The return of autumn

There’s no denying fall has arrived. While the days have remained warm and sunny, a cool tinge has started creeping into the air in the evenings. The trees have also been slowing transforming into orange and golden masterpieces. As I’ve written before, autumn is my favourite season for many reasons. But mainly because of how beautiful it is. None of the other seasons can compare with the glorious explosion of colour that manifest itself in autumn.

There really is nothing like the dark, woodsy smell of autumn. It reminds me of so many good memories. Days spent at my grandparent’s rural home, as my brother and I ran along back roads down to the train bridge, wading in the cool water below, or balancing precariously on ancient wooden beams spotted with tar. Weekends spent at the family cabin, racing down the grassy path barefoot, the smell of woods and salt air filling my senses. Or racing my bicycle down a leaf-covered path, the wheels sending crisp leaves flying into the air.

Autumn is the perfect time for musing, contemplation, and reflection. I love getting lost in thought as I wander along a path littered with freshly fallen leaves, my boots crunching as I walk. As much as I love the hot stickiness of summer, autumn cools everything off and slows things down. I also love pulling out my cozy fall clothing: comfy scarves, jackets, and boots.

Of course, there are all the other things that come with autumn too. It’s the perfect time for comfort foods and I love baking goodies to give to others. There’s the alluring smells of pumpkin and chai lattes and spicy scented candles. There’s the chill air that nips at your nose and cheeks, leaving behind a rosy glow. What a lovely time of year! I really do wish it lasted longer 😉

What do you love about autumn?

Quote of the day

There is a harmony in autumn, and a luster in its sky, which through the summer is not heard or seen, as if it could not be, as if it had not been!
-Percy Bysshe Shelley

Hello autumn

I love autumn.

While every turn of season brings its own unique and exciting changes, autumn is by far my favourite. I knew autumn had arrived this year when I stepped outside before work a few weeks ago and the air nipped lightly at my skin.

I love going for long walks alone with my thoughts, listening to the crisp leaves crunch beneath my feet. I love kicking them into the air, then watching them swirl and dance as the wind catches them. I love how the cooler air nips at my cheeks, leaving them bright and rosy. It’s hard to describe the pure, unadulterated joy of running along a beautiful path. Or the absolute peace of mind that comes from sitting quietly on a park bench, merely observing the beauty around you. Hiking suddenly becomes an epic adventure. You’re an explorer with nothing but your trusty camera to accompany you.

I love wearing cozy knits, soft flannels and plaids, boots, and scarves. I love the muted autumn hues of browns, oranges, yellows, reds, and creams. A small reflection of the beautiful explosion of colour in the trees. Just like a fireworks show of splendour before everything goes to sleep. One last hurrah before winter.

Autumn makes everything feel cozy. Candlelight becomes even more warm and inviting. You can bundle up in a blanket and read your evening away. You can eat and drink all the pumpkin spice things and indulge in comfort foods like hot soup and stews.

Autumn is a time for sipping a piping hot mug of apple cider, hot chocolate, tea, or coffee. To look on as the last golden rays of sunshine paint the landscape with a warm glow. It’s a time for quiet contemplation and reflection. To muse on the past and look towards the future. There’s a quiet stillness in autumn that allows for deep thought and musings.

What do you enjoy about autumn?

Image credit: “Automne…” by Denis Collette is licensed under CC by 2.0

Autumn Reflections – Day 29

Autumn lends itself to reminiscing and contemplation. To thoughts of past classmates, old friends, and scattered family. I often think about what they’re doing today. Did they wake up feeling content and happy? What have they been up to, are they happy with the direction their lives have taken? I often wonder if I cross their mind at all, how often do they think of good times and old memories? I hope they’re having a good day, and that their life is fulfilling and full of hope.

October’s poplars are flaming torches lighting the way to winter.
-Nova Bair

Autumn Reflections – Day 28

As you may have noticed, I love taking pictures. In autumn, the trees are showing off their bright and cheerful colours, making it difficult to take a bad shot. I really enjoy taking photos of flowers, trees, paths, and landscapes. I also love framing interesting shots of buildings and architecture. Its so much fun to wander around outside looking for the perfect shot.  Autumn is definitely a season that encourages photography. Everything is so beautiful that people can’t help but want to capture it on film.

Now Autumn’s fire burns slowly along the woods. And day by day the dead leaves fall and melt.
-William Allingham

Autumn Reflections – Day 27

On my recent trip to the east coast, my family and I spent several nights at my grandparent’s cottage. Its a small place, tucked away in the countryside, miles away from any city or town. There are no street lights, so when night falls, it gets very dark outside. When I looked up into the heavens, thousands of stars glittered against the dark backdrop of the sky. It was beautiful. Its difficult to describe how I felt, it makes you feel small in comparison to our huge universe.

No spring nor summer beauty hath such grace, as I have seen in one autumnal face.
-John Donne

Autumn Reflections – Day 26

Once autumn comes around, I find myself doing more baking than usual. My usual go-to recipes are cookies and brownies. They’re always really easy to put together. Sometimes I’ll make a cake or cheesecake, but only if I’ve been invited somewhere. There’s nothing like the smell of freshly baked cookies right out of the oven, and the scent usually lingers for most of the day. Since becoming gluten free, its been more of a challenge to find good recipes that are just like the ‘normal’ ones. But it’s been rewarding, and delicious.

Autumn, the year’s last, loveliest smile.
-William Cullen

Autumn Reflections – Day 25

Last year during autumn, I started crocheting. As the temperature falls and the days get shorter, I usually spend more time indoors. Having a creative project to work on is a great way to be both relaxed and productive. After dinner, I’ll usually put on a movie or series that I’m watching and pull out my crochet. I can relax and enjoy the show while still feeling productive. Plus, scarves and hats make great handmade gifts. Its a win-win situation.

Autumn burned brightly, a running flame through the mountains, a torch flung to the trees.
-Faith Baldwin

Autumn Reflections – Day 24

Autumn is a great time to explore the area where you live. To go for a walk somewhere you haven’t been before. Perhaps recording the experience with your camera. This past weekend I spent a few hours wandering the down town area with a few friends. We found a tiny alleyway nestled between two tall brick buildings, barely wide enough for someone to fit through. An old fashioned fire escape ran up the side of a building, and towering glass and metal skyscrapers reached into the sky. It was an interesting mixture of both old and new.

There is a harmony in autumn, and a lustre in its sky, which through the summer is not heard or seen, as if it could not be, as if it had not been!
-Percy Bysshe Shelley

Autumn Reflections – Day 23

As the weather grows colder, I start to appreciate and crave comfort foods. Eating hearty soups and stews, especially after a day outside, makes me feel warm and cozy. I love making crock pot recipes, throwing a bunch of ingredients together and letting the flavours mingle. Making large quantities of food is great for sharing with friends, or as leftovers the next day. And I’ll rarely say no to a cup of hot chocolate 🙂

Autumn is the eternal corrective. It is ripeness and color and a time of maturity; but it is also breadth, and depth, and distance. What man can stand with autumn on a hilltop and fail to see the span of his world and the meaning of the rolling hills that reach to the far horizon?
-Hal Borland