It’s a beautiful time of year, isn’t it? With temperatures cooling and colors radiating a myriad of vibrant hues, the landscapes breathe magical sighs. What is your favorite memory of fall? I have two! My very first experience seeing radiant autumn colors was humming through the Swiss Alps on a train with wall-to-wall windows on a crisp October 18th. Being originally from south, central, and North Texas, and spending 21 years in California, I had never experienced scenery painted in such brilliant color! My husband, David and I sipped our hot, strong European coffee while exclaiming over trees dressed in buttery yellows, coppery gold, light and burnt orange, and saffron, while other arbors nestled into the mountains in regal purple, coral, fiery reds and russet. Breathtaking and memorable. What a stunning first adventure of autumn.
Another time I lavished in such majestic beauty was in the mountains of North Carolina, in the good ole’ USA. Their foliage too was miraculously draped in spectacular color. A myriad of color crept throughout the circumference of trees that almost touched the sky forming interesting patterns that only the hand of God could paint. The mountain drive was fun, but a little perplexing for this girl who’s used to flatland rather than mountains and winding roads.
Maybe autumn to you is about scents of apple cider, tastes of pumpkin bread, or cozy nooks with flaming fireplaces to warm you from the dipping temperatures. Maybe fall is a time to huddle together to watch your favorite football team and sweater weather, or a time to enjoy the softer light, shorter days. Or maybe you love to watch the abundance of squirrels, and to scoop up all the falling acorns. Whatever is your favorite part of this fresh new season, enjoy it.
Here in north Texas, we will have autumn, but a little later. Right now we’re enjoying a break from our staggeringly hot summer and the last bursts of color from our crepe myrtle trees—the rosey pinks, deep reds, violets, and snowy whites, not to mention the colorful lantana, and countless shades of vincas. We’ve a touch of spring before we catapult into autumn in November, or even possibly on Christmas Day! Who says fall has to happen in one particular month?
What are your favorite things about autumn, and when does it come to your home?
The Swiss Alps in autumn — a landscape painted in every shade of gold, amber, and crimson.