My Personal Ode to Autumn 2024: Moments of Beauty Amidst the Trials

Autumn spreads across the landscape like an artist’s brush on canvas, layering rich strokes of amber, rust, and gold until the world feels like stepping into a painting. There’s a certain kind of comfort in the soft shuffle of leaves beneath your feet and the crisp air that whispers promises of warm, spiced drinks and cozy knitwear. The season invites you to pause, to let the beauty of shorter days and longer shadows remind you of the poetry in life’s simpler moments. It’s a time to embrace the little rituals—a quiet walk, the glow of a lantern on the porch, or that familiar thrill when you finally see your breath wisp like a fleeting cloud, savoring the season’s quiet elegance as one of Austen’s characters, walking through the countryside and finding romance in the simplest scenes.

September in England

Chapter I
Mornings begin with a gentle autumnal glow, casting light that dances on the lake near our home, turning it into a mirror that reflects the orange-leaved weeping trees standing like sentinels. Swans glide gracefully across the water, their movements like a quiet dance, while leaves float gently, as if they have stories to share. The brisk air, like a quiet promise, invites moments of stillness and contemplation. This summer, a special warmth has joined us for his very first fall season as we share these moments with our newest addition, a little one with an easygoing smile who makes every day feel brighter.

These mornings start softly, with snuggles and the gentle cooing of our little one—a peaceful prelude. Our older one joins in, filling the room with joyful train sounds, a melody of sibling closeness that feels like a warm embrace. Later, we venture to the playground across the lake, where he eagerly heads to his favorite spots, his laughter echoing through the crisp air.

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September in England

Chapter II
This season is a gentle reminder to slow down, to savor life’s smallest joys—the thrill of little hands uncovering earthworms nestled beneath rocks by the farmlands, the delight of spotting a newt gliding gracefully in the pond just down the lane, and the crisp, satisfying crunch of leaves beneath eager feet. Kicks in the air send the fallen foliage twirling, creating a vibrant confetti of amber and gold around us, as soft laughter floats on the breeze.

The earthy aroma after rain mingles with autumn’s own musky, slightly sweet scent—a fragrance born of fallen leaves slowly surrendering their essence, as if nature herself is steeped in nostalgia. Sunlight filters through branches, casting dappled patterns on the ground, each patch of light and shadow seeming almost sacred in this golden season, as though autumn has turned the world into a canvas painted with quiet reverence.

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October in France

Chapter III
Despite the challenges—recovering from a whirlwind birth marked by complications, navigating the relentless trials of ongoing treatment, and preparing for looming surgeries, all while managing the weight of endometriosis—there’s comfort in the familiar rhythms... This season brought us back to the familiar embrace of my home country, France—specifically the warm embrace of the southern region—seeking both medical support and a brief reprieve, where the sun still holds a trace of summer’s warmth, perfect for family walks and spontaneous beach picnics. Mornings and evenings begin to carry the cool crispness of fall, adding a gentle reminder of the season’s shift. My parents’ steady presence becomes its own kind of comfort, transforming simple days into cherished rituals. Conversations flow as easily as the coastal breeze, laughter lingering like a melody that stays with you long after the day fades into twilight.

Staying with my parents brings a touch of homestead life into our days. The children delight in feeding the chickens, collecting fresh eggs, and gathering vegetables from the garden, each small chore turning into a new adventure. They revel in the company of dogs and cats, learning to nurture and embrace the gentle rhythms of this autumnal farm life. The house hums with joy as their favorite uncle visits from Switzerland, meeting our newest addition for the first time. His playful spirit and lively tales transform these simple days into cherished memories that will linger long after the season turns.

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October in France

Chapter IV
In this slower season, life adopts a gentler rhythm, inviting moments that are both cozy and vibrant. We gather fallen leaves to craft together, piecing together Halloween costumes from cardboard, while the children’s laughter fills the air around us, echoing against the turning leaves. These are days to savor—whether it’s basking in the late afternoon sun, the cozy ritual of bathtime for the children, or the Monopoly games our son eagerly insists on, which, despite ourselves, we’ve come to enjoy simply because of his delight. The season casts its own quiet magic, blending moments of light and shadow in a way that reminds us, even through change and challenge, there’s beauty to be found.

Fall, with its quiet stillness and unexpected moments of joy, reminds us that life’s rhythm hums on, even as the world sheds and prepares for what’s next. It whispers that in each fleeting moment—every laugh, every leaf adrift—there’s a quiet magic waiting to be savored, an invitation to find beauty in both the letting go and the anticipation of what lies ahead.

November’s Gentle Prelude to the Holidays

Chapter V
November unfurls like a final chapter before the festive whirlwind begins, where each day feels like a quiet celebration of all that autumn offers before the season turns. Mornings are crisp, with a lingering softness in the air as we savor the golden hours of daylight, knowing they’ll soon yield to winter’s embrace. Staying in the south of France extends the feeling of fall, with leisurely terrace lunches and beach picnics that let us dip our toes into the salty water. It’s a gentler rhythm here, where leaves crunch underfoot on walks through nearby forests, and the breeze carries the earthy scent of autumn, rustling softly through the trees like a whispered secret.

Our days are filled with the scent of roasting chestnuts—a tradition that has enchanted me since childhood. There’s nothing quite like the joy of seeing that little locomotive-shaped food truck that’s been a part of my autumn memories for years. Sharing these moments with my children brings a sense of continuity, even if my eldest wasn’t too thrilled with the taste! There’s also an unexpected joy in rediscovering the piano I grew up playing. As I revisit old melodies, my four-year-old surprises us all with his instinctive ear for music, effortlessly picking out his favorite tunes, filling the house with a delightful soundtrack.

November’s Gentle Prelude to the Holidays

Chapter VI
Staying with my parents means being surrounded by family and lifelong friends, with afternoons spent reconnecting and evenings filled with stories. My children play with the very people I grew up with, a surreal yet heartwarming experience that weaves together past and present. Despite these moments of warmth, the reality of constant medical appointments remains—a steady undertow that pulls at the edges of our days. The search for answers is still ongoing, with consultations leading to more questions than solutions. I find myself navigating this uncertain path, hoping to avoid drastic measures while trying to heal. Yet, amidst the ebb and flow of uncertainty, the presence of family and these shared moments offer a grounding sense of continuity.

As November draws to a close, a sense of anticipation fills the air. The anticipation of Christmas lights and holiday gatherings is like a gentle whisper, reminding us that the season of joy is just around the corner. A hint of pine and cinnamon, as if the season is slowly unfurling its festive robe. November becomes a moment of pause—a chance to embrace the quiet beauty of autumn before the world transforms into a glittering wonderland of cheer.

Image property of Joanna Colomas. Unauthorized use, reposting, or reproduction of this image is strictly prohibited.

As the last leaves fall and autumn’s colors fade, we’re reminded that each season, like every moment, is fleeting—a gentle nudge to find beauty and meaning in the present before it quietly slips away…

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