On the arrival of autumn.
No. 61 It's a bird, it's a plane, it's...foliage!
Good morning!
While the grey skies of today’s Sunday morning are not exactly inspiring, don’t let that fool you. Yesterday was a glorious, picture-perfect October day. And nothing screams “Fall!” like a clear blue sky and crisp, brightly-colored leaves everywhere you look.
I am nothing but a major (extreme?) fan of this season - as we know already - so yesterday’s Weather Perfection meant we spent as much of it outside as possible. We took Pepper to the dog park, we went on a small hike, we spotted every colorful tree in sight from morning to night.
If this sounds less-than-perfect to you, then perhaps you haven’t yet found your fall groove. Because mine is here and it’s time to get on board!
Some say that fall is frustrating as it only leads to winter, but I tend to take the opposite approach. Fall is such a strong time of year. The air is crisp, jackets are everywhere, layers are welcome, and it’s rare to sweat through every part of one’s outfit by day’s end (though not impossible). I had hot coffee on more than one occasion this week, which was delightful and I felt a slight spring in my step during my walk to the office each day.
September can be sweaty and surprising. October is awesome and autumnal. Is that a weird way to describe the current vibe? Maybe! But that’s how I’m feeling amidst this long weekend during a month I have come to really appreciate and savor over the years. Is there anything better than photos taken during golden hour? Nope. The light is freaking perfect and everyone looks amazing.
I once saw someone’s wedding photos online that must have been taken during this magical time of day during their fall wedding and I was stunned. Every image was superb; the lighting was just fantastic. Everyone glowed - and not just because it was a wedding. I know a few folks getting married this month and I have a feeling all of their photos will also have this magic about them. Now I know it’s due to the sunlight (and their joy, of course).
Not only is that golden hour light something to seek out each day, but fall foliage just makes me…oddly happy. I love the vibrant colors of the trees, the fiery tones dotting the scenery, and the signal foliage sends: autumn is here! Sure, the peak foliage isn’t entirely in/around Boston yet, but it’s coming and the pops of red, orange, and yellow are enough to make me giddy each time I see it. It’s the little things, right? ;)
Speaking of little things, I must admit today’s letter is quite basic. The fall season, the changing leaves, and seeking foliage. Where’s the pumpkin spice? Oh yeah, we got some pumpkins for a seasonal splash of front steps decor. I couldn’t resist! On the beverage front, I strongly dislike the pumpkin spice flavor. Pumpkin for a muffin or cookie? Sure! But keep it out of my latte. Let’s not add it to cream cheese either, OK?
In other nature news, the dahlias are having their last hoorah so let’s here it for one heck of a season! They were quite incredible this year. I didn’t end up sharing as many as I’d planned, but perhaps that’s why it may be easier to bring them all to a farmer’s market next summer. Ha! Life is a bit busy to have a side hustle flower business, but you never know. Maybe people would love it? Soon the dahlias will be resting in wood-chip-filled bins in the basement until next spring. ‘Twas a fabulous season!
I assume most of you may be amidst a long weekend (same) so I’m going to cut it short for today. I hope this letter offered you a spark of autumn awesomeness. It really is a great time of year: fleece and sunshine?! Life is good.
Editor’s note: A fall gift to all is this week’s Sunday Six. I have removed the paywall - enjoy!
The Sunday Six
Cozy season, chapter one, is definitely here. I highly recommend the Birkenstock Boston Shearling Suede Leather to keep your feet warm - indoors or out!
Shrinking is finally back for season two this week. Eeeeee!!! Can’t wait.
Jenni Kayne is currently having a site wide 20% off sale so my eye is on all of their cashmere.
Since it’s Sunday I must remind you that Wood’s Hill Table does Sunday Brunch and it’s scrumptious.
Assuming you’re also here for the shoes — I ordered the Salomon sneakers I’ve been seeing everywhere and will report back ASAP. Picking a color was oddly difficult!
The 2024-2025 NBA season is about to begin! I highly recommend Starting 5 on Netflix which follows five of the biggest names in basketball throughout their home life and last year’s exciting season (hint: the Boston Celtics won the championship!).
Thank you for reading and I hope you have a great one!
Cheers and joy,
Mollie