Fall Is Here

There Is No Stopping Me Now

There's just something about slow, sweet autumn mornings that soothes something inside me. Maybe it's the sigh of relief as the average high temperature drops from 97 to 81; maybe it's the first breath of crisp air that promises refreshment and reset from a withered summer's smothering; maybe it's just that I can finally step out the back door without getting hives and congestion.

I admit; though summer had its highlights, I spent most of it waiting for fall.

September kind of turned into a whirlwind this year. Thankfully, though, most of it has been good things (lots of excitement regarding church events, concerts, and the like.) It may not be quite full fall, as the geese haven't appeared yet, but I am thoroughly enjoying the transition for all it's worth.

My Fall Plans

I FINALLY finished my first-draft project! Now it's back to line-editing, but to keep from burning out I'm also turning my attention back to a revision project with some mysterious, rainy undertones that's perfect for fall. I'm pretty scattered at the moment while I try to remember where I left off, and let other things sit until they feel . . . I'm gonna use the word 'ripe' because that's the best way to describe it. And along with all that, it's time to start researching for my NEXT new project, yay!

However, now that I can spend more time outside (and also turn on the oven without roasting myself), it's time to start baking again in earnest. I'm talking crusty Dutch-oven bread, homemade soft pretzels, quick and easy zucchini bread (if I can find zucchini), all the cookies, French bread -- so much bread -- and any muffin recipe containing cinnamon. There's a new batch of sourdough starter bubbling on the counter as I type, perfect for pancakes and whatever else might benefit from a little tang.

And of course, what fall kitchen is complete without a batch of chai either on the stove or in the fridge? I use this recipe from The Prairie Homestead as a guideline, but the wonderful thing about chai is it is super flexible for experimentation and adjustments. (I substitute nutmeg for the peppercorns, cut down on the ginger and tea bags, and throw in just a little honey while heating the water; I prefer to sweeten to taste later on.)

I may also make some candles this month, although maybe my attention would be better spent on knitting; I've only just started on everyone's Christmas presents.

And of course, I can't neglect the best part: if you'd like to feel all the fall vibes with me, and share them with your friends, head on over to the playlist I've created for us Hobbits-at-heart. I'll see you there!

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I think what I love the most about fall is that it's transition at its finest. No one week is like the next. We're in a constant state of change, helpless to do much but watch and wonder at this wild yet serene example of balance. The reminder that change is what keeps us from burning ourselves up; that what might be perceived as death and decay can also be the start of something new; and the reassurance that the world is, in small ways, still striving to function the way it was designed to. Autumn has come every year since the beginning of time, and will continue to until the end. With her crisp whisper, she encourages us to release the noise and bustle of summer and draw inward to prepare for the coming cold. She reminds us to heed the signs of winter's approach. She is the gift of time; should summer end and winter begin with no warning, nothing alive would survive until spring. Autumn cushions us from the other seasons' extremities with quiet magnificence, asking little from us in return; only that we take time to notice and rejoin the natural rhythm of life.

Wherever you are, geographically or internally, whether you live in summertime all year or your autumn is already over, I hope this gave you an excuse to make yourself a favorite drink, study a particularly interesting leaf, or take a deep breath and remind yourself that nothing on this earth lasts forever(in a good way).

We live in a wonderful world, my friend. Let's make the most of it while we're here.

If you enjoyed this post, make sure you're subscribed so you don't miss the next one -- and if you know an autumn enthusiast who's thriving on the season, share this post and invite them to join our bookish crew! I am so grateful for your presence and patience over the last couple of years. Onward, together!

~ Lydia

P.S. I'd love to hear from you! Comment below: What's your favorite fall tradition?