Five Things | Autumn Love
If there was one word I had to use to sum up how I feel about the autumnal season, it would be this. Home. It would be the smell of wood smoke coming from the neighbor’s chimney, and the feel of soft flannel shirts or warm sheets. It would be that feeling I get when I watch the trees rolling up their sleeves as they release all the beauty that had been bestowed upon them in the spring and summer seasons, casting a magic spell to turn what was green into the most beautiful palette of warmth.
The definition of autumn reads “a time of full maturity,” and sometimes even “the early stages of decline.” This may be true when you see birds and animals alike scurrying about to gather the last bit of nature’s bounty and hoard it away for the coming season of hibernation, but to me, the world is just beginning to come alive.
I am just beginning to come alive. Having been a late-fall baby, I’ve always felt most alive in autumn. All of my senses are on full alert, taking in every gorgeous detail I can see. From the droplets of the first fall rainstorm to the majestic silence of an early snow, this is my season. These are some of the reasons why.
(1) The crunch of leaves is the most satisfying sound I’ve ever heard.
The world looks like it’s been set aflame with the crimsons, ambers, and golds spread like a blanket on the ground. It’s almost too beautiful to walk on, so I tiptoe about until the leaves change to brown. That’s when the real magic happens because there is no better sound in the world than the rhythmic crunch of leaves below your feet. I slow down and take my time, allowing my walks to be a little longer, and I adore watching the first time a child discovers the soft echo they can make with the pitter-patter of their little shoes.
(2) The building excitement for the coming holidays makes me feel like a kid again.
Once the autumn equinox occurs, I know it will only be a few short weeks before Halloween arrives and children of all ages will dress up and sprint from door to door, begging a treat from neighbors. But my favorite countdown begins after this night is over. That time leading up to the two big holidays here in the states, Thanksgiving and Christmas, is a bustle of excitement. These special days seem to call people home from across the globe, to gather and spend time with loved ones, and my happy heart loves it all.
(3) Dressing in layers makes this body-conscious girl feel at ease.
When the wind is blustery and there’s a chill in the air, I love wrapping up in layers to stay cozy. I’ve always felt more confident fully dressed, so a summer of short shorts and cropped tops was never for me. Autumn, however, is perfect, allowing the option to dress down but add sweaters, wool socks, and puffy vests if the temperature should dictate. Cable-knit and buffalo plaid are the patterns of the season, and this girl is here for it all.
(4) Comfort food is and always will be the way to my heart.
What is better than coming inside to take off the chill and having a big pot of homemade soup or stew to help? In my house, these dishes have become the standard for football season when everyone pulls up to the table with a bowl heaped high. Comfort food stays on our palate for as long as the temps are low, letting everyone warm themselves from the belly-out, and always making room at the table for one more. But savory meals aren’t the only thing I crave. I long for the sweet aroma of cinnamon, clove, and ginger, and soon, my kitchen becomes a factory for cookies, and cakes, and sweet bread - enough to keep guests happy and share with neighbors and friends.
(5) Stress goes down like mercury in the thermometer.
Even though autumn is one of the busiest seasons, it does feel like the world slows its pace. The days become shorter as the sleeping sun extends our period of rest. The people seem to quiet their steps too, opting to linger a bit longer with friends and enjoy the spirit of what this season is all about. A time of full maturity. As if that maturity comes with the knowledge that we are no longer needing to dash about, that we can take our sweet time. We can afford to linger. We can enjoy a little time to rest.
I will never have a greater love affair than the one I have with this season. Autumn, I am yours forever.
