The Changing Season
The sweetgum trees in our yard are gradually entering their Autumn transformation, an exciting process that never fails to enchant me.
That's why I love this time of the year! It's intriguing to observe how the unique locations of each tree influence the timing and vibrancy of their color changes. Imagine the monotony of waking up one day to a uniform explosion of color—then a few weeks later, finding them stripped bare, all at once. That would be sooooo dull!
In my yard, however, it seems my sweetgums embark on their seasonal shift later than my neighbors' trees, creating a delightful sense of anticipation. As the gentle breeze stirs the leaves, variations in temperature, sunlight, and shade weave a complex tapestry, affecting each tree's timing. Each subtle nuance in their environment plays a crucial role, harmonizing to produce their stunning autumn display, one tree at a time.
My husband and I are planning to put up a few Thanksgiving decorations soon after his afternoon nap. It's too late in the game to put out my extensive array of Thanksgiving decorations this year. I’m excited to at least sprinkle a little harvest spirit around our small home. However, in the back of my mind, I’m already aware that before I know it, I’ll be packing everything away to make way for Christmas.
I plan to rummage through the boxes of holiday treasures, and I’ve decided to set aside a larger box specifically for items that I no longer wish to keep. Living in a small 1300-square-foot home means that space is at a premium, and the clutter that can accumulate can truly drive me cray cray! It feels overwhelming at times, and I’ve come to realize that less is indeed more.
Just like the vibrant trees transforming around me with the changing seasons, I find myself undergoing a change as well. I crave intentionality. I envision a few thoughtfully placed pieces that evoke the warmth of the season without overwhelming my space. I could keep some cherished items and rotate them annually creating a fresh look each year. Now, the challenge will be to follow through with this purging process and truly embrace a more streamlined approach to my seasonal decorating. I've been working up to this big moment for the last couple of years.
Let's see if I can actually make it happen!
As the trees shed their leaves for new growth in the spring, we can let go of what no longer serves us and embrace whatever changes are ahead.
Until next time -
Debby
You know, I never gave much thought to the timing of Autumn's 'offspring.' That makes so much sense -- and in this 'instant gratification' world, the feeling of Anticipation is delicious.
ReplyDeleteBefore moving here, I never decorated (except for Christmas). Now I have to guard myself from bringing home 'treasures' that might become overwhelming.
It’s hard not to overdo. I purposely do not shop at Hobby Lobby or those places because it brings out the “wants” in me. I haven’t stepped inside a hobby lobby in a year, maybe longer!
DeleteBeautiful Sweet Gum tree! I love seeing the different kinds of trees and their leaves and colors in this season! They really like to put on a show for us! We don't have major autumn color here in Florida, but there is a subtle change here and there if one is paying attention. We enjoyed a LOT of color on our trip to the mountains of North Georgia last week. It was beautiful! I love that you are paring down regarding decorations, etc., and I find myself wanting to do the same thing. I brought in the totes full of fall decor in September, and have only used a portion of it. I may change a few things out now for just pure Thanksgiving decor...and like you, I think about the clean up and then the preparation for the Christmas decorations. The older we get the less I feel like doing! I guess we'll just take it one day at a time and see what develops (or doesn't develop!) The main thing is to enjoy the season and the reason FOR the season, and not be overwhelmed with STUFF! I'm learning...but it's hard. Old habits are hard to break! LOL. I hope you have a lovely week ahead.
ReplyDeleteThey are pretty. My husband would love to cut them down so the incense cedars would grow bigger. But I love the shade they provide as well as their autumn color!
DeleteI look forward to seeing some of your Thanksgiving goodies. I have Fall things, but not much Thanksgiving, and then when Christmas comes, I usually deck the halls. I think it's great that you are wanting to go through things and give stuff away that you no longer want or need. Many people are doing that right now, and it's much harder for some. I think you're right, less is more sometimes. Your birdhouse pictures always make my heart smile. : )
ReplyDelete~Sheri
Actually as we were going through the crates, I couldn’t find a lot of my stuff. I’m wondering if I threw stuff out after Thanksgiving and just forgot! I did get rid of some Halloween stuff and various pumpkins. (Not jack o lanterns) I had way too many ceramic pumpkins, paper mache pumpkins, etc.
DeleteIt's always amazing to me how some trees develop color overnight, while others do it gradually.
ReplyDeleteI think this is the week we’ll start seeing a lot of color.
DeleteThis is a great idea! I don't know how you will choose, though!
ReplyDeleteI had to be ruthless
DeleteSuch lovely fall colors on your sweet gum, Debby. It's been so dry here, many of our trees aren't as brilliant as they have been in the past, and some are simply dropping their leaves that haven't transformed to anything but brown. We don't decorate our home with anything for fall, only Christmas. Enjoy the season!
ReplyDeleteWe have dry summers with no rain which is normal. Our rainy season starts in October. Sweet gum obviously does well here in California because there are a lot of them!
Deleteits good to see the sweet gum tree, not many of those in Florida. I liked them in GA but do not miss the prickly balls, ha ha. we live in 1350 sq feet, which must be my closets. the person who built this home in 1972 had a need for closet space. this tiny house is the largest home I have ever lived in. it has 3 double closets 1 walk in closet and a nook with bottom cabinets and a hall linen closet. since I don't decorate anything the the nook for Christmas, and am a non collector and minimalist, I can keep all I have out of sight. I am going to do a huge purge when I put out my huge tree, its 17 inches tall ha ha. 3 boxes of things that I have not put out in YEARS..
ReplyDeleteThose prickly balls is why my husband wants to cut them down!
DeleteOh my gosh, you had your ears pierced the way I did! Loved hearing your story, Debby. Thanks for sharing it. I think the first pair of earrings I had while they healed were small diamond studs. One time they closed up, but when Jess got married, I had them pierced again. : )
ReplyDeletelol - the old fashioned way! One of my ears closed and about 15 years ago, I had to have just the one re- pierced. I wasn’t brave enough using a needle and ice! 😬
DeleteI like the quote.
ReplyDeleteThe sugar gum tree is pretty. There is one by the pond where I walk but all the leaves are gone now.
They must grow well here in California because they’re everywhere!
DeleteNice looking tree, the only time people decorate their homes here is at Christmas
ReplyDeleteI wish we would have had a color explosion this year. Cannot believe the temps are still in the 60's here...but am not complaining for the cold and snow will be here soon enough. Love the sweet gum tree. Janice
ReplyDeleteI would like to put out some Thanksgiving decor. Every day, I keep procrastinating...why? I don't know - but you inspired me:) Today is the day!
ReplyDelete