Autumn: a breath of fresh air

Autumn has never been my favourite time of year, for no other reason than I prefer summer for its warm weather, perpetual fragrance of just-cut grass, and the sound of the birds singing under blue skies early each morning. Equally, I love the childish excitement of waking up to snow at Christmas time, the sound of Michael Buble (soon to be John Legend) crooning from the radio, the familiar but seasonal smell of cinnamon, mulled wine and mince pies, a smell that lingers like a warm hug. Of course, I’ve always appreciated the beauty of autumn – but usually I feel slightly in limbo during the months of September and October.

Not this year – I feel a real affection for autumn. After spending most of 2018 pregnant, I’m excited for the change that is coming my way, a new season for my family as well as for Mother Nature. The changing colour of the leaves, as they turned into their uplifting golden yellow, was reflective of the love I feel growing for our new arrival.

As the leaves began to fall a few weeks ago, I too began to disengage from all of life’s branches such as work and chores. Well, all but one – home. I’ve been nesting and preparing for the addition to our family, admiring and enjoying the changing season from a new perspective, one of reflection and hope.

And as the trees let their golden halos fall to bare all, soon I too will find myself stripped back to being just human. This year, that means autumn beats all of the other seasons by miles.

Image: Kris Miller.