"If winter is slumber and spring is birth, and summer is life, then autumn rounds out to be reflection.
It's a time of year when the leaves are down and the harvest is in and the perennials are gone.
Mother Earth just closed up the drapes on another year and it's time to reflect on what's come before."
- Mitchell Burgess -
Every year as autumn arrives, I get emotional and philosophical. I analyze the world. My reason for being. Myself. I ponder life. Existence. Social causes. War. Conflict. I think about where I’m at, what I’m doing and where I hope to be. My brain works overtime as I wonder about these things and try to make sense of them all. Most of which just continue to confound me.
I think about the people I care about; the ones that are in this world, and the ones that have moved on. The memories that each one of them has planted in my mind, some happy, some sad, and the footsteps they’ve left in my heart. I reminisce about days gone by and my childhood, and feel the loss of my father and brother who are no longer here.
This yearly wistful and meditative journey is perfectly normal, of course. We are emotional creatures, after all, and many of us get thrown by autumn; a bittersweet season. A season that showers us with a magnificent rainbow of colours...and profound loss. The leaves are indeed beautiful...but they are dying.
Unlike summer where my energy and focus are directed outward, autumn is the season when I turn inwards. To wonder. To reflect. And to remember.
How do you feel when autumn arrives?
*photos above were taken last autumn*
I used to love it and like you it makes one reflective but after living in the UK for quite a whie, it just makes me feel like a character in the game of thrones because I just thinking - blooming 'eck, winter is coming and I get soo deflated and trawl travel websites...
ReplyDeleteMy favourite season is spring because of all the awkenings. But I've learned to appreciate autumn because of its photographic splendor. But yes, I don't like fact that we're leading up to winter, which is long where I live.
DeleteI feel reflective, too, and I feel the need for new beginnings. It sounds odd to think of new beginnings in autumn, but I think it has to do with school starting and the nostalgic feeling I get about that. Lovely photos.
ReplyDeleteI believe you are right. I always think of school this time of year, too, and reminisce about days gone by. It still amazes me how long it's been since I've been out of the classroom!
DeleteI agree with this 100%...it really is a season of reflection isn't it? There's something to soothing and calm about autumn...
ReplyDeleteI think we start to slow down and little bit; perhaps conserve some energy for the upcoming winter. I know we needs lots of that to get through them here!
DeleteI love feeling that nice cool breeze
ReplyDeleteOne of the best things about autumn!
DeleteIt's all part of cocooning and getting ready for winter, I think!
ReplyDeleteI believe you are right! And this girl can cocoon very well all winter...:)
DeleteI feel excited! It's my favorite time of the year and strangers give me candy! Because of the heat of summer here Autumn is my time for beginnings and a return to playing outside. Now if it would just cool off already!
ReplyDeleteWhat out for those strangers giving you candy! Didn't your mom tell you never to talk to them...lol...just kidding!
DeleteI don't really like autumn, but maybe early autumn's not so bad before the wind starts to bite!
ReplyDeleteIt all depends on the weather. Sometimes the fall season is spectacular; warm and sunny. Other times it's cold and rainy.
DeleteMartha, your photos are truly beautiful.
ReplyDeleteI'm kind of like you,, Autumn is one of my favorite times of year but with it comes some sadness too as two of my family members passed away in Autumn and I just wish so much they were still here to enjoy the beauty of this gorgeous season.
I reflect on their lives and am glad they were a part of my life and know they shall always be as the love we shared will always be a part of me.
Thanks for this thoughtful and meaningful post.
I'm sorry to hear that, Margie. That certainly adds some sadness to the season. We always miss the people we've loved and lost. Their absence is felt forever.
DeleteWistful sadness that summer is over, then excitement as the leaves change and then when the leaves are gone excitement for the first snowfall. It's a real roller coaster! I like how you speak of it as a reflective time, I think that is a good way to think of it. Gorgeous photos BTW.
ReplyDeleteIt's truly a bittersweet time of year. Yes, the change of seasons is certainly a roller coaster ride!
DeleteBeautiful writing, Martha....and I echo your sentiments.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Sulky! Hope you are well, and life is treating you great.
DeleteLiving in the country, it seems I am focused on the changes in the landscape and the busy harvest coming up --
ReplyDeletelovely images and thoughts Martha.
Thanks, Nancy! You probably see so much beauty around you.
DeleteYou've pondered over some deep thoughts that your readers can also think about. I wonder if all of us have a time when we think some of your thoughts.
ReplyDeleteI'm guessing we all think about similar things at one time or another.
DeleteI have always loved Autumn ... even when it meant going back to school ;) ... the musky smells of books and trees. As you know I have been discombobulated ... ;) .... reflection of the colors in the water at Autumn time is beautiful.
ReplyDeleteI do like living where there are lots of evergreens. I see the leaves falling as renewal. I don't like to rake the leaves off the grass. I like them where they are and they become part of the soil.
Your photography, again, is soooooo beautiful to look at. That middle photograph is my favorite.
There is something very special about this season. It really stirs a lot of feelings in people. Thank you for the nice words about my photos. It is a hobby that I enjoy, and it brings me peace.
DeleteI really like that middle picture. It looks like a painting and made me breath a little deeper. I'm more relaxed now. Thank you.
ReplyDeletexoRobyn
Well, I'm glad it gives you good feelings! Thanks for visiting, Robyn. Always nice to see you here.
Delete"The leaves are indeed beautiful...but they are dying".......Heart touching!! You are really at your best when you are in the midst of nature.
ReplyDeleteThere's no better place to be! At least not for me.
DeleteThat is one of the most beautiful lines Martha - " the leaves are indeed beautiful - but they are dying " and perfectly reflects how I feel about Fall - I know everyone loves it - but in my world it represents an ending and I HATE endings - of any kind...............
ReplyDeleteXOXO
It's quite a bittersweet month. I love the beauty but hate the ending. My favourite month is actually spring; so many wonderful awakenings!
DeleteGood post, Martha. Thanks for sharing this with us.
ReplyDeleteHoping to get out this weekend and take some tree shots.
I hope you do! It's a great way to relax and soak in Mother Nature. I'm planning to do the same if the weather permits. There should be some wonderful autumn images waiting for me!
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