The Fall season shuffles in
“To be interested in the changing seasons is a happier state of mind than to be hopelessly in love with spring.”
George Santayana
It’s autumn in Vancouver. In September I found myself taking notice of the lush green foliage, realizing the trees would soon be bare. I was not looking forward to saying good-bye to summer.
I love the heat, the long sunny days and green grass; especially the smell of freshly cut grass. I prefer going barefoot. Listening to the rustle of the wind in the trees is heavenly. Did I mention the heat?
The lush green foliage I’d been admiring began to change into familiar brown, yellow, red and orange seasonal colours. Mornings were cool. Low afternoon sunlight cast a pale yellow, whitish light and shadows stretched long and narrow. The sun noticeably set earlier. Noticeably.
Taking change in stride
One particular afternoon I took a walk, feeling a little melancholy about letting go of summer. I became caught up in the sound of my feet shuffling through the leaves that blanketed the sidewalk and covered parked cars. People were raking them. Squirrels scurried through them. I could see bird’s nests in the branches that otherwise would have been hidden by leaves.
A father and his young son stood in the middle of their lawn, surrounded by leaves. They were holding hands and the little boy was motionless, staring down in wonder at the ocean of colour that surrounded him. I got caught up in his appreciation. He was noticing.
I stopped trying to hold onto summer and began enjoying myself, noticing more of what I liked. I took my camera out of my pocket a number of times to capture the beautiful colours and scenery.
Strength in letting go
This beautiful, young tree caught my attention. Two weeks later I passed by and it was naked. I was surprised that it looked stronger than it had with its leaves. Beautifully barren.
I started to look forward to cooking beef stews and spicy soups. Hot coffee in the morning tasted even better — imagine that! Snuggling on the couch under a blanket was cozier. Candles would brighten the longer evenings.
The sound of rain was louder on the fallen leaves. One evening I stood on my balcony in the dark just listening to the rain, sipping a glass of red wine. It made me shiver, in a good way.
I liked feeling cozy. Rather abruptly, those cozy thoughts gave way to thoughts of the next season to come — winter. I shivered; not in a good way. Some things never change.
What has caught your eye this season?
What do you have to let go of to enjoy this new season?
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Hilary
{ 39 comments }
Hi Davina .. me too I prefer the long spring dawns, and long long summer days .. but the colours this year have been spectacular, the lush growth of berries, hips etc are amazing. Each season gives us a time to reflect and to adjust our thoughts to improvement – decluttering like your tree perhaps – gathering strength from the empty branches, waiting for new beginnings in our lives ..
Thanks – a different perspective on Autumn ..
Hilary Melton-Butcher
Positive Letters Inspirational Stories
Hilary´s last blog ..Provender Hedgerows with Autumn Colours
Hi Davina,
Autumn here in Wisconsin is a wonderful time of year. The colors from the trees are amazingly vivid – oranges, yellows, and some greens mixed in. Along with some browns too. It’s like there’s a newness outside, leaves covering the ground. The air is more crisp – an awakening. The morning frost on the grass makes those first daylight hours look to peaceful and serene. So good to think about this today…
Lance´s last blog ..Sunday Thought For The Day
Living in Arkansas, we’re generally happy to see the hot, muggy, stagnant summer weather replaced by cooler autumn. However, this year was unusually cool and wet and the move into autumn has been, too. We generally love autumn, but I fear that winter will arrive way sooner than normal and we will be anxiously looking forward to warmer months.
Mike Goad´s last blog ..South Rim of the Black Canyon
I adore the fall and the changing of seasons. Over the past few days the leaves have really started to change and it’s SO beautiful!
Positively Present´s last blog ..words to live by: awake is the new sleep
Argh! That first slide…LEAVES!!!
That’s what I just spent the past two hours staring at and raking up.
I’m “leafed out” for the day.
Good photo, though.
It’s wonderful to be able to let go of something we love and learn to enjoy other things. I think I’m getting better about doing it too.
vered | blogger for hire´s last blog ..Women Love Pink
Hi Hilary.
Spring is my most favourite season. I like how you’ve put it that each season gives us a time to reflect and adjust our thoughts. We can get too complacent without change… or at least, without noticing change.
Hi Lance.
Isn’t the crisp air great!? Always surprises me that I like it because I’m not all that fond of the cold. And I love the morning frost on the grass too… thanks for that reminder.
Hi Mike.
It’s definitely been an odd year for weather this year. I hope the pattern you’ve described surprises you and you have a tolerable winter. Something’s gotta give.
Hi Dani.
I don’t know what it is about this colourful season… it really makes you stop and take notice. But then, I find myself wondering though… that seems to happen at the change of every season… the blossoms in the spring, the first snowfall in winter… summer…? That season just seems to be a good rest, if one can bear the heat.
Hi Friar.
Well at least you didn’t find any bear poop while you were raking…? I’m sure we’d have HEARD about that! :-) Easy for me to say, cause I wasn’t doing it… but yard work is relaxing I find. You can keep in shape raking those leaves and shovelling snow… staying fit to carry that canoe come spring.
Hi Vered.
It’s neat how we can step back and notice how we have changed. It kinda sneaks up on ya doesn’t it? Weee, what a ride! :-)
Hi Davina – I’m looking forward to saying hello to summer, I can tell you – it is STILL cold here.
It has been nice seeing the trees come back to life here – after the really bad heat waves last summer many mature trees lost all their leaves well before the end of summer, and it was a worry they might have died.
I know what you mean about looking forward to being cozy – it gets me every year, till the reality sets in – ha.
Robin´s last blog ..Ego Is Not A Dirty Word
Hi Davina
What a beautiful ode to fall and the photos are stunning!
Boy can I agree with you about the heat. You know there was a time my husband and I actually considered moving to Vancouver as we still wanted to be in Canada, but move to its warmest part. But then when we researched, we realize the difference would be rather minimal for the amount of change we would have to do… so we stayed here. But definitely are dreaming up a life in a much warmer place somewhere on this Earth – not sure yet where that will be.
And I so agree with your words, about not resisting. I love summer so much, but realized too that unless I let the natural flow of things, I would actually be in an energy of resistance and I know I don’t want to be there. So now I welcome the fall colors!
Evita´s last blog ..Fiery Expressions
Hi,
Thank you! I would now go on this blog every day!
Joker
I am certainly jealous of you Northerners this time of year, but today it feels like fall — rainy and chilly, a hint of red wine in the air.
What has caught my eye this autumn season is a steadily lessening amount of dead people around. As you may know, heat does lead to more homicides, most killings take place at over 96 degrees farenheit. I must say it’s nice to tra-la-la along the lake trail without tripping over the usual summer stiffs.
:)
(How do you guys allow me to continue on the Net?? I should be banished with these wild thoughts.)
:)
Jannie Funster´s last blog ..Like a bord on a wire, 12 — Funny Typos
Hey, and ask Joker if he can get me a sweet deal on an iPhone, okay??
:)
Over and out until my next comment.
Jannie Funster´s last blog ..Like a bord on a wire, 12 — Funny Typos
Wow, this was fast — my next comment already. See how frisky I am on this wonderful autumnal lack-of-dead-bodies high?
Jannie Funster´s last blog ..Like a bord on a wire, 12 — Funny Typos
Hi Davina — I’m really enjoying the imagery of these posts. It helps me to experience seasonal changes despite living in Northern California, where they don’t really happen.
Davina,
Lovely writing…
I love each day – truly – and each season has it’s own reward and sorrow.
Just glad to be here to enjoy each thing.
I am not functional in the heat – I really hate it if I must accomplish something. Now when the children are older, I work at night and sleep during the heat…it is so bad….
If the weight would come off, I am told I could be more functional in the heat.
My husband love the heat and grew up in the desert.
patricia´s last blog ..Korny Zucchini Pizza
Hi Robin.
A friend of mine just got back from Australia. She said the weather was drastically different as she travelled to different locations. Very hot and then cooled so much that she had to buy some warm clothes.
Reality… yeah… ha, ha. Don’t remind me ;-)
Hi Evita.
Wow, that’s a huge compliment coming from you! Thanks :-) Summers get pretty hot out your way… I remember that well. And then the fierce thunderstorms it would spawn. Miss those.
Hi Joker.
You’re welcome.
Hi Jannie.
I like that — a hint of red wine in the air. Lol, if it were much hotter up this way, I’d “have you taken care of” — you can count on that! :-) If Joker does plan to come back every day, I’m sure you’ll hear about an iPhone very soon… right Joker?
Hi Chris.
The colours are nice, even for Vancouver. I’m sure you’ve seen photos of the fall season in Eastern Canada? Out of this world! What a treat.
Hi Patricia.
Thanks. Genetically, some people are just not cut out for the heat for some reason, despite their weight. This summer was a bad one for heat, I must say. Each season does have it’s pros and cons though. Some have more cons… such as WINTER! :-)
Hi Davina,
What I noticed this year is our fall came fast and the leaves are also falling fast. It might have something to do with the surprise snow we had in early October.
Like you, I love the sound of rustling leaves. I’ve always love waking through them just to stir them up and hear that sound. Nice!
Barbara Swafford´s last blog ..Seize The Opportunity – A Pro Speaks
Davina — You can come visit me. We still have summer here in Florida!! As I live in North Florida, I usually do get to see the leaves change. Ours are just beginning to show colors.
I love fall. I love all the colors, the crisp night air, snuggling in blankets and as you said feeling cozy. I appreciated your comment about the tree that looked somehow stronger without it’s leaves. I also find that true. And if they didn’t shed their leaves, we wouldn’t get to enjoy it as much when they come back in the spring:~)
Sara´s last blog ..Picture Story: Picture Flowers
Wow, “my” leaves are on stage! :)
Davina, I love how the little boy reminded you how to notice. I swear, the older I become, the more I treasure children!
I grew up not that far (relatively speaking) from where Lance lives. Fall is one of my all-time favorite seasons—right up there with spring and summer and winter—and I remember being like Friar, raking the leaves. Somehow, I suspect he wouldn’t pile them up just to jump and roll around in them like I would still do. I would! Getting all the leaf dust in my nose, the broken bits in my waistband and neck, crushing them all too quickly… Leaves are fun! Closing my eyes, I can just smell them, now… (contented grin)
We feel the seasonal change in Arizona, too, it’s just far more subtle, at least until you experience a few of them. LOL, my blood’s become mighty thin over the years! Even though it’s not dramatic, noticing Fall in the air changes is very welcome, here. An enormous sigh of relief after the “endless” days of summer. It’s like a vacation! As for Fall, in general, no matter where I’ve lived, there’s something very soothing about the rhythm of the earth… Fall in the air evokes for me childhood memories of the excitement of anticipating winter’s pitch-black evenings that begin before 6pm, being in the kitchen, safe and snug with Mom and Dad watching over the home and and all is right with the world…
Julie´s last blog ..Simply Divine
Seasonal ritual — Today, I fixed my first pot of homemade chili for the colder weather season. I don’t make it in the summer. I guess because it tastes so much better when it’s actually chilly outside.
I’ve found the older I get, the less I like the cold, but I still relish fresh snow, no matter how cold it is. Especially when the snow outlines the bare trees. I’m hoping the winter storm coming this way tomorrow brings snow this time instead of slush.
Lori Hoeck´s last blog ..Stop panic — three ways to unfreeze in self defense
Hi Barbara.
You had snow already? Early October is early isn’t it? I kind of like those early snowfalls… they’re a fun surprise, and you know that it won’t last :-)
Hi Sara.
Thanks :-) I’ve never been to Florida and have always felt like I’ve missed out. I was surprised how strong that tree looked despite loosing its leaves. Never noticed that before. The crisp night air is refreshing as is the fresh morning air… makes a cup of hot chocolate even better.
Hi Julie.
Yep… these are YOUR leaves :-) Julie’s leaves…. I know, that little boy and his dad melted my heart. We shared a moment — ha, ha.
I like how you’ve put it here: “soothing about the rhythm of the earth”. If only we could just fall into that rhythm huh?
Hi Lori.
Mmm, homemade chili. Not the same in summer, I agree. Do you serve it with cheese? That’s a nice image… when the snow outlines the bare trees. Sigh. Fresh snow is a photographer’s dream come true. Everything seems so still and peaceful after a fresh snowfall.
Davina,
This is a great post about realization and coming to terms with change. For me it was the realization that after I move in December I will not be experiencing these changes because I’m going to a tropical place. While that sounds like a dream come true, I have to say that I will miss the change in seasons. I don’t like being cold either but one in a while I welcome the brisk cool air that comes in as an announcement to a new season. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
Terie
SpinDiva´s last blog .."This is it."
All of you are so lucky to be able to experience four seasons in a year. I don’t get that, coming from a tropical country. The weather is pretty much the same the whole year round. Perhaps that explains why I yearn to travel so much! I haven’t been to Vancouver though. It will be nice to, some day, going by your descriptions.
Evelyn Lim´s last blog ..Abundance Tapestry is Live
Davina,
Fall in AZ where I live is cooler and it get’s dark earlier. I have to let go of my summer nights. I love how it stays so light out in the summer. Living in AZ also I’ve found a lack of produce like we had in MI. I want some concord grapes, plums, apples and all that good stuff that isn’t in abundance here. And the grocery stores just don’t cut it! I have to accept it will always be like this as long as I’m here. Sob sob!
Beautiful writing, Davina, as always. I have friends in Vancouver and Victoria, and would love to be able to visit you someday, if I ever manage the grand North American tour. I think we’d have some lovely photo snapping, post-inspiring walks in companionable silence.
Scotland has stunning autumn foliage, but I’m not much of an advert for getting out there and enjoying it all. My favourite parts of autumn are crisp blue-sky days with a tang of frost in the air, putting the bird food out and enjoying seeing my garden teaming again, and (I wish I could write this in a tiny font in case it shocks folk) getting ready for Christmas and cosy winter nights in my home with my family. I know it’s early, but my kids enjoy surprises so when they’re at school, I put more thought and preparation than money into giving them lovely rituals to look forward to and remember. For twenty odd years, I’ve also made all our Christmas cards in November. This is the first year I won’t be doing it.
janice´s last blog ..Does anxiety make you over-explain?
Hi SpinDiva
Welcome! The month of December is a good time to move to a tropical place. You planned that well. You can always come back to visit. I’d be picking May over October though :-)
Hi Evelyn.
Nice to see you again. We always want what’s on the other side of the fence eh? I could settle into a tropical place like yours quite easily, despite how beautiful BC is. But I would miss the mountains though.
Hi Tess.
I like those long summer nights too. Sigh… I know what you mean about the produce. Miss the fresh peaches and blueberries when the summer is finished. But then again, in the cooler weather, fruit is less appealing anyway, unless it is cooked.
Sob, sob… Arizona! Awe Tess :-)
Hi Janice.
I love those crisp blue skies and frosty air AND would love to visit Scotland some day. My father is from the UK and it’s in my blood. If you come over here to visit I will take you to Bowen Island and we can go hiking :-) Christmas is ONLY 8 weeks away, so not too early to mention it. Won’t be surprised to see tv commercials for it soon.
LOL Davina – I thought you didn’t get real winters in Vancouver. Have just read what Jannie said about homicides being committed when the weather is really hot. That is very scary.
Struggling to answer your question – what do I have to let go of to enjoy the new season? Probably my need for sunlight – it’s so dull and grey here. Some people say that Vancouver gets dull and rainy like the UK in the winter. Is that true – or is it only now and again?
Davina, taking change in stride is to gradually accept more of your authentic self. Change is about remembering what is and choosing to discard or detatch from illusion, pain and anything you conjure up to distract the mind from inner peace. Nature reassures you throughout transitions. Every stage of awakening is forever meaningful.
Liara Covert´s last blog ..What if God is mind?
Hi Cath.
We sure got a winter last year. Snowed like crazy just before Christmas. Vancouver had a dull and rainy day today, but it’s not as bad as some people make it out to be. The forecast may be for rain for 5 days straight, but it stops often and the sun peaks out.
Hi Liara.
I appreciate how nature tweaks awareness, gently, in most cases. This makes me wonder though… if the so-called climate change and more intense weather patterns has “something” to do with US waking up more to ourselves. What do you think about that?
I love that quotation. I was about to write a similar post, probably still will. Autumn is nice.
Hi Dot.
This quote IS a keeper. Nature paints many pictures that teach us. That’s what I like about the changing seasons; they wake us up and in a way, bring us together. There’s a certain “knowingness” between people that I see when I’m out walking, whether it’s shuffling through the leaves, plowing through the snow, breathing the scent of the spring blossoms, or soaking up the sun.
Davina´s last blog ..Changing Seasons in Gentle Stride
Well, the iPhone fairy did come my way, whoo-hoo!! it’s in my backpack now with the beer, donuts and hand sanitizer.
Jannie Funster´s last blog ..Baby’s First Halloween
Hi Jannie.
Too funny! Ask and you WILL receive. :D
That is good to know Davina. Some of the stuff I’d been reading about Vancouver had me thinking that the sun didn’t come out all winter. It’s so hard to research these places properly, as many Canadians seem really biased towards wherever they live. And everywhere looks so nice.
Hi Cath.
I was pleasantly surprised when I moved here, after being told how much it rains. Maybe I’ve gotten used to it. I’d rather have the rain than snow any day, that’s for sure.
I appreciate Jannie’s comment about “stiffs”. One sometimes wonders what happens to people who die in winter when the snow flies and the backhoe is no help in the ice. The corpses are sometimes stashed until spring, sometimes added to smorgesborgs (buffets) and crematoriums. One’s imagination can start working overtime…
Liara Covert´s last blog ..Esther Hicks & align with the Vortex
Hi Liara. That’s one thing that isn’t frozen in time — our imagination :-) I couldn’t “imagine” life without it!
Hi Davina…
Loved your post. Problem was…you expressed Autumn so well it made me homesick to experience it! Fall was always my favorite season and walking along crunching the leaves as I stepped on them was a favorite activity.
There is just something about fall. I guess fall had to lead into something….
It’s all relative though because if you lived in Florida year round, you would long for that first snow fall…the glistening trees and the smell of firewood!
Kathy
Kathy Dobson´s last blog ..Companionship
Hi Kathy.
Oh, yes… the glistening trees and the smell of firewood. THAT takes me back! Isn’t that heavenly? Fall is a beautiful season and I supposed it eases us from summer into winter quite nicely.
Davina´s last blog ..New Lives: Stories of Rescued Dogs
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