Autumn days are my favourite, particularly the ones where the sun is shining, the leaves are beautiful shades of red, orange, yellow and crunch under your feet. There’s a chill in the air. It’s perfect scarf and boots weather and everything has a gorgeous golden glow. Sat here writing I can see orange leaves floating down to the ground, sycamore seeds (helicopters) spinning up into the air as they are caught by the wind, and white, wispy clouds drifting through the sky.
Every autumn I’m reminded of a song we used to sing in primary school, when I was probably only 5 or 6 years old, but the lyrics and joyful melody will forever be engraved in my memory. ‘Autumn Days’ by Estelle White is a fond favourite (admittedly I’m not too fond of the chorus), bringing friendly reminders of the joy of the season we’re entering into. Dotted through the post are some of my favourite lyrics.
Autumn days when the grass is jewelled
And the silk inside a chestnut shell.
Jetplanes meeting in the air to be refuelled.
All these thing I love so well
I find autumn the most nostalgic of the seasons, looking back to autumn days of childhood when the fallen leaves were just waiting to be kicked up into the sky. Cosy cardigans knitted by grandma and early evenings sat by the fire. Apple crumble becoming the Saturday evening dessert of choice; everything having a hint of cinnamon. Chai tea lattes. Beautiful sunsets of oranges and pinks. The allelomimesis of starlings performing mid-flight gymnastics. Campfires and fireworks; hot chocolate and s’mores…. All these things I love so well.
Clouds that look like familiar faces
And the winters moon with frosted rings.
Smell of bacon as I fasten up my laces
And the song the milkman sings
As the colder and darker nights draw in, I’m excited to delve into the recipe book, bringing out autumn classics, full of root vegetables; soups, chutneys, fresh crusty bread and hot apple cider. Autumn is the season for harvest and despite our reliance on the likes of Tesco, who can fly in food from all over the world, there is something special about eating seasonally and locally. This year I’d love to go pumpkin picking at a nearby farm. I think there’s something deep down in our human nature that recognises that winter is drawing in and encourages us to store up food, wrap up warm and get set for the colder months, and although it might seem trivial, it’s something that excites me.
Whipped-up spray that is rainbow-scattered
And a swallow curving in the sky
Shoes so comfy though they’re worn out and they’re battered
And the taste of apple pie
Autumn is the perfect season to invite guests round; to enjoy hot meals around the table, to chatter and laugh under the glow of candlelight, embracing ‘hygge’ – the cosiness of the soul.
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