Tuesday 9 October 2012

I 'Heart' Autumn

A few weeks ago I wrote that I felt sad because Summer seemed to have bypassed Autumn and gone straight to Winter.  I am pleased to say, I think Autumn has come back fighting. 
 
I woke earlier than normal this morning and could not get back to sleep.  And that is when I realised it.  The air had a chill, that required slippers and dressing gown being tracked down.  I waited for the water to run hot before indulging my hands in it.  The thought crossed my mind of flicking the heating on.  But, amongst these thoughts of seeking warmth, the sun was peeping in through a crack in the curtains and when I pulled them back the vision was beautiful.  A vibrant clear blue sky.  A low sun.  A slight dew on the grass.  Autumn has finally arrived.
 
Many people do not like Autumn.  They see it as a sad period.  Summer has faded.  The trees are losing their lush green status and 'getting naked'.  The sun no longer has the heat to walk around sans jacket.  The long dark Winter is approaching.  I do not though.  I like it.  It always makes me feel nostalgic.  To me it indicates a new beginning.  I think this is related to the school year starting.  I always felt it was a fresh start when a new school year approached in September.
 
Yes, you had to get through a cold old Winter, but at the end of that lay the irresistible temptation of another Spring and Summer to look forward too.  Summer holidays to warm destinations were discussed and usually booked in the thick of Winter too, as 'something to look forward too.'
 
I still feel that way about school, but for J1.  Autumn Term is the start of being a 'good school mummy' - getting him there on time and with all the things he needs for that particular day.  For making sure the cupboards are stocked with plenty of healthy packed lunch items.  That school trip forms are signed, paid for, returned and written on the calendar.  That items for the Christmas Bazaar are collected up for donation as and when something suitable is seen.
 
It hails the start of a solid routine after the haphazard period of the Summer.  And this house does crave a bit of routine.  I say 'J1 is such a routine boy.' - I think he would be like that even if he didn't have disabilities, because I so strongly am.  I think that is why I struggle with the 'Toddlerhood' part of child-rearing.  It's too unpredictable, needing to run according to the mood / sleep had by said Toddler.  I think I become a much better mummy when pre-school starts.
 
Don't get me wrong, I am always pleased when the school holidays arrive because I realise how much I have missed the extra company of J1.  It is lovely to not have to get up and have a regimented routine for a little while.  A change always does us good.  But by the end of them, I think everyone is craving that structure again.
 
So here is to crisp, fresh mornings.  To that cosy jumper and warm coat.  To the re-emergence of those faithful old ski socks as the evening turns to night.  To shorter play dates at the park, but the prospect of that silky hot chocolate running down your throat and warming your hands when you get in.
 
So, Welcome Autumn.  We didn't know if you would come. 

10 comments:

  1. I know what you mean about Autumn and I share many of your feelings about this season. I love spring and autumn because as they are transition seasons. They are the building blocks to the seasons where the weather is more uncomfortable either hot or cold. So for you, here is my favourite song from my childhood. It's a song from Rainbow and I still love this song at this time of year....

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pPkjHwM6g_0

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  2. Here here - I love the Autumn too! Little A and I were at the park this morning - and I was quite in awe of how nature is rapidly changing at the moment - and it was a very crisp morning too! We are now tucking into some crumpets with jam! :o). X.

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    1. Crumpets are a lovely winter treat! With a tonne of butter!x

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  3. I loved the prose like nature of this post. Beautifully written Mother Duck. You took me down memory lane with that back to school feeling from childhood. I felt the same way as you did back then. New uniform, a fresh start. It was exciting.

    Your comment about the leaves coming from the trees reminded me of Pip. He says 'look that tree is sick, mummy!'.

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    1. Thanks MP. I used to love the new school uniform hanging in the wardrobe ready to be worn and compared with friends. New shoes, unscuffed, waiting to be shown off. A new school bag and pencil case...

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    2. Now you're really taking me down memory lane! Did you have a tin? I loved pencil tins. The BEST!

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    3. Haha, yes I had two. A Pepsi Max one with pens and pencils and a Body Shop Save The Earth one for rulers, erasers, protractors etc! I remember the year they let us take our own folders to school and I was thrilled because I was allowed a pink Forever Friends one - and Forever Friends was 'It' at the time!x

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  4. I love eArly autumn before the cold weather sets in and you can enjoy the sun on the autumn leaves...but we have the heating on here already!

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    1. So have we now - I gave in! Just to 'take the chill off' as my nan would have said!x

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I would love for you to quack your thoughts along with me and will always try and quack right back.