20 Simple Autumn Pleasures
Posted on November 06th, 2008 in Happiness
Every season has its joys. The trick is in recognizing them when they arrive and savoring them for all they’re worth.
Me? I’m an autumn junkie. Fall is a perfect time for reflection. Thoughts naturally wander toward endings as leaves fall and gardens wither, yet the beauty that’s produced floats a strong current of optimism into the air. It feels like a fresh start, and a time to enjoy all aspects of life. In that spirit, here are 20 ways to enjoy the beauty of autumn.
- Baking the first pumpkin pie of the season
- Crunching leaves underfoot as you walk
- Leaf collecting (try photocopying them and making them into art like Lois Ehlert!)
- Sipping apple cider
- Snuggling under a blanket
- Wearing winter sweaters that feel new again after six months hidden away
- Having a great excuse to stay in on a Saturday and watch movies all day long
- Letting the garden go
- Waking up to the first snow fall (sorry west coasters! You’re missing out!)
- Picking out pumpkins
- Easy opportunities to be charitable start springing up
- Peppermint lattes
- The change in color (although to be honest, there was never much to appreciate until I moved to Idaho
- Bright, brilliant sunlight in the late afternoon
- The crispness in the air puts a bit of bounce in your step
- September by Earth, Wind, and Fire
- Screaming “Go, baby, go” at your favorite football team
- Feeling good about feeling warm
- Early darkness is a perfect excuse for romantic candles
- Thicker beers match the mood. Goodbye Corona, hello Hef
What else? What’s best in your part of the world? Any more good reasons to enjoy the shift?
photo credit: Aunt Owwee
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This post has 27 comments
November 6th, 2008
awww.. i love autumn too
Every season really, but theres just something special about autumn. For me the best part are the fiery, glowy colours. And how nature has been designed to ease us into the harsh winter and not just slap bang us with storms and cold. It gently prepares us by changing the colour of the leaves, pushes the wind just a bit stronger and chills the air just enough to make us remember that winter is not far off.. all the while creating beauty as it does this!
my favourite autumn moments include:
1. the crunching of leaves
2. the fields filled with fiery colours
3. the joy of once again pulling out those wind-breakers,
scarves and boots
4. the chill in the air, while sunshine streams down on you.
5. remembering that soup exists
I have to say though, that here in south africa, our autumns are quite different. much warmer than other parts of the world. Also no snow in winter ..
right now its Spring here, on the brink of summer. so for us, its carefree, warm days. perfect for picnics.
Nuraans last blog post..Maybe she’s born with it…
November 6th, 2008
Mushrooms! (And if you know what you’re doing, going mushrooming in the woods).
Chestnuts.
Pumpkin soup.
Roast dinners.
Autumn leaves.
Bonfire Night (Guy Fawkes Night) with fireworks and bonfires.
Caitlins last blog post..Photo Friday: Gaudi’s fruity cathedral
November 6th, 2008
Ah no! I can’t believe you mentioned crunching brown leaves underfoot. I miss doing that so much, kicking them and making them fall to the ground again. I moved to New Zealand from the UK a number of years ago and I still miss doing that. I guess the only thing I can take from that is the fact that we’re now going into Summer rather than Winter
Andy @ Retire at 40s last blog post..Ideas and Actioning Them
November 6th, 2008
I even enjoy the clouded skies in combination with the wind and blowing leaves. And the scent outdoors that lets you know Autumn is here.
When I was in college, my friends and I also loved to jump into one of the giant piles of leaves left by the leafblowers earlier in the day. (I’m positive that didn’t meet the approval of the maintenance workers, but boy - it was fun!)
Bellesouths last blog post..Obama may have won, but we still have a long road ahead of us.
November 6th, 2008
I love the fall, too. I’m a September baby.
One of my favorite parts of fall is taking the dog on long walks through the park and looking at the colors of the changing trees.
Deborah Johnsons last blog post..It’s Beginning to Look A Lot like the Christmas List
November 6th, 2008
After you mentioned pumpkin pie I had trouble concentrating on the rest of the post. I love pumpkin pie!
