"Autumn, that season of peculiar and inexhaustible
influence on the mind of taste and tenderness, that season
which has drawn from every poet, worthy of being read, some
attempt at description, or some lines of feeling. She occupied her
mind as much as possible in such like musings and quotations..."
JANE AUSTEN
I went in search of a quotation suitable for the season we're coming into, and I found this one by Jane Austen. I stopped in my tracks and imagined for a moment how several hundred years ago, the poets and novelists of that generation were marveling much like we are today about the beauty and wonder of the Autumn season—that the same things still take our breath away and that we want to write about them. For a second, I felt this uncanny kinship with Miss Austen of another century.
In my previous post, I mentioned that today I am Guest Blogging over at InScribe Writers Online. This month, we're talking about people we consider 'shadow mentors' to us. I share six authors who have been boon companions over the years on my own journey as a writer. I do hope you'll come over and say hi....you'll find the post HERE.
"Autumn shows us how beautiful
it is to let things go."
UNKNOWN
It was a lovely day out yesterday ... a mix of summer warmth with autumn crispness. I went for a walk in my neighbourhood. There is now evidence that autumn creeps nearer. Many trees are just starting to turn in our area, but I did find a spot of these lovely fallen bits of sunshine. The ash trees around here tend to drop their leaves early and quickly, so I shall assume that's what these are.
While out, I took some photos of the front yard garden. There is still much that's lovely, as we've not had any frost yet....thankfully. Below, the Rudbeckia dazzles as we step through our front door. And you'll notice Miss Peace further down—she blooms like crazy. I found one hydrangea setting a new green and pink head. Glad they haven't given up on summer yet.
For a moment, let's pretend it's not Covid and that we can sit next to each other on the bench, enjoying the warm sunny day for a few moments. I'll bring out tea and cookies, and we can chat to our heart's content.
"Perhaps there is a language which is not made of words
and everything in the world understands it."
FRANCES HODGSON BURNETT
This last photo is a snap of the side yard. I love how I seemed to have caught the secret garden feeling with the garden gate almost hidden at the end. It definitely has an autumnal feeling here.
And so, I wish you a beautiful weekend.
Heart Hugs,
Brenda
xox
Photo (top): Image by congerdesign from Pixabay
Before I even read your comment, “secret garden” is exactly what I thought on seeing your last photo. But I think my favourite photo is that first one: it says everything autumn. Thank you for inviting me to that bench to appreciate your autumn garden.
ReplyDeleteI love those piles of autumn leaves too!
DeleteIt really does feel like the secret garden and I would love to meet you on the bench! I'll bring my sun hat or parasol! Off to see your guest post! Happy weekend!
ReplyDeleteOh, do bring your parasol! Although it might now be a little late in the season. It's getting cooler, we might want to sit in the sun now. :)
DeleteBeautiful images. Autumn brings with it a special kind of beauty. We know it won't last long so must enjoy every minute of it .
ReplyDeleteEnjoying every minute, yes, let's do that, Ruth.
DeleteI so much enjoyed this post and your one on Inscribe. It's wonderful how gardens still produce new flowers even as their season is winding down and they will be soon asleep. I'd love to sit with you on the bench and chat about secret gardens, interesting books, and beauty all about us. Happy Sunday!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Lorrie, I hope one day we'll be able to have that lovely chat.
DeleteAutumn is definitely my favorite season! I wish we could have a visit in your garden. I'd love to chat about our favorite books. :) Enjoy the rest of your weekend!
ReplyDeleteNow that would be a lovely chat, to visit with our favourite books.
DeleteAutumn is my favorite time of year, even though we do not see much of a change down here in s.e. FL, except for humidity being gone. That is a huge blessing.
ReplyDeleteYour flowers are beautiful and you certainly do have a wonderful secret garden.
I read your guest blog post and it was wonderfully inspiring to me. ~ Have a great weekend ~ FlowerLady
Oh thank you, Lorraine. Hopefully the humidity in your area will be gone shortly and you'll have a reprieve.
DeleteThose are wonderful photos, Brenda. I read your Inscribe blog and a least 3 of your authors have been inspirations to me. I'm listening to my Sunday Sequence podcast and they just played Leonard Cohen's Anthem. We included it in our online service a couple weeks ago. Autumn is my favourite season. It is an ending and a beginning for sure. If you have not already read it, you must read Girl, Woman, Other. Enjoy your Sunday!
ReplyDeleteI'm going to see if the library as that book recommend. Thanks so much for your lovely comments. Leonard Cohen is a treasure. Alas, I didn't appreciate him as much as I ought to have....until he was gone. Things are turning here now, autumn-wise. It was green, green, green and then yesterday, things were yellow and gold.
DeleteBrenda, I love this post and have so enjoyed your garden this summer. Ash trees are a magnificent tree, in my opinion. They are a wonderful shade tree and beautiful in the fall.
ReplyDeleteHow wonderful it would be to sit on the bench with you. I would bring my pad and pen and you could tell me about wonderful books and also stories behind your garden blooms. I will bring apple cake if you will make the tea.
Have a lovely day, sweet friend.
Well, the tea kettle is on. Can hardly wait to taste the apple cake.
DeleteP.S. I am a Jane Austen fan.
ReplyDeleteIt is beautiful, like all late summer gardens, it has the look of September. How interesting to think that people ponder the same things through all time. That's a wonderful selection from Austen. I might find a similar quote from James Herriot, E.B. White or Gladys Taber.
ReplyDeleteThat's cool, don't you think? I have considered the quotes by people who have spoken to the hard things in their own generation of centuries past. I remember the day I realized that every generation has had its terrible things to face. I find that comforting - it gives me courage to face what we have to face now, just as so many have done in the distant past.
DeleteSeptember Garden, it always seems to happen far too quickly, I'm always loathe to give up summer:) Your September garden is stunning! We hope for an extended fall, that you may continuing to enjoy the fruits of your labor for many days and weeks yet. I love the Secret Garden-esque peek at the gate through the lushness!
ReplyDeleteSummer happens far too quickly, I agree. As long as the killing frosts keep away, we can continue to enjoy the garden for a little while longer. Some things are toast, but the rose keeps on blooming. And so is the rudbeckia and phlox.
DeleteThe tree in front of my house has started to change colours and shed its leaves. Thankfully, I don't have to rake them! HA!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful blog and photo shares. Have a great week HUGS across the miles XO XO
ReplyDelete