Category Archives: Autumn

Embracing Autumn: Finding Balance in Nature

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September 22nd marks the autumn equinox—the day when light and dark balance perfectly, giving us equal hours of day and night. There’s something so grounding about this moment in the year, a gentle reminder to pause and find balance in our own lives too.

As the air turns crisp and the leaves begin to change, I always feel a spark of inspiration. Autumn carries a cozy energy—warm drinks, golden light, and colors that feel both vibrant and soothing. It’s a season of reflection and transition, a time to let go of what no longer serves us and make room for new beginnings.

In the studio, I find myself drawn to deeper, richer tones—burnt orange, warm golds, soft browns, and jewel-like purples. These colors seem to mirror the changing trees for this season, reminding me that nature itself is an endless source of creativity.

The equinox is more than just a shift in the calendar—it’s an invitation. An invitation to slow down, embrace the season, and lean into the beauty of change.

As we celebrate this balance of light and dark, I hope you find a moment of calm and inspiration too. 🍁

What rituals, colors, or little joys help you welcome autumn into your life?

Thanks for stopping by! Wishing you a day full of wonder and enchantment.

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20 Inspiring Fall Quotes to Celebrate the Season

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Autumn has a way of inviting us to pause, reflect, and soak in the beauty of change. Even if you don’t experience the full crispness of fall where you live, the season’s colors, moods, and rhythms can inