September 11, 2017

I Really Do Love Autumn...And Here's Why


Autumn. Fall. September, October, November. No matter the name, the most glorious time of the year has arrived. And I am happy. I absolutely love fall. I say that often. Here, in no specific order, are some of the reasons why I wait all year for these fleeting autumn days.

Autumn days are glorious.
I love that the sun still shines, but is tempered by a nip of cool, crisp air that makes it feel just right.
We can be outside without being hot. Or cold.
And nature provides us with the most amazing backdrop for our late morning walks.


The leaves. Just that. I have always loved watching the slow, subtle transformation of the leaves on the trees from green to multiple shades of vibrant color. I remember being in high school during last period on any given October afternoon. Our high school sat in a valley surrounded by mountains, and as the band practiced and my fellow majorettes and I marched and twirled, I took in the beauty of the amazing colors surrounding us. I still remember that. And now, thirty years later, I enjoy it from my own front porch.


Eventually, the colors fade, and the leaves fall.
But they still have much to offer.
I remember the unmistakeable smell and the sound of the crunchy leaves on the sidewalk during late October evenings. One of my favorite memories for sure.




Pumpkins and cornstalks and mums on my porch.
Some people find joy in bright summer flowers.
Me? I'll take these things anytime.
They just say comfort.
And cozy.
Fall.



Candles.
Fall candles.
Specifically...Yankee Candle's Pumpkin Spice Candle burning in our home.
That is our favorite scent of all.
My children tell me that is the smell of home.
And that makes me so happy.


I love autumn evenings.
As much as those long summer nights bring fun outside, I find comfort in the shorter days of fall that give way to the cozy, longer, darker evenings. I love the time after dinner. I light a candle in the family room, tidy the toys and books from the day, fluff the cushions, get out the throw blankets, and prepare for our evening together as a family.




Autumn is a fresh, new start.
It is back to school, sharp crayons, new books, pumpkin lattes, apple pie, afternoons at the park, colored leaves, burning candles, cozy blankets, and long nights.

How do you feel about fall, my friends?
What is your favorite thing about this beautiful time of year?













































27 comments:

  1. I too love this time of year for all the same reasons. Especially the cooler temps here in Georgia!! We are still hunkered down with family awaiting the arrival of Irma, but I am so really to finish my fall decorating and for a slower pace.

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  2. Oh my Kindred Spirit Sister. You know that I can just echo everything you just posted here. I also love: geese flying in formation over my house, smelling the neighbors wood stove burning, sipping hot chai tea, pulling on a favorite soft warm sweater, crunching the leaves under my feet when I walk Ruby, sitting on my deck on a calm evening watching the colors reflect in the bay like a mirror, baking something with apples and lots of cinnamon, turning on the first fire in the fireplace and feeling so cozy. I could go on and on. I think Autumn makes us a bit of a poet in our soul about the things we love, doesn't it? Love that. Blessings xoxo

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  3. I also love the wood burning stove and the excitement of preparing and planning for Christmas. Making stews and soups and enjoying the taste of wonderful winter vegetables.

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  4. Hi Billie Jo!

    Thank you for sharing your gorgeous photos, it was like a visual feast of Fall!

    I love Autumn as well, definitely not a summer or spring person. Notice how I didn't mention winter . . . ;0)

    I can hardly wait to break out my boots, sweaters and jackets! My favorite thing about fall is being outdoors, just taking in the beautiful masterpiece that, Mother Nature plays for me.

    Enjoy your amazing candles!

    Hugs,
    Barb

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  5. Yes, I do love Autumn!!!

    And you have said it, so beautifully. With lovely photos, and quotes, too. Thank you!

    Happily I have always seen more early twilight, as cozy. Not so my husband, who has to fight against the feeling of sadness, at this time of year. I try to help him, to deal with this, and he does try. But it simply isn't as easy for him, as for me.

    I love a fire in the fireplace! These inbetween times (Autumn and Spring) are the only times for this. Too hot in summer. And in cold winter, a fireplace simply sucks heat out of the home. So I really want to enjoy those Autumn evenings, with the fire going!!!!!

    With a blanket on my lap... A good book... Soft ambiance lighting, other than the needed lamp, to read by... An Autumn candle burning, of course.... And my evening glass of Cream Sherry, beside me. Mmmmmmmm.....

