Pumpkin Spice Lattes, cozy sweaters, outdoor fires, wrapped in blankets, these are some of the trite images of Fall that everyone looks forward to despite the fact that they remain unchanging. I’ve personally always loved the beauty of the fall colors, the crisp cool air in my chest as I hike or run a trail. Even the common chrysanthemum has delighted my eyes and made me smile at every turn, every Fall. Thanksgiving is my absolute favorite holiday meal to cook, and I relish the variety of soups and stews I can make during this season. This Fall, though, I’ve felt ambivalent, procrastinating the inevitable acceptance of the Fall season and the approaching winter.
I am having a hard time letting summer go. I spent the summer on my porch blogging, researching, or taking long walks in the heat, busying my body and my brain. I planted a garden this year and enjoyed cucumbers, tomatoes, peppers, basil, sage, rosemary, and parsley. Experimenting with recipes from produce I grew in the garden was exhilarating and reassuring, while the threat of food shortages has lingered.
As the cold has crept in, my garden has slowly died. I’m keenly aware that the cooler season is leading to less life in the garden, an absence of the warmth that beckons me to take long walks, and limited ways to connect with nature. I’m also aware that I’m now an empty nester with my oldest angel living and working in another city and my sweet baby boy, a Freshman in college, but honestly, I’ve been wondering when the water works would sink in. It hasn’t happened fully yet. So I was thinking maybe I’m fine, I’ll come out of this transition unscathed. Summer, this year had a joyful, sometimes chaotic energy about it, as I tried to enjoy every second of it and the remaining time with my last baby living at home. Fall is a stark contrast – it’s a time where we are forced to sit still, to anticipate and to ponder and observe the death of the garden. What an interesting metaphor, though – my garden is dying while I’m having to let go of some elements of my life… I do feel a little bit like I’m losing something, but can’t exactly pin-point what it is.
While I have been begrudgingly avoiding my porch for the breeze and cold air make it uncomfortable to sit for long, I have dipped my toes into the landscape, venturing on a weekend away to Rickett’s Glen State Park Ricketts Glen State Park, a local trail at Fort Hunter Conservancy, Hiking at Fort Hunter Conservancy for Great Views of Downtown Harrisburg - Uncovering PA, and the most beautiful forest walk around a nearby lake Hiking at Little Buffalo State Park. On these hikes, my senses awoke to the sound of rustling trees, snapping twigs and leaves, as well as rushing water. Oh, the water… crisp, clean, and rushing in between boulders. I couldn’t help but feel alive and keenly present in the moment. You must have heard about the benefits of walking through forests – from psychological (reduced anxiety, and feelings of depression Psychological Benefits of Walking through Forest Areas - PubMed (nih.gov)) to physiological (reduced blood pressure, heart rate, stress hormone production, and boosting the immune system). I don’t want to let go of nature’s sensations in my body, keeping me awake and alive.
Truthfully, I have actually started small steps towards experiencing the benefits of nature indoors in preparation for the long winter. My herb pots are safely sitting in sunny windows next to my indoor hydroponic gardening system from Lettuce Grow, which I have practically ignored all summer (I always found an excuse to be outdoors). Recently I planted kale, bok choy, cilantro, and a variety of lettuces to help with produce during the cold season. I was gifted several lovely plants in September - Aloe Vera, succulents, and even a gorgeous red bougainvillea which has grown quickly in the dining room sunlight. I think I will add one more plant before winter hits – money tree and ficus tree are air purifying, so likely one of those.
Essential oils from plants are another way that you can bring the physiological and psychological benefits of foresting into your home. I’ve recently fallen in love with Doterra’s sustainably sourced Guaiacwood oil, the oil of depth. The wood of this tree is so heavy that it sinks in water rather than floating, perhaps leading to its ability to help you dive deep into your emotions and feel them (which is actually a good thing – you know, you can’t get OVER something until you get THROUGH it, as in FEEL it). The smoky, sweet (almost like rose) scent reminds me of our fire pit at the cabin - LOVE. The main constituents are Guaiol and bulnesol, which are calming, grounding, enhance meditation, anti-microbial and also help with healthy cells. I love combining it with Douglas or Siberian fir and other wood/spicy oils to create a warm, sweet, grounded scent in my diffuser. I do look forward to my morning routine where I read home decorating, travel, gardening and cooking articles and soak up the welcoming scent of the oils. I sit near my huge fern and get to observe my favorite plant corner.
Perhaps I don’t have to let my entire garden die over the Fall and Winter. As I’m saying goodbye to some of the elements of my garden (and my life), nature reminds me that the garden grows back. It may look different, but it grows back. In the meantime, I can touch, smell, and water my indoor herb garden, ferns, and various other house plants, as well as my indoor hydroponic garden. Maybe I can slow down and reflect on how to enjoy the last few weeks of outdoor hiking, warm days, and abundant colors while using the time to prepare for winter. What do empty nesters usually do? I’ve heard that it’s like when you retire – you must find new ways to experience life. There are seasons of life and this Fall season is asking me to focus somewhere new, discover new ways of living.
And there it is!!!! My new obsession - I’m now obsessed with the Thanksgiving Holiday, imagining the table décor, changing up the menu from last year, trying a new dish, even possibly making gluten free bread, already spent hours researching fantastic cocktails, bought some lovely tumblers I can’t wait to try out with my girl, Zoë, who loves a good cocktail as much as her mom does.
As I’m describing this to you, I am realizing that Thanksgiving will be spent with my children, so no, I’m not really letting go fully… just experiencing them in a different way.
It’s all good. Just Different. And THAT is the beauty of the change of seasons. We get to experience life differently. Here's to embracing change. 🥂
With warm hugs and love,
Aimee
Additional Resources/shopping links:
https://www.lettucegrow.com/shop?pc=FRIEND-J8TS. (the hydroponic indoor garden I use)
(45) 🍁Fall and Changing Decor🍁 | HOME DECOR STYLING TIPS - YouTube (this video will get you in the mood for Fall :-)
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