breathe and an unrelenting sun hanging high overhead, it’s easy to shut yourself inside and hide from the heat.
Not only does July mean that summer is well underway for Floridians, but it’s also the month of celebrating independence. Typically, we recognize the importance of our autonomy on the Fourth of July with fireworks, hot dogs and picnic salads. What better way to enjoy summer?