    I also enjoy Halloween or Samhain*, as the original name was. Pretty decorations and lights. No ugly witches or skeletons for me. Only cute little witches. :-) Lots of ceramic pumpkins and little candles, and etc. It is the end of harvest season, and I love to notice the cycles of nature.

    In our modern world, I think it is sad, that more people don't notice the cycles of the year. With all foods available, all year, why?, I suppose. With heat to warm in winter and A/C to cool in summer, why? I suppose. But... I still want to do so.

    *"Samhain is a Gaelic festival marking the end of the harvest season and the beginning of winter or the "darker half" of the year."

    Happy Autumn!!!
    Luna Crone

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  6. I'm with you sweetie! I love fall too! We had a taste of cooler temps last week and it was heavenly!

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  7. Fall belongs to me too! The colors, the smells, the bright blue skies, the fire burning in the fireplace, just cozy and loving is what fall is to me. Thank you for sharing your loves of this season with us.

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  8. We must be sisters, grinning, only I'm the much older sister, lol. I like the change of leaves and the nip in the air. I actually could go on and on. Smiles

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  9. Autumn has always been my favourite season. It reminds me of my happy childhood and days gone by. I treasure every day of this season.

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  10. There are so many things to love about this season! Windows thrown open and crisp air coming into my home, sitting around an outside fire, hot chocolate, apple picking, changing leaves, stews and soup. What isn't there to love about this season!?

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  11. Hi there! I've been following your blog for about six months. I haven't commented yet but it is too delightful not to! Autumn is my favorite season also! Love the Yankee candles all day long! Love the cozy and peaceful feel when I visit here!
    Have you tried Bath and Body Works Marshmallow Pumpkin Latte lotion and soap? So yummy!

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    Replies
    1. Hello!
      Thanks so much for visiting!
      And no...I have not yet seen that scent...
      But I know what I will be looking for! : )

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  12. Autumn is lovely but summer will always have my heart!

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  13. Billie Jo, I love everything about autumn. I'm with you on Pumpkin Spice! ♥

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  14. I love fall!!! I love this post! It makes my heart happy! Hugs and happy fall! (Forgot to mention, I love your pumpkin candles!!!) Juli

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  15. When I read your posts I feel like I only need to comment YES and you will understand completely. lol. Yessss to everything that you love about autumn. : )

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  16. I love this post! Can't wait to be home next year to celebrate fall <3

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  17. Oh I love fall and keep waiting for our weather to change so I can start decorating!

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  18. FALL! What is left to say! Just LOVE IT! Blessings!

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  19. I don't think I could ever live in a place that didn't have the seasons... I so need the change. And fall. I love fall so much for the darker nights (it's already starting) Dark nights and cool temperatures mean cozy to me. Oh I love it!

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  20. Fall is my favorite season FAR ABOVE any other- first and foremost, the weather- I despise the heat, so when fall temperatures arrive, I am so happy- and so is my hair! :) Then the beauty of it all- we recently moved to an older neighborhood- and the best part about it is the HUGE trees that line the streets- it makes for the most wonderful scenery every day as I drive the kids all over town! :) Tomorrow it will be 91, but I just KNOW fall weather will be here soon, right? Right????

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  21. Yes ma'am! I *heart* Fall and have for as long as I can remember!!

    The stirring of leaves in the air and then the crunchy sound it makes when your boot steps on a fragrant pile, the colors, oh the colors of magenta, gold, crimson and orange!! ~swoon~ I could go on and on. Fall is so very beautiful... And when you add in some cozy fall candles and blankets, family favorite cookie and sweet bread recipes, homemade or semi-homemade soups, steamy mugs of coffee and tea and lots and lots of love, boy do you have a season to remember!!

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    Replies
    1. And also not forgetting the one who created such a beautiful season for us all to enjoy!! Can't get any better!!

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  22. Whenever I see a fall candle, I think of you :)

    I really. miss the colors and textures of fall. We don't really have "fall" down here. I miss cider apple donuts from the apple orchard I use to go to in Illinois. I miss the frost on a clear crisp morning.

    But, I also love being able to swim in the "fall" down here and watching the kids trick or treat with costumes (not winter coats). Ha ha. Enjoy it and enjoy some for me, my friend!

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Thanks so much for saying hello!

Billie Jo