"Autumn is a second spring when every leaf is a flower."-albert camus

 just a glimpse of autumn makes me swoon. Smitten is the word of the season 

As a students we probably spend all of our non-sleeping times studying. That does not mean we should forget to enjoy the blissfulness of the season that is autumn. So here are a few ways to make your studying a little more enjoyable while incorporating the loveliness of my personal favorite season:

1.Forgo coffee, tis the season for hot apple cider! I highly recommend buying high quality cider, like from the Seward Co-op or from a local apple orchard or even the hot apple cider at the Hard Times Cafe (remember to ask the kind barista to add a hint or pinch of cinnamon!).  

2. Put on a nice warm sweater. or sweater vest. for some reason a sweater with a moose, bear or deer on the front adds to the comfort. While studying, comfort is key. You should not be distracted by the temperature around you. 

3. Study at the park.  The vibrant colors of autumn leaves gives a feeling of romance. Nature is wooing us,let's fall in love(get it? fall the verb and fall the season? i'm clever). Take your book out to a tree-filled park, read and enjoy. 

4. Eat. do not forget to eat while when you are studying. I suggest a squash and apple soup. 

It is super easy to make. you can find tons of recipes online. 

I'm a bad cook, so dont rely on my recipe:

a.bake small pieces of butternut(or acorn) squash, onions and apples(preferably granny smith) until they are soft at 350 degrees in the oven.  take them out and let them cool

b.add a cup of vegetable broth, the baked squash,onions and apples  into a blender. puree

c.put in a bowl 

d.garnish with slices of apple

e.and maybe even cinnamon.

remember to purchase your vegetables locally. Make your own vegetable broth if you can. or replace broth with water instead. This soup is easy peasy. 

5.Music. find some music that goes along with the pleasant autumn's day. Actually long as you enjoy the piece of music, it will go along with the season! 

Here is a list of songs I have on my studying playlist:

"wonderlust king"-gogol bordello

"unforgettable"- nat king cole 

"too old to cut the mustard"- marlene dietrich & rosemary clooney

"natural disaster"- andrew bird

"here comes your man"-meaghan smith(it appeared in the movie "500 days of summer")

"right as rain"- adele

"space oddity"- david bowie

"un amico"-ennio morricone (it appeared in the movie "inglorious basterds")

"fly me to the moon"-frank sinatra

"Let's Do It "- Joan Jett & Paul Westerberg

"ring of fire"- johnny cash

"mushaboom"-feist

"married life"- michael giacchino (it appeared in the movie "Up!")

"cecilia"- simon and garfunkel

"more than a feeling"-boston

okay, turn off the internet and go study!

also, does Seattle have autumn? do the leaves change? I know this might sound like a silly question, but I have never been there during this season.  I need to know, if I will ever see autumn ever again after I move to the NW for grad school.