As an expat, we all go through bouts of homesickness.... smells, sights, sounds, tastes... things that remind us of something "back home".
Today my first class was out in one of the portable buildings, so I had to walk outside to get back to the main building after class. As I stepped out from that portable building, into the bright sunlight of what was really just a typical Thursday morning, I was hit with a huge wave of nostalgia... all connected to the smell of fall.
Did you know you can smell fall? You can.
It's cool and crisp, but at the same time, warm and comforting.
The heat and drain of summer is over.
The cold and dark of winter has not yet arrived.
It's the in-between time, my MOST FAVORITE TIME of the year.
I looked up and saw, for the first time this year, that the green on the trees is a little less green and the hints of yellow, red, and orange were already showing themselves.
Yes, fall has arrived.
It's chilly enough to need a jacket, but not too cold that you want to run inside for cover.
It is PERFECT.
The nostalgia that flooded my mind this morning was related to one thing. I miss football season, especially high school football. Sounds silly, I know. But it is such a big part of Texas culture and life...
I miss putting on my red and blue t-shirt in support of the "Eagles" on a Friday night.
I miss gathering in the stands which are filled to bursting with everyone from the community, all gathered to support "their team".
I miss the sound of the whistle signaling that first kick-off.
I miss the clock ticking down to signal the arrival of half-time when the band takes the field.
I miss the cheerleaders who are able to inspire thousands of people to "build that spirit up" and cheer on the boys.
I miss holding my breath as the wide receiver sprints to the goal line with no time left on the clock.
I think my nostalgia can be illustrated best through this song.... Whether you like country music or not, please take 8 minutes and just watch the video. Especially if you don't know who the "Boys of fall" are.... I think it will help to explain the sense of community and pride that something as "silly" as football can instill in people.
9 comments:
Fall is my favorite time of year. I love leaves crunching under my feet.It takes me to the days of walking to school (Elementary --> College). Plus, I love fall -scarves, hats, sweaters, coats, boots, Pumpkin Spice Lattes..ahhhhh!
Maybe you need to introduce Friday Night football to the Danes! ;-)
That was the first time I watched the video from start to finish. The last part with Bear Bryant putting on his head made me smile.
My Grandpa Litteral always wore a tweed hat. One night after my Aunt and Uncle in Baton Rouge took him and my Granny to an LSU VS 'Bama game they went out to dinner once the game had ended. The staff at the restaurant mistook him for Coach Bryant. That was back when they dressed up for games, so I guess they were not wearing a lot of purple and gold to show what side they supported!
Love that song! Yep honey, I hear ya..Texas stays in your heart no matter where you are...and sometimes I miss that "sense of community" you talk about that comes about under Friday night football games and other school activities. We grew up with that- how could we not miss it? Hope you don't get too homesick...it hits sometimes but hopefully it will go over as quick as it comes...sending you a big TEXAS size hug from Norway...
I didn't know whether to watch the video because I would ban american football if I were a US president. It is far too violent. I didn't need to decide because it was blocked for me "due to copywright laws" it said.
I can relate though to homesickness alot. I was raised in a Danish family in San Francisco and moved as an adult to a small northern SF bay area town as an adult. I found the town to be really racist and people wanting to know my personal business. I need to go to SF still periodically to get a fix of what I feel comfortable with. As a social worker, I know that smell is a really strong memory association. It can even trigger backflashes in PSTD. Your blog really makes me think. Thanks.
Mt favorite smell: fresh baked sourdough french break from Boudin Bakery a few blocks away. Nirvana.
might have to watch friday night lights! I still love going back to my hometown to watch a game!
Great video... don't know anything about American football at all!
I do love autumn!
I loved this video. I too miss Friday night at Eagles Stadium. It was a special place and a special time. They broke ground yesterday on the new 60 million dollar stadium... Wow times have changed. Glad to hear that you still miss Texas a little bit. I hope you never get Texas out of your heart....because Texas will never forget you. Love ya - mom
Ohhh I soo understand you.. It hit me this week too... how much I miss those HS days... & how much I want my kids to experience the Friday night lights... sigh... Nothing like Texas football! ;-)
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