We are well and truly in the glorious autumn season! The leaves are almost at their peak, the breezes are getting cooler and it’s campfire season with s’mores to savor!

Although I’ve loved the cheery blooms and fresh fruit and veg of summer, I am embracing the chillier weather, pumpkins, apples and pansies of fall.

Bless them, the lantana and calibrachoa are hanging in there, still blooming and offering rich, bright oranges, yellows and whites.

My nemesis, the cicadas, have skipped town, replaced by the sweet music of crickets in the evening. I’m noticing fewer and fewer mosquitos, praise the Lord.

I’m always sad to say goodbye to watermelon, cantaloupe and peaches but it’s time to say hello to apple season! Bring on the cider and apple butter. I’m ready for soups and chili, pumpkin bread and hot tea.

I embrace all seasons, but autumn is a welcome relief, isn’t it? I love the crisp, cool mornings, followed by “just right” warm afternoons, followed by sightly breezy, gentle evenings. It’s open-window weather. The red and yellow tree leaves are fluttering gently to the ground.

It’s not only a new season of the year, it’s a new season for me, as an artist. I’m painting again and, like autumn, it’s bringing me such joy.

Welcome autumn, welcome.