Anyhow, here in Quebec, when the days get short and the dark nights get long, it is easy to lose sight of the “fun” in the colder seasons. Here, we are on the cusp. Fall is gone but winter hasn’t started. It is now a nail-biting wait for the snow to begin in earnest. Although we are experiencing a brief Indian summer right now of 15° C days, which is nice but very rare for this time of year.
The one thing I really enjoy in the Fall is lighting our first fire in the woodstove! The smell, feel and ambiance is unbeatable when the “weather outside is frightful…”
Adam Steers last blog post..Time Under Tension & The Gymboss
November 6th, 2008
I had to laugh when you listed “September” by Earth, Wind and Fire! That song constantly pops into my head during the fall months and takes me right back to high school teen canteen dances with my sweetie.
Pumpkin anything
Raking and jumping in leaves
Driving through tree lined street with wonderful fall colors
Great Photo opportunities
November 6th, 2008
I come from a place that is mainly humid throughout the whole year. I’m from Singapore, a tropical island in south east Asia. We don’t experience the four seasons like you do. Towards the end of the year, we do get more rain though. It’s the best time to stay indoors!
Evelyn Lims last blog post..My Out-of-Body Experiences
November 6th, 2008
I love seeing people get in their costumes. That includes both little kids and co-workers that are way past their teens, hehe. I love seeing the trees that contain vibrant reds, oranges, greens, pinks, and brown leaves. Raking them… not so much. Mmm, and finally: hot cocoa.
- Jack Rugile
Simple Sapien
Simple Sapiens last blog post..Video Post: What Do You Wish For On Your Birthday?
November 6th, 2008
The jackets, the scarves, the leaves, a drive in the mountains.
Autumn really makes me feel pretty!!
Mayas last blog post..Welcome - Please Come in!
November 6th, 2008
Hi Sara. To echo some of what you said: the colours, the crispness in the air and reconnecting with sweaters and warmth. I can also add cooking up yummy soups and stew; having your home smelling wonderful as all these aromas permeate throughout.
November 6th, 2008
Things I enjoy about autumn:
1. Birthdays! Mine sometimes falls on election day.
2. Hot Chocolate, sometimes with a dash of rum (for over 18/21 depending on your local laws).
3. Roaring fires in the fireplace with a good thick book and a purring kitty in their thick winter coats on the lap.
4. Bach, especially his Christmas cantatas.
5. Waxing and tuning skis and checking ski gear for winter.
6. Planning with glee for shopping sprees on Black Friday and Boxing Day.
7. Declining Thanksgiving invitations, preferring to stay home and turn spouse and kitties into overstuffed pleasure victims.
8. Thick down conforters and clean Egyptian cotton sheets, while listening to the wind and rain and staying toasty warm (especially with kitties on the bed and pillows).
9. Sharp, sweet, chilled, freshly pressed apple cider.
November 6th, 2008
College football and tailgating.
Chili.
Leaving the oven door open after baking some fresh homemade buttermilk biscuits on a Saturday morning.
My old leather jacket.
Putting the flannel sheets on the bed.
I love Autumn!
Ron@TheWisdomJournals last blog post..Get Over It: 10 Challenges President Elect Obama Faces Going Forward
November 6th, 2008
My favorite things about Autumn:
Red and yellow and orange and purple leaves–that glorious burst of color before the bleakness of winter.
Sitting in front of a fire with a cup of cocoa and a good book.
The smell that is distinctly Autumn around here–chilly air and woodsmoke.
November 7th, 2008
I am obsessive compulsive about crunching dead leaves on the footpath…
But as I am in the Southern Hemisphere, I shall file this list away for next year.
November 7th, 2008
Autumn is the main reason why I will probably always live in Pennsylvania. God do I love this time of year.
So many things on that list that I love, in particular the picking of pumpkins out at the farm. Taking a hay ride with loved ones and drinking hot cider.
I don’t like raking leaves, but I love jumping in the pile afterwards. Not having to mow the lawn until Spring!
Brisk morning walks are fantastic and invigorating. The leaves and the wood smoke. Ahhh!
Of course, Halloween is a blast.
