I cherish so many things through every season. When the first signs of Autumn appear, I feel a quiet sense of alignment, everything seems to settle and open all at once, the rush and stimulation of Summer slows down. I welcome those changes which suit my energy better, invite me to rest more, to quietly create and honour my natural pace. Today I want to share some of the simple pleasures I enjoy in early Autumn.
Best of Both
Many traits of Summer remain: a few days ago I noticed a vibrant carpet of yellow wild flowers in the field next to me. This week the sun shone hot enough to sit outside in my shorts and tee shirt and feel really toasty. Some of my garden flowers are getting a second flowering.
Interestingly coloured leaves are scattered amongst the grass. A few mushrooms have appeared in the moss garden under the golden pine tree. The birch tree next to it is shedding tiny copper leaves like confetti.
The rosehips are blushing and the crab apples are swelling. I love this mingling of two seasons, the transition between opposites.
Earthy Moss and Lichen Sculptures
I am in love with moss in its many versions and delight most of all in admiring the infinity of shades, shapes and tiny landscapes it produces. The path that lines my garden has a series of fence posts that each grow their own lichen and mossy artworks in mini landscapes.
As the air becomes damp again, moss revives everywhere and fluffs up its beautiful textures. I love squeezing it with my hands and enjoying that wonderful earthy smell. It makes me feel immediately happy, safe and grounded. It's wonderful to be absorbed in these tiny worlds created in the littlest corners.
Golden Evenings and Misty Mornings
The golden evenings and watercolour skies of Autumn are ablaze with copper and gold. The grass grows vigorously at this time of year and captures every drop of mist and drizzle, lending the landscape a silvery touch. Misty Autumn mornings have their own unique atmosphere of silver mystery and gentle nostalgia, promising gentle openings and secret unfoldings. Seasonal changes are the main inspiration for my nature-inspired paintings, and provide endless windows into simple joys and ordinary magic.
Warming Foods
Autumn foods are my favourites. As the air gets colder I naturally crave warm, nutritious and comforting food. One of the best ways to achieve that for me is to eat plenty of nourishing soups and enjoy the seasonal vegetables that are in abundance at this time. I love root vegetables, pumpkins, wild mushrooms, tangy apples, squashes, seeds, nuts and warming grains like buckwheat. I feel deeply nourished, warmed up and cared for by these delicious and natural foods.
To me nothing says Autumn like the smell of apples gently stewing. Did you know that if you add a small pinch a sea salt to the apples before stewing them, it will bring out their delicious sweetness?
Lighting the First Fire
Wow, turquoise flames!
Through most of Summer the doors and windows have been wide open to let the sweet air in. Now it is time to light the first fire. That first blaze of the season is always a little ritual for me, as I love the stove dearly and it has as much presence as a beneficent being in the house. Seeing those flames dancing again and warming the Autumn house, hearing the crackling sounds, smelling the sweet smell of wood gently burning, is very special and homely indeed.
Early Nights
Over just a few weeks, our sun allowance is completely transformed. The nights become much longer, darker, colder. This is one of my favourite aspects of Autumn. Knowing that I have such long nights makes it easy for me to take good care, to sleep more and to select soothing activities where I can settle in my creativity for many hours. There are more opportunities now to enjoy candle light and to hibernate a little, and I welcome that!
It’s wonderful and healthy to celebrate each season. I hope you enjoyed reading about early Autumn’s simple pleasures. What do you love about early Autumn? I wish you much enjoyment!