Twenty Lovely Things about Autumn

Recently, we were discussing what marks the end of the wonderful summer, and everyone said things like "the first red blackberry darkening to black" and "the first tinge of golden brown on a leaf of the tree next door". Naturally, I said that for me it was the end of season sales, without thinking how completely shallow that made me seem.

I don't know whether it was the blackberry and apple crumble we had for pudding yesterday, or the recent switch from August to September, but I do feel like autumn is finally upon us, which I then marked by wearing the gingham skirt I haven't worn since winter.

I try to be positive about it, but as someone who loves ice cream and the seaside, I do see autumn as a rather pessimistic season. Very soon I will be back into the pattern of trudging through the rain to school in my padded winter jacket; worrying about homework and raincoats and treading in dog poo that's buried under layers of dead leaves. I spend my whole year longing for summer, and before I know it, it is far away again, and I have to watch the days grow shorter as my sleeves grow longer.

SO... in an attempt to start up the  autumn on an emotional high, and just to help get me into the mood (and to help you to do the same), I have decided to compose a list of the good bits about autumn that we have to look forward to:

1. Massive fluffy jumpers.

2. Carving the perfect pumpkin.
3. Hot chocolate by the fire.
4. The smell of tangerines and cinnamon and cloves.
5. The way everything manages to look golden brown.
6. Hiding behind a blanket watching horror films.
7. A fresh start!
8. Wooly socks.
9. Toffee apples.
10. Picking blackberries.
11. Conkers!
12. Thick knitted mittens and socks.
14. Toasting marshmallows and chestnuts.
15. Mum's apple crumble.
16. Fireworks, and the smell of them afterwards.
17. Spiced apple juice (or mulled wine) :)
18. Cold, fresh feeling air.
19. Indoor things like board games and 1000 piece jigsaws.
20. The Doctor Who 50th anniversary.

Ah, that has left me feeling positively warm and fuzzy inside, and I hope it had a similar effect on you :) The time now feels right to go and make myself a bitter hot chocolate and light a scented candle in preparation for the season to come. ★