Dear reader,

I know I’ve said this about every month thus far, but in all seriousness, September is my favorite.

Having recently escaped the school schedule (OK, it’s been a year, but I still wake up on Mondays stressed I haven’t done my homework), there’s an anxiety that comes with the fall: school’s starting up, the weather is changing, the days are shorter. But it’s also a time for positive change: new books, new clothes, new classes.

Last fall, I found myself alone in New York City, braving weird weather and busy streets while finishing an internship. And despite being completely caught up in the massiveness of it all, I found myself longing for one thing: autumn in the Pacific Northwest.

It means cooler weather (AFTER Bumbershoot, of course), warmer colors and wetter streets. It means football on Sundays, leaves on the ground, and the crisp breeze in my hair.

For our September issue we’ve got a variety of things on deck. On the cover we’re showcasing a pair of Eastside teens who are taking center stage as part of the ballroom dancing world championship in Vienna, Austria. We’ve also got design tips from TV personality and designer Tracy Hutson and fall make-up tips and all the scoop on Bellevue Fashion Week.

If entertainment is what you seek, we’ve got all the deets on what’s happening around town: Devo co-founder Mark Mothersbaugh spills on what you can expect from their show with Blondie at Chateau Ste. Michelle, and comedian Bill Bellamy is talking about driving the ladies mad with his crazy, sexy and dirty jokes.

So take a seat, enjoy the ride, embrace the change. I have a feeling it’s gonna be a beautiful fall.

-Keegan Prosser