The leaves are falling. I know this because for the past few days brown crumpled leaves from the giant shade trees lining my driveway here in Jackson stare back at me. It seems even the leaves are holding onto every last bit of life, some stuck between the windshield wipers, refusing to fall all the way to the ground.
I love the changing of the seasons, especially from summer to fall. It reminds me of the aromas of corndogs and funnel cakes at the state fair, tailgating, and yes, that last moment of pause before the hustle and bustle of the holidays are upon us.
It doesn”t matter where you are in the South. Fallen leaves color every step. Last week it was Meridian, where I spent three days “painting faces” at Bonita Lakes Mall. In the weeks to come I will be crushing crinkled leaves with each step on my way to makeup counters all over the state. Maybe I will think of it as uncovering a new leaf with each makeup brush.
Color it blue
Tom Pecheux, renowned global makeup artist, believes that no eye should be without a shade of blue this season. Whether it”s navy eyeliner or mascara, the blues can be yours this fall. Beautiful eye shadow hues of Peacock, Midnight and Sky are bigger and brighter than ever. Just make it all your own by altering your look slightly with the color trend of fall 2010.
Maybe that”s why I”m feeling “blue” for Columbus, and the leaves I want to hold onto more than ever are those settling onto the winding sidewalks of Southside. Mother Goose, donning an exquisite frock with coordinating hat and heels, singing from down the block is fading (just a bit) into my memory, passing through my mind much like a visiting leaf, for just a while. These are memories I don”t want to forget.
Columbus will always be my home away from home, with its rich heritage and comfortable porches occupied with good folks too many to name. I miss Jackie at the makeup counter greeting every face with a smile and a gift-with-purchase. I wish for more times with Adele, Jyl, Jan and some four-legged family on a porch painted with laughter. I come “home” now and then, and it”s just like a classic lipstick or an old familiar scent that gets better with time.
My fall will be about a colorful blue and violet smoky eye or a French chignon slightly undone, but when I touch a leaf, hold onto it for just a minute, and go about my day, know that Columbus was and is what truly touches my soul this day.
The Dispatch Editorial Board is made up of publisher Peter Imes, columnist Slim Smith, managing editor Zack Plair and senior newsroom staff.
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