Have I told you I love Autumn?
Though awakening in darkness is still taking some getting-used-to and the early end of sunlight at day’s end quickens my steps, I still love Autumn.
The crunch of leaves. The surprise of rosehips on the vine. The sweet smell of apples.The luster of candles glowing through a window warms my soul and has me leafing through Frost and Thoreau these last days of Autumn.
The fallen leaves still languish in assorted hues and textures on the lawn and in the flower beds, where perennials are spent and pleading for mercy – a hard task to toil when annuals are still blooming and a killing frost is yet to arrive.
It has been a strange fall, much like our past spring and summer. By now, there are usually hedgerows of leaves up and down our road; a sight to behold, I can assure you. Instead, we’ve still some green left on the trees and the magic of asters and mums still give us pleasure. We will surely be out in winter coats and stocking caps raking frosty leaves if we don’t get to them soon.
For now, however, I think I’ll light a candle and open the Stillwater Sampler by Gladys Taber. This latest addition to my Taber collection unexpectedly jumped into my hands the other day while browsing in my favorite little book booth at Jackson Square Mall. Yes, I’ll languish a bit more, like the leaves on the lawn, over the last of Autumn.
Lifeonthecutoff's Blog 
Beautiful post. Autumn is a reflective time. The leaves will be fine on your lawn. I have a friend who has her extended family over for Thanksgiving. Then, after eating the full meal, every one is given a rake and a leaf bag. No pumpkin pie for anyone until the yard is clear. They a have a good time in the process.
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Thank you. It is reflective, isn’t it? Wish I had used that. Now, that is a rakishly good idea, Janet. I’ll have to see about working the leaves in between the turkey and the pie.
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I love Auutum too. You capture it beautifully. Did you happen to notice that yesterday’s colors were exceptionally dramatic? Must have had something to do with the overcast day. It really was pretty.
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Thank you, Jennifer. I did notice the colors yesterday. Sometimes the best Autumn pictures are taken in rain, as we discovered when we went to Vermont a few years ago and it rained all days but one. The colors came out so brilliantly in the photos.
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This was such a nice read to start my day, Penny! I enjoyed reading your previous post, too, about your “find” of the Stillmeadow Sampler. I can see why that book jumped out at you. I do love hearing about your book store finds! You’ve inspired me to think about sharing one or two of my favorites. Fall in Southern California is a bit slow to get started, but we’re finally beginning to experience the shift! And I do find myself slowing down my pace and wondering if I can carve out some good hibernating time before the holidays hit! Debra
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Such a nice thing to hear, Debra. I think you would enjoy all the Stillmeadow books and Gladys Taber. She was quite prolific a writer. This latest find was a mere $7. I swear, it was waiting just for me.
Oh, do share some of your favorite reads. We can never have enough book recommendations and its fun to hear what others have to say about them.
I hope you get some of that hibernating time soon.
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A lovely post and a really beautiful photo of the glowing candle. The candle geek in me has to ask, is that beeswax? It glows like it!
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Thanks, Janet. No, it isn’t beeswax, but, I wish it was. Nothing glows quite like a beeswax candle. Hmm. I’m sure I have some around here . . .
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They’re not easy to find for some reason these days. I love them because of the glow and the scent.
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I know, Janet, they are harder to find and usually more expensive, but, that soft glow is worth it.
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The warmth just shines through this post, encouraging me that there are things about Autumn to celebrate. Thanks, Penny 🙂
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How nice of you to say so, Kate. There are things to celebrate, even though we know the dark days of winter are just about here.
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A beautifully reflective, mellow post. Spring has me jumping about rather, but your post reminds me of the more leisurely rhythm of autumn, and how special that is. I always love the way autumn seems to linger.
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There isn’t the urgency in Autumn that comes with spring – nor the excitement of new growth. A bit of pleasure in both seasons. Spring here comes slowly, in fits and starts. Oddly enough, we still have many green leaves on the trees this year.
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I love autumn as well and enjoyed reading your description of it in your area. I may have to get out my Gladys Taber books for a read. I’ve been feeling restless lately (possibly the result of 40 hrs a week at an office job while autumn leaves frolic about). Gladys Taber has a calming effect! We don’t have any book stores in our county so most of my Taber books came from Amazon of Alibris. I’m only looking for one more of hers – they have it but I can’t justify the price! I keep looking in thrift shops to no avail. Enjoy – both autumn and the book.
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I know what you mean about Gladys Taber books having a calming effect, Joyce. I feel the same way. I was so excited when Stillmeadow Sampler appeared, especially at $7, with dust jacket, in good condition. If you don’t mind my asking, which one are you looking for? I can keep my eye open up here.
Enjoy what you can of Autumn with such a full week, and enjoy your visits with Gladys.
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Penny, what a beautifully written post. You really created a special mood with your words and your imagery. I also love autumn and try hard to savor all the beautiful moments of this season. I also have been reading more. And cooking and baking at this time of the year makes me very happy. My kitchen is the place I want to be! xx Sunday
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Thank you, Sunday. That’s so very nice of you to say. I think I read more in Autumn as well, and, yes, the baking starts as well as the stews and soups. Isn’t it wonderful to be playing in the kitchen?
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Harvest at Stillmeadow is the one I am looking for. I’d appreciate it if you kept your eye open for it, though you might want it yourself! It would be wonderful if you could find two copies – one for me and one for you! I did get on library loan last year to reread but didn’t appear to be too many copies available in the system. I don’t know if our local library even has any Taber titles any more.
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I will keep my eye open for it, Joyce. Finding two copies would be sweet, but, I’ll look for it for you to complete your collection. I’ve not been able to find many of Taber’s books in our system other than what I already have. There is a Taber organization. I think it is mentioned in the comment section of the link in this post. I keep meaning to join, I think it is $20, and then it slips past me.
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I love Fall — and especially now here in Oregon because it is the only obvious seasonal change we really see (at least the way seasonal change is supposed to be in our minds). Because at Winter/Spring we are in Floriida.
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Enjoy it while you are in Oregon, Sallie, and then think of us midwesterners come Winter when we are shivering and knee-deep in snow. I imagine you will see some seasonal changes as you head south. Enjoy it all.
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Sometimes the Friends of Gladys Taber newsletter lists books of hers that someone has to sell. Another reason to join! 🙂 This would be the time to join so you could get the first issue of 2012. They do have (some) back issues available as well.
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Thanks, Joyce. I must look into this.
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This was lovely to read. I love autumn, too!
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Thank you, Cindy. Isn’t it the best of seasons?
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