There are certain things I always associate with
"back-to-school." Even in the
weeks before the official turn of the season, the air begins to crisp, the
trees display colorful intent, and the world begins to taste different - spiced with cinnamon, nutmeg, and just a touch of clove. I
love this change equally to its spring counterpart. I know it is more than a little trite but,
seriously, it always brings to sensory memory the smell of new leather shoes,
the perfection of a fresh box of crayons, and the pride of this year's sparkling lunchbox.
The last time I was actually going back-to-school was
decades ago. Yes, life itself is one big
classroom, and learning is a constant. I will not deny that philosophy. But there are certain rituals associated with
back-to-school, and I find I am engaging in them in a new way this year as I
prepare to add to my weekly schedule auditing a college class online through
the University of
Washington
