"there's even a moment when it becomes exhilarating to realize just how little needs to stay the same for you to continue the effort they call, for lack of a better word, being human."

-nicole krauss, the history of love

[ny fall vs. la fall]

november again.

away from poughkeepsie for my first post-graduate fall. california's seasons pass with more subtlety than in the hudson river valley, where colors flare up and wardrobes are unpacked from boxes.

california hillsides are golden with tall grasses year round. the coastline roads smell like licorice and eucalyptus, brought out by the year's ending rain.

which to prefer? in new york, fall comes as a final comfort, preparing us for the impending months of snow and barren grounds. it's a time for reflection, for gathering at harvest, reaping fruits and wearing sweaters. in california, fall is not much different from summer, save a few rainy weeks. attitudes don't shift much and there's no need for major adjustments.

when it comes to fall, the hudson river valley has my heart.