And yes, “September by Earth, Wind, and Fire” is a guilty pleasure of mine, too. I have been known to blast it when it comes on the car radio in the autumn and roll down all the windows as I cruise along.
Great post. Be well.
Ians last blog post..I Want To Do It With You
November 7th, 2008
Where I live, on the banks of a river, part of the upstream bank of which has been declared and protected as a bird sanctuary, migratory birds start coming in. They normally start arriving in a couple of weeks time and stay till end February, early March. Besides the normal varieties of birds that we see throughout the year, this period is special for us.
rummusers last blog post..An Unintended Consequence of Mr. Obama’s Victory.
November 7th, 2008
I’m from Phoenix, AZ originally so we don’t really have a fall (very few trees have broad leaves, for one). Now that I’m further north I get a peek of it, though still not the amazing colors of higher altitudes. I love the feel of the change of seasons.
)
- Hot Chocolate
- Pretty fall colors for make up
- Cuddling under my mom’s afghans/quilts while the wind blows outside my window (can you tell I like cuddles?
- Stepping outside and smelling the fireplaces
- Great photo ops! The fall sunlight is perfect for taking beautiful pictures
November 7th, 2008
I love dressing for fall and winter. The jackets, coats, scarves, umbrellas, boots, etc. I’m such a fashionista!
I also love rainy days regardless if I’m in or outdoors. Rainy days at the farmers markets are the best! No crowds and you can score good deals.
I feel justified going to the movies when the weather is “bad” or when it starts go get dark early, not so much in the summer.
Every now and then we have Indian Summer which is great especially since we really don’t get regular summer where I live.
Carlas last blog post..For the Mommy to Be (small giveaway)
November 7th, 2008
pumpkin EVERYTHING! I put it in my oatmeal
lighting fires in the fireplace
and when you walk under a tree that has turned yellow in the sunlight, and the ground is carpeted in yellow leaves, and there is that fall smell. i feel like i am all lit up too!
i forget how fabulous fall is every. single. year. which i guess is great, because i get to learn it all over again!
November 7th, 2008
I become a bit of a home-body in autumn - I love just being at home, snuggled up with a blanket and a hot drink, reading a book or watching a film, especially after eating a hearty casserole.
Our town’s really beautiful at the moment. The colours are brighter than they were last year and the golden, crunchy leaves along the roadsides make everything look so cosy.
Sharon Js last blog post..The Porch Door And Energy Saved
November 7th, 2008
Hef is my SUMMER beer! For winter you need something a little bit darker. I’d suggest a porter or stout.
November 7th, 2008
I’ve always been a summer person and autumn was a sad time for me - saying goodbye to the hot sun, long days, flowers and green trees.
At the end of last winter, I bought a bright orange jacket. I love it. This year, I couldn’t wait for autumn so I could strut around all oranged-out. It’s been great - and I’ve received so many compliments (you really can’t miss me). Now I’m looking forward to winter…I have this great pair of orange ski pants…
Laurie | Express Yourself to Successs last blog post..It’s Better to Give than to Receive
November 9th, 2008
Hey Sara
Fall rocks! I like the feel of Fall. Actually, I like it all — the sights, the sounds, the smells … it’s all good. Nothing beats wearing my favorite sweatshirt on a crisp day.
J.D. Meiers last blog post..How To Develop Your Intuition
November 9th, 2008
Living in LA I don’t get many of those pleasures and I miss them so, however, wearing boots is my favorite thing. Like those sweaters they signal the season change for me. Also, not using the AC and opening the windows is awesome!
Janes last blog post..Fall Freedom
November 9th, 2008
I love your list! I’m running a series on Gratitude, and I’ll be posting a list of things I’m grateful for later this month. These are certainly things for which to be grateful - thanks for sharing!
Just Plain Joys last blog post..Giveaway: Gourmet Products from Sample the Central Coast!
November 10th, 2008
Oh, there are some good ones listed here! Soup, bonfires, roasts (mmmm….), cozy fires, hot cocoa (and I’m trying jrandom42’s suggestion of rum!), hot cider… Is it just me or is this very much about food?
I’m so glad I’m not the only autumn freak! And Brian, I’ll give a porter a try.
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