Autumn
A Prelude to Winter
The Season of Misty Fruitfulness

For most people Labor Day signals the end of summer. Farewell BBQs and parties are held to say goodbye to summer. For me, Labor Day signals the beginning of fall. My celebration is to say hello to a season I love. A season full of activity and excitement. It is no secret I am not a big fan of Summer, so it can go!

I look forward to cooler weather, the end of allergy season, harvest festivals, bonfires, and Halloween. In September I experience my Autumn Awakening.

It is time to start clearing the garden. The task of "taking down" the garden is always bittersweet. The plants have provided food and their cycle of life is at an end. The flowers that last until the frost provide that last bit of color to an otherwise empty garden.

It is time to start preparing the plants on the porch for their move indoors. Trimming back the unruly growth, cleaning the pots, and making sure there are no inhabitants concealed within the foliage becomes a kind of ritual. Then to find a spot to put them all inside.

It is time to gather seeds, pods, nuts, grains, and dried grasses to use for fall decorating. Bittersweet, sumac and rosehips join pumpkins and gourds for seasonal and holiday displays.

It is time for hikes and picnics, hunting and hayrack rides, and a feast for the senses.

The sights of Autumn.
browns, golds, oranges, reds, muted greens
fall foliage color changes
softer light the blue-est sky
amazing sunsets
a stormy,slate blue, windswept sky
foggy mornings
early snows
the glow of burning candles
roadside stands with a rainbow of produce
falling acorns and pinecones
a golden Renaissance richness

The smells of Autumn.
renewed freshness in the air
the scent of a fireplace or woodstove
burning leaves
bread baking

The feel of Autumn.
the changes in the air
the HOT heat is over
the bone chilling cold is still in the future
invigorating temperatures
warm days and cool nights
Indian Summer
the first frost
the drawing in of the nights
crisp air void of humidity
cool mornings are for snuggling
cozy sweaters
extra quilts on the bed
wearing long sleeves
the cats are getting their winter coats

The sounds of Autumn.
the sound of the shuffling crunchy leaves on the ground
the wind playing with the leaves
football games with cheering fans
geese headed south

The tastes of Autumn.
baking with apples
hot apple cider
caramel apples
a cup of hot tea on a chilly morning
bubbling pots of homemade soups and stews
fresh baked bread
bonfire roasted hot dogs and marshmellows
spicy pumpkin treats

"This is a time of transition, when earth energy inspires us to enfold, protect, layer and wrap. It reminds us of the value of hearth and home as we focus inside awhile and prepare our nest for the winter. Autumn brings a renewed sense of purpose and focus to our work." ~ Felice Willat