Autumn Love

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Ah, Fall.  How I adore thee!


Isn't Fall the best?  Here in New England, it really is the very best time of year.  For me, September has always felt like the start of a new year.  This is the time of year when I feel motivated to propose new resolutions, start projects, think about ways to better myself and my life.  The crispness in the air and the gorgeous blue skies provide such inspiration.  At the beginning, I find myself wanting to be outside all the time, just to soak it all in.  Then, when the cold winds really start blowing, I seek the warmer comfort inside.  I get in the mood to bake things.  To organize.  Clean house.  


Some of the 'new year' resolutions I'm committing to include:
- Being better informed.  Jon Stewart really shouldn't be my only source of news.  Time to turn on NPR during my morning commute.  Maybe even renew a weekend paper subscription.  Perhaps check out a news site or two and cut down the blogging.  (Nah, not that!)  
- Exercising.  This is always on the list, right?  Well, I managed to get up early three times last week to fit in some exercise.  I've learned that it is possible, and - no surprise - I do have more energy and it is totally worth it.  Let's see if I can keep it up.  
- Getting our calendar in order.  I need to spend some quality time with the calendar.  Make doctor appointments for me and the boys.  Sign the big boy up for swim lessons.  Plan weekend get-togethers with friends.  Determine holiday plans.  
- Menu planning.  I get really lazy when my husband is out of town.  Time to renew the efforts.  Should be easier to be inspired now that we're moving to a new season and cold-weather meals.  Chili, roast chicken, chowder...


It has felt like Fall for a few weeks now, and I suppose it will feel like Winter before it's done, but since this is the first official day, I thought I'd take this opportunity to share some beautiful Autumn thoughts and images. 

via mary ruffle

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Delicious autumn! My very soul is wedded to it, and if I were a bird I would fly about the earth seeking the successive autumns.

- George Eliot

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Everyone must take time to sit and watch the leaves turn.
- Elizabeth Lawrence

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Pierre-Auguste Renoir...'bouquet of chrysanthemums'

I've never known anyone yet who doesn't suffer a certain restlessness when autumn rolls around... We're all eight years old again and anything is possible.

- Sue Grafton

I cannot endure to waste anything as precious as autumn sunshine by staying in the house. So I spend almost all the daylight hours in the open air.

- Nathaniel Hawthorne

Those last few pictures were my own, except the Renoir of course.  Click the *** link to see the sources for all others.