I was in Phoenix the first day you could smell that it was autumn here in Macon. I don’t know what it is about this time of year, but I love it. I love the thin line between Georgia hot as hell heat and the cold. It reminds me of California and the thing I loved the most about Cali was the weather. Short sleeves in the day, sweater at night.

We were thinking about taking a trip to north Georgia to watch the leaves turning. With everyone being so busy, I’m not even sure how it’s going to go. Viva la changing leaves!

I love living downtown. That means I get to walk in the autumn. Or fall. I fall a lot. I love when the wind is blowing and the smell is grass and sunshine, when the sky is a variety of shades. It makes me a little nostalgic for Boston and I begin to itch at the thought of snow. I know we won’t get it, but the autumn is always a sign. Too bad Macon doesn’t make good on that sign.

The autumn, however, means the beginning of good things. Hot chai with whipped cream and honey, hot chocolate made with half and half, lots and lots of coffee. It also means the end of some things, like frozen drinks – bleh!

Yes, I love autumn.

I have been awake since 7am. Right now, I’m sitting at Market City enjoying a cup of coffee and some biscuits. 

I just got back from South Africa. It is almost surreal to be back after being there, realizing how much I missed my downtown. I missed First Friday and Craig Burkhalter’s exhibit, but I forgive myself because I saw a leopard with its fresh kill. I missed the Writers and Exciters meeting, but I forgive myself because I saw a baby elephant so young, it didn’t know how to use its trunk. I saw sunsets that would take your breath away and the whole galaxy was thrown in the sky for my viewing pleasure. 

It was magnificent.

I miss the sunrise, being able to see it clearly with no building in the way and watching the sun make its slow, systematic descent behind the horizon, lighting someone else’s day as it gently lured me to sleep. I miss it, but I enjoyed my walk to Market City this morning, no one around, the breeze playing among the leaves, Radiohead playing in my ears. I am glad there are no angry hippos stalking the streets like the one that staked out the camp, that I don’t require a guide to get to my destination, that I am not food on the hoof if I wanted to jog. I am glad to be back in Macon.

But I miss being there.

Oatmeal – But that’s not the real answer to the question. 

I’ve been moving. I now live on Magnolia Street, one of the three places in downtown Macon that I’ve wanted to live. The other two are High Street and Cherry Street. I know High street is technically considered “In Town”, but still. 

I hate moving.

I’ve been playing kickball and I haven’t killed myself yet. I’m hoping that at the next game we will bring food and wine. Because an elementary school game like kickball deserves a glass of wine with it.

Going to see Red Swill Saturday night. Last Saturday night, danced the night away at the Dirty Iguana. I hated the DJ (DJ Rix) I think I will go on another night to avoid being bored by his tired ass songs. Get creative dude! (I fully admit the preceding diatribe is sponsored by bitterness because DJ Rix wouldn’t play Closer while I was still in the building). But other than the watered down drinks, my friends and I actually had a great time at “the Dirty”. The courtyard outside is actually pretty swank and a great place to just relax and hang out. Maybe if we stop by the Tic Toc for martinis, the night will go better. 

Ah well, tomorrow night should be BAB at the ‘Bird – it’s been a while, but I should find myself right at home.

Okay, it’s kinda hard to snack on Macon when you don’t do anything. Let’s see, I went to Theatre Macon’s The Full Monty. That was… interesting. Especially the ending. I missed May’s First Friday because my brother in law and his girlfriend took me and my husband to a Braves game. Last Thursday, we went to see Radiohead at HiFi Buys Amphitheatre. We were in the lawn, which is kind of like listening to them on the radio with a whole bunch of people. But it was a lot of fun and I actually knew most of the songs. 

I noticed that 550 Blues was open again. It’s about time I go check them out. 

I’ve been neglecting my Hummingbird Thursday night crew. I missed two episodes of Lost with them and when I finally went to watch it online, I had to IM one friend to show how ridiculous everything is getting on Lost. And by ridiculous, I mean awesomely mysterious. 

We lost power with the tornados. One of our friends lost his roof and almost his life while he was huddled in the bathtub, the rain from the storm pouring down. The storm touched down an eighth of a mile from his home. He was very fortunate. Another friend’s family just got their power back today. Many are still without power and water. Yet we were all fortunate because we are here today. Very fortunate.

Well, Macon, I may not be snacking tonight, but you will see me soon, taking my bites, even if it is just from a walk down the street.

Lauren or Michael, Jr.?Damn it!