Welcoming Autumn and a September Review

“Autumn…the year's last, loveliest smile” – William

Hello my friend

A very warm welcome to A Simple Living Journal. I’m Debbie and I am very glad you are here. Come inside, put your feet up and relax for a while. Have you got your cuppa?

September is drawing to a close and we are officially in Autumn following the arrival of the Autumn Equinox on 22^nd September.   The Equinox happens twice a year in March and September in which day and night are equal.  A moment of pause before nights get longer and the days shorter.  The opposite in Spring of course.

Fire symbolises transformation and renewal according to Pagan tradition.  The lighting of candles on the Autumn Equinox is an opportunity to release any negative energy or burdens you may be carrying. We welcomed the Equinox with skies so dark, a torrential downpour and a storm.  With candles lit we sat back and enjoyed the cosiness of the rain with the occasional clap of thunder and a lightning strike.  I don’t know about you, but I love a good storm.   The almighty power of nature.

Photo by Marko Blažević on Unsplash

We had our first frost of the year at the beginning of September.  The glimmering frost picked up by the early morning sunlight.  What a wonderful way to welcome in September and a reminder of the magic of winter to come. 

Have you noticed how quiet the early mornings have become?  I noticed a distinct difference last week as I made my daily journey to work around 5.20am.  It was so eerily quiet.  The birds that have habitually woken and sung their beautiful tunes each morning are gone, silence reigns once more.   

As you will know from previous blogs I’ve written, Autumn is my favourite time of year. 

Autumn for me is the season of cosiness and calm.  I retreat to the comfort of my home, sit and read with candles flickering and the fire on.  A cup of hot chocolate in hand, laden with a dollop of cream and marshmallows, and for that extra bit of deliciously goodness, a dash of Baileys.  I watch all my favourite seasonal movies and Netflix series, and finally I get my knitting and sewing out again. 

I find summer so unbearable when it’s hot, that my creative mojo all but vanishes.  I struggle to write in the hotter months too, an area I am working hard to overcome. 

I’ve learned that I work better on my craft projects when it’s cooler and the evenings are cosier, so I now embrace it and save them for Autumn and Winter.  It’s funny how the weather can affect our creativeness.   Seasonal Creative Disorder, is that such a thing? 

As we’re coming to the end of September, I thought I would do a quick review of what I am enjoying. 

Books

Inspired by a blog I read, I like to have a few books on the go so that I always have something to read depending on my mood at any given moment.  I used to read just one book at a time.  But if I lost interest, it would stop me reading altogether and I wouldn’t pick up another book until the current one was finished.  It could mean not reading for several days, or sadly, weeks.  I immediately adopted the multiple book idea and as a result I now read something every day.

I have read:

• The Salt Path – Raynor Winn.  Raynor and her partner Moth found themselves homeless and together they decided to walk the South West coastal path.  Moth who is terminally ill is the perfect example of how being out in nature can be a great healer.  

• Rewild Your Mind – Nick Goldsmith.  Nick, an ex-Royal Marine Commando, was diagnosed with PTSD.  He uses the power of nature in his recovery from the hostilities and trauma of frontline in Afghanistan.  

Both are truly inspiring books. 

I am currently reading:

• Nature in Autumn – Jim Crumley

• Chasing Fog –

  Laura Pashby

• Wabi Sabi –

  Beth Kempton

• How to build a world class Substack - Russell Nohelty & Claire Venus

Also on my Autumn reading list:

• Anne of Green Gables – Lucy Montgomery

• The Pumpkin Spice Café – Laurie Gilmore

Netflix/Films

I have watched:

• Gilmore Girls – I have just recently finished watching this.  My all-time favourite series.  An absolute must for catching those Autumnal vibes.

I am watching:

• Virgin River – fast becoming a firm favourite.   

On my list to watch:

• You’ve Got Mail

• Harry Potter – whole series (compulsory Autumn viewing every year on the run up to Halloween).

YouTube

• Cozy Ambience – I’ve just recently subscribed to this channel.  It’s full of beautiful seasonal ASMR videos.  I play these a lot now when I’m writing, I choose one to suit the mood of the piece I am writing.  You can find the link to the video below.

• Hippy Highland Living – I’ve mentioned Molly’s YouTube before.  Her videos epitomise a slow living life perfectly.  Essential Sunday evening viewing to finish off the weekend.

Substacks I am enjoying

• Victoria Harrison
    Victoria recently published a series called Autumn Retreat.  A wonderful immersive Autumnal experience.  Baking, folktales, books.  A real treat. 

• Beth Kempton
    Beth invites you to a gentle and calming place in SoulStack.  It’s like a virtual hug the moment you enter. 

A Simple Living Journal

I wrote four blogs.

In case you missed them :-

A Forest Tale

Remembering Summer

Meet The Writer

Mighty oaks from little acorns grow

“In every leaf, there's a whisper of autumn's magic.  Fall is the season for cosy hugs and warm mugs. Catch the spirit of fall with every golden leaf that falls!  Fall leaves us in awe with its colourful magic!”

Plans for Autumn

• Woodland walks.  To immerse oneself in the woodlands as the leaves are changing colour and starting to fall is the single most enjoyable autumnal experience in my opinion.

• Forage for pinecones and acorns to decorate our house for Autumn. What better way than to bring nature inside.   

• Make an autumn wreath. 

• Plant bulbs for spring.   

• A camper trip to Dunbar. 

• Continued weekly blogs here on Substack.

Enjoy this fabulous season. Tell me in the comments below how you plan to enjoy Autumn. Do you have an rituals that you follow?

Thank you as always for joining me.

Until next time

Debbie xx

Check out the ASMR video right here.