The autumn sun, rich and golden, warmed most days and then quickly faded into winter all too soon. It was a busy season, but joy-giving. Autumn has always been a season of looking inward and focusing on the roots I put down, rather than the flowers that bloom. It’s a quieter rhythm—one where I can focus on smaller things.
Home
The cold, windy, grey days of autumn put me in the mood to make homemade bread, soup, and our favorite: shepherd’s pie. We’re indoors more starting in the autumn season, and creating a cozy home is the first step to enjoying the colder weather—it’s also my love language. Here is a small list of rearranging/decor ideas I love to do:
- Lamps for a softer ambiance
- Background music—who doesn’t want a soundtrack to their life?
- Candles that offer a warm glow and cozy feeling!
- A fireplace playing on the TV for those of us with no fireplace
- And finally, texture! Blankets and throw pillows can make a space feel warmer ad more inviting.
Events
As downtown sounds of lawn mowing changed to leaf blowing, all too soon the time came to prepare for the holidays, aka events. We saw friends, and family and spent time investing in just the two of us (three counting Molly!).
Now that the pandemic is pretty much behind us, events are becoming more frequent. Now and then, my introverted heart loves a good party. From Halloween & Christmas parties at the office to political celebrations and brunches—Stephen and I stayed busy. One of my favorite nights was on October 24th—our 13th wedding anniversary. We celebrated at Six Hundred Degrees and enjoyed their Halloween menu and the classic Aviation cocktail—what a spooktacular surprise!
Molly
Our pup gave us a scare in October. And by some miracle (honestly by prayers from friends & family and a change of diet), she is still here with us. And she’s spunky as ever. Since her recovery, she’s back at work with me in the office on Mondays and Wednesdays…only half the day because by lunchtime she wants to eat everyone’s lunch.
Stephen and I are grateful for her good health and snuggles every evening when we are home!
The Heart of Autumn
At the end of the autumn season, there is not much left in the year to do, except for dusting, fluffing, and decluttering. Autumn always captures my heart with its dark days and long nights. Candles burn slowly as I read or write. Long walks on chilly mornings and nights.
I love it all.
How beautifully leaves grow old. The mellow, messy, leaf-kicking, the perfect pause. The cold November rain, and the sunsets—the brightest dreams of poetry.
Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.
Psalm 90:12
I lose sight of what really matters so often; stuck in the midst of my mundane everyday routine I expect too much of myself. Ever in the company of a yawning feeling as though I’m not accomplishing enough. The darker, slower days of autumn were a sweet reminder to breathe in and focus on what really matters. I looked inward to my roots, as I mentioned above, I had some overdue pruning to do.
These past seasons of reflection have been like a warm cup of tea for my soul. I’m excited to see what winter will bring.
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