Autumn.......

Good Morning, As most of you know I live in Southern California. For the most part, it is a very nice place to be....However, when "Autumn" arrives, the changes are very "subtle" to say the least. Yes, the nights are getting cooler, the "light" is a bit weaker & even a few leaves are changing color,.... but compared to the rest of the country, "Autumn" is not quite the exuberant display of colorful fall leaves, crisp temperatures, or a time when wooly sweaters are yet needed....In fact yesterday it was dry, sunny & hovering near 100 degress!?....Not my idea of Fall!

You could argue that "Autumn" is more of a state of mind" than a season I guess, and that is definitely the way I choose to see it. I have been blessed with a very "vivid imagination"....which I choose to put to great use at this time of year! :)....This is how it goes....

In "my mind's eye",..... Fall here at my house is glorious!!....The turning leaves are creating "brilliant canopies" overhead!.......& I can hear the "rustle of fallen leaves" underfoot!.....It is far too chilly to leave home without a "wooly sweater" & my "finger-less" ragwool gloves are being put to great use when raking up all the colorful piles of leaves!....."Cool-weather" is also inspiring me to create "slow-cooking, hearty soups", along with "seasonal pies & tarts".....and oh!, that cup of "warm apple cider" on a chilly autumn day tastes so delicious while relaxing on the porch, draped with an old quilt!
So even though, it may look & feel a bit more like "summer" here in So. Cal.....with the help of September magazines, all these gorgeous photographs (thank you flick.r!) & my over-active imagination.....I will be just fine!.... In fact, better than fine!.....I am decorating, cooking & immersing myself in Autumn & all it has to offer,.... hot weather or not!

The "motto" here is not to allow yourself to "wallow" in what you don't have, but create the "environment" in which you wish to be!....For me, it is in these photographs!.....All my senses have been inspired!, so now with the help of a bit of "imaging",... my Autumn is looking to be the best ever!......Enjoy yours!........Heidi XO

Note: Attention to any of you who have joined my "Recipe & Tablesetting Exchange"....A few of you have not left your "blog address".....or "e-mail address"....I must have one or the other in order for you to participate.....Here are the ladies that need to contact me....Anita & Dianne ...Thank you!