Smells Like September

 I'd like to say that the smell of new pencils, new binders filled with sheets of paper, and school supplies fills the air, but I find myself this year practically having missed those aisles. I somehow didn't even feel like school was starting yet, until I noticed the date this past Monday.

Today I realized the start of a new school year was everywhere. If you drove down my street the parade of cars was a mile long, and the school buses to follow. Kids walking home with friends in their new back to school clothes, and backpacks. Traffic, and by that I mean it took me an extra 5 minutes to get home.

School starting doesn't affect me now but I am reminded of years gone by, and my favourite part of the school year for some reason was all the new school supplies. Having my new pens, and pencils neatly placed in a pencil case, my binders waiting to be marked, etched, and 'lived in'. It was by far the best part. It inspired, and motivated. Mind you it didn't always last long that motivation, but while it lasted it was beautiful. It was usually tainted by the dreadful word homework, or assignment. Meaning the end of new beautifully stored school supplies. 

I didn't always get brand new supplies in high school or elementary school. I always had to sort through the old and see what might still be usable for this next year. In my personal opinion, none were ever usable. They already had history and not the kind I wanted to remember. They has last year's insignia etched into their very usage and well I would've rather have preferred to have moved on, and started anew.

And alas I did as I started college. Every semester I allowed myself to get 'inspired, and motivated'. I allowed myself to start new and fresh, and that's partially where my love for pens came from. Suddenly buying my own pens and pencils I realized a strange and fantastic love for a GREAT pen. One that so easily slides across the page. No need to press, or shake to get the ink down. Just a smooth line. My fascination with pens and a good writing one was born and has thrived ever since. 

I would say actually that it's actually saved me money. I still have many of those great pens and I still use them  and remember the beauty they not only possessed on the store shelf, but they still have for their quality has not faded. I do not go and buy half the store in pens any more, or hunt for the perfect roll, but I still love pens, and when I find myself in a Staples, or really any supply store, I venture into those aisles and dream of all the colours  and uses, and look at all the new styles that have surfaced.

So although it seems this September has creeped up on me this year, I feel warmed by the memories of September school supplies gone by.

Thanks for reading...