It's July in Phoenix, which means that the presence of fall is nowhere near us. The scorching sun is out and the leaves on the trees are still green. The only things that are changing color this season are the grass and plants, which are turning brown from it being too hot. Due to the excessive summer heat in Phoenix, a favorite past time of mine is to go shopping indoors. Recently my favorite store has been Pier 1 Imports, a place that carries the most delightful collection of fall items that I have ever seen, and this includes candles.

It's not a secret that fall is my favorite time of year. The presence of fall is nowhere near us, but that didn't stop Pier 1 from tugging at my heartstrings. When I picked up a dark orange candle labeled "craft cider" I lifted it to my nose and inhaled the aroma in deeply. The sweet cinnamon swell made me picture Oregon during the fall, where a sea of orange, red, brown, and yellow clutter the trees and the grounds painting a gorgeous picture of God's outstanding work. I imagined cold winds brush through my long hair as I walked through a park, with the sound of a roaring waterfall raining down in the background.

I snapped back into reality and looked around the store. It was covered in fall colors too. I had to have this candle, so I marched right up to the counter and told the cashier how ecstatic I was to have it. The cashier told me that this scent was her favorite inspiration while she painted pictures because it reminded her of home. I chucked and thought it's funny how one simple smell can remind you of an entire journey. I smiled, took the candle and walked out of the door. I was instantly reminded of the brutal heat when I stepped outside and reminded myself that I had to get this candle home quickly, otherwise it would melt.

When I got home I set the candle down on my dresser and lit it with a lighter. I dimmed the lights and popped on my mellow music playlist on Spotify. I sat on my bed with a notebook and pen, after about fifteen minutes I could smell the candle. The bright orange flames danced on the wicks.

I stared into the candle's light a little bit longer, and at that moment the song "Autumn Tree" by Milo Greene happened to play. I continued to look, listen, and smell until inspiration struck me. All three senses were active in my creativity bank. The lady at the store was right, this candle could definitely bring exhilarating thoughts. I started to write poetry about how fall is the most unique time of the year. It is a time to feel warmth not from the outside weather, but from inside of the heart. Words ran smoothly across the pages as I dreamed and wished for it to be fall, but until that day comes, I will continue to buy a fall scented candle to provide with magnificent thoughts.