Fall-in In Love Again

The colours of Autumn are spectacular in the upper east-coast of the US which is why for most of my life, Autumn  (or Fall) had been my favourite season. I complained to my husband last year that even though England is beautiful in the Spring, it just didn’t cut the mustard colour-wise during the Autumn period. I have made a mistake.

Photo by Beverley Goodwin

In order to see things more closely, you need to be mindful of where you are and what you are looking at.

 

Woburn Abbey photo by UKGardenPhotos

 

Photo by Jose M. Vasquez

I have discovered that other parts of Great Britain have amazing autumnal colours.

Tor Y Foel Wales
Photo Source

On my recent trip to the Isle of Eigg, Scotland, the colour changes occurred in other plant foliage other than tree leaves.

I have left this amazing find for last.  On my train ride back, I looked out the window and saw miles and miles of this bright orange grass.  My brain could not get around this…orange grass?

Sorry for the picture quality.  This was taken with my camera phone through a dirty window.  This however, is not farm land.  These are not crops.

This is indeed a type of grass!

It is called Rannoch Fire Grass and it is usually green but gradually turns red in the Autumn.

I have now fallen in love with Autumn again!

It’s All About Autumn

Growing up In New York meant that I chose Autumn as my favourite time of year.  When I moved to England I was surprised to find that my favourite season changed to Spring. Spring in England is special.  English gardens are beautiful and the grass is always green. What I was slow to realize was the reason that Autumn lost its appeal until I made the recent trip to New York to attend my daughter’s wedding.  Autumn leaves are more vibrant and colourful in the US.  In England, leaves change only slightly and we don’t get much oak leaves. After doing a bit of research, I discovered there are certain weather conditions that need to happen for the best Autumn (or “fall” as we Americans call it) colours.  What is needed is a warm wet Spring combined with a sunny cool Autumn. Basically, Autumn in England (and most of Europe) is cloudy rather than sunny. Personally, I think it’s good that New York has such spectacular Autumn colours. A lot of what you see is pretty grey and dull looking most of time in most areas.

While I was staying at the Catskills ( home town of Rip Van Winkle), the colours were amazing and yet funny enough we met some locals who informed us that the colours were a let down this year due to too much wind and rain.  Really? Take a look at these pictures I took while visiting a local Buddhist temple:

 

These colours really make me want to bring the outdoors in.  I didn’t do much shopping while visiting the US as I was under strict luggage weight and bulk limit but I managed to squeeze just two things I found in Target that I simply had to have.  What do you think of this pumpkin-shaped potpourri?

 

I actually added some cinnamon-apple oil essence as the fragrance was a bit too dull.

I also purchased this pumpkin made from tree bark which is the pumpkin on the right.

 

The other thing I had added to my living room was this vase filled with autumn coloured faux flowers and berries and the copper-coloured pear next to it.  I think it looks quite nice on my fireplace mantle.

I am loving my Autumn décor so much that for the first time ever, I am not in a hurry for Christmas to come!

 

 

Bibliography: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/earth/outdoors/8114574/An-English-autumn-puts-the-US-fall-in-the-shade.html

Our Sense Of Autumn

It is generally noted that the season of Spring is a time when one thinks of new beginnings and hope for the future.  Trees and flowers start to bloom,  the weather is warmer and all throughout nature there are signs of new births.

Then comes Summer, the season where many plans are made to take vacations, bask in the sunshine or meet up with friends at a pub garden.  The mood is happier, the clothes are lighter and there is in a small way, a sense of freedom.

However, it is an Autumn landscape which speaks volumes to me. There is a sense of maturity. A sense that all my hard work has now paid off. You see it in the way the rays of sunshine capture and illuminate bright ochres and ambers as if a painter has added touches of gilding here and there.  The world feels richer, deeper, wiser.  The harvest is reaped and there is much to be thankful for.  There are new comforts in fleecy jackets, hot soups and root vegetable stews.  It is a time of  year when one feels the most nurtured and wishes to reach out and bring nurturing to others.

 

 

Picture Source

 

Picture Source

Perhaps it is just me but Autumn brings out my deepest mothering instincts as well as my deepest feelings of contentment. It is about seeing small children with big smiles while they crunch fallen leaves under their feet.  When I was a child, I felt more keenly that I was another year older when school started up again then when it was my birthday.  Autumn begins and it is the season of acquiring new information, deeper contemplation and becoming more grounded.

Picture Source

 

Decisions and commitments made in Autumn are decisions and commitments made in wisdom.  So today, let’s reflect on this season as the season to focus on our wisdom.  What is important?  What is right?  How do we serve? How do we nurture both ourselves and others?  What decisions do we need to make?

 

Decorating Ideas For Autumn

Autumn always brings back memories for me of my childhood.  Growing up in the states means long summer vacations so that when school restarts it becomes something to look forward to.  Honestly, I detested school with a passion but there is something about new notebooks, pencil cases, pens and notepads to get you looking forward to it.  Everything is new and clean with no ink marks or smudgy pencil stains. It feels like you’re starting over and life is full of new and good possibilities.  Then autumn comes and the air is fresher and the leaves turn colour and suddenly all the fun holidays are just around the corner.  Halloween, followed by Thanksgiving and then…CHRISTMAS!

But let’s stick with one thing at a time.  Autumn…the colours are gorgeous and I just want to bring the outside in!  Here are some ideas I have been collecting to start decorating for autumn.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/elle72/

So simple and beautiful!  I think I may be able to get all the materials from my local Hobby Craft!  If the metal lanterns are cheaper, I can always choose to spray paint them.

http://designingmainstreet.com/page/5/

Hazelnuts!  This idea would work right through till Christmas!

thepursuitofhomeliness.com

Ahhhh!  Cinnamon sticks!  I love those minature pumpkins and pine cones!  Simple!

Pumpkin seeds and real autumn leaves!

from Etsy.com

How great is this door sway!?  You can try and make a similar one or purchase this exact one at Etsy.com.

Love this!  I haven’t bought into the whole birdcage thing for decorating but this is great!  It appeals to mystical side of me.  The vine reminds me of disused buildings being over run by vines, like sleeping beauty’s castle.

I am definitely doing this one!  So simple and both flowers and pumpkin can be bought at my local supermarket!

Happy Autumn!