Mother Nature’s Wardrobe

When I was little I can remember my grandmother changing out draperies and slipcovers for the different seasons. As cooler weather approached each autumn, she would give her home a mini makeover with fabrics appropriate for the fall and winter. It was as if her home’s wardrobe made the same transition we do with our own clothing when we pull out sweaters and pack up our shorts and t-shirts each year when the temperatures drop.

The last few days have been beautiful with lower humidity and just a touch of crisp cool air each night and morning. I’m starting to get the urge to pull out a few sweaters, and I’ve even worn jeans a few times in the last few weeks.

I used to lament the coming of winter, and for me the fall was a not so pleasant reminder of the disappearing summer, my favorite season. But since we have moved to our new home I actually welcome each season. I think it’s because where we live now there is something to look forward to with the changing seasons. Fall brings back the Canada Geese, the fields of yellow wildflowers, and kayak rides among the colorful fall foliage along the water's edge.

And I now try to notice how mother nature rewards us with each new season, giving us plenty to look at and appreciate. Like the beautiful colors she outfits herself with during the fall.

She neatly tucks away the vibrant colors of summer and dons more subtle, but equally as dramatic shades of lavender, rust, gold, crimson, and brown.

And because the changes are subtle, and short lived, we are forced to try and savor every last moment of sunshine and warmth.

Although it is a time of renewal, when the earth is slowly drifting off to sleep in preparation of a rebirth next spring, it still has a beauty all its own that is captivating.

Stores and catalog companies help us transition from season to season, filling our mailboxes with images of hoe downs, hayrides, and Halloween. And the stores are full of displays beckoning us back to hearth and home after months spent outdoors when the weather was warmer.

But I think mother nature’s marketing is second to none, and I dutifully heed her call to pull out accessories and decor that celebrates the season this time each year!

Lime green and turquoise give way to tans, camels, and browns.

And golds, blacks, and shades of orange tug at my heart strings and fill the vases in my house!

I think that like me, sometimes mother nature can’t quite decide on a favorite color, so she mixes and matches. Which she does quite artfully and without reservation, something we could all learn to do a little more of!

I think this week I will break out my big fall bins and gently tuck away my watermelon and strawberry decor in favor of more appropriate fall decor.

And although I will have days when I’m bummed about giving up flip flops and not having to wear a coat, I will try and remember that each season has it’s own intrinsic beauty.

Like my grandmother always did, I will try to embrace the season and see it as an opportunity to change the personality of my home and myself until the next season rolls around.

But please don’t misunderstand…when the wind chill is unbearable, and I have to bundle up to take the dogs for a walk or to go anywhere…I won’t be waxing so poetic I can assure you!

For now though, I’ll simply focus on the beauty, the colors, and all that autumn has to offer!

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Show and Tell Friday at My Romantic Home!