It’s coming up to mid-October in a year of autumnal sunshine and warm afternoons. The nights close in faster and faster – bringing the cats indoors more and more. I’m noticing this to remember, ideally year on year, this seasonal change. The time when the cats become mine again.
They take their turns snuggling, purring on my lap, absorbing the warmth that is me. Their version of an electric blanket. I fall asleep with one lying on me only to wake with another curled by my side. I’m savouring this time that brings warmth into darker days.
A Change is as Good as
In the lead into summer, autumn is dreaded with its shorter days. There is always so much I wish to do, and future autumn feels closed in, limiting. Until the hot days of summer hit. Then it is all change, with autumns approach desirous. The wishing for cooler temperatures, a change from the intensity of the sun and the vying for cooler spaces.
It always surprises me this change in mentality. Going from dreading autumn to embracing it. Realising it truly is about the temperature offset, though it catches me off guard each year. At summers close, my mind joyously welcomes the onset of autumn. A shift from lighter clothes to snugglier, a change in colours from light to darker and a welcoming of the darkness as a time to be able to once again enjoy crafting hobbies.
Mindful Seasonal Changes
It’s different each year, as seasonal changes are different each year. Last year was harder, with so much rain inhibiting the sun throughout the seasons. This year has been perfection. A lovely offset, and I am trying to take moments to sit and enjoy, be aware of the season in its current glory. A sunrise burning off the fog here, a sunset flaming the skies rolling clouds there. A cloudless sky today, a strong wind cooling the air tomorrow.
It felt like a switch was switched last week and all the trees decided autumn had arrived. Variations of colour have suddenly become more apparent. Still lots of green, but here and there pockets of red and gold. And the light is different, softer, like I’ve walked into a painting. I can certainly see why many painters loved to paint France’s landscapes.
A Days Plans
The temperature hasn’t changed all that much, though the nights are getting cooler, still the days warm up and I drink in the warmth. There is something about this change in temperature that makes you appreciate more that afternoon sunshine, to begin to plan the days around it.
Today is a day off. A chance to be free to let the day dictate, and yet the weather will also assist. The garden beckons with the planting of new bulbs in preparation for spring. I think that is a plan for the afternoon to make the most of the warmer temps, though the ducks call me to come and play now. We will see how the day unfolds.
Softly, Softly
In the meantime, i’ts that early morning quiet time. The lighting is soft, with a candle lit, giving off scents of sandalwood and mint. I am typing this at an angle, with my laptop poised on a pillow to my side, whilst a cat sleeps on my lap and another at my feet. I dare not move, as yet.
But I do not come ill-prepared. Learning to appreciate moments such as these does require some preparation. My coffee cup to hand, a book and a journal. It is really a choice of how long, rather than what to do. And so, this autumn day beckons. Softly, quietly in its light and temperament. Bliss.
More Seasonal Musings
If you enjoy musings on the changing seasons, you will find more here, on Autumn, Winter, Spring and Summer. Enjoy!
If you like what you read, consider nourishing my writings.
Or check out My Shop, for a flavourful option of quirky vintage and antique French finds. Simply click on an image to see more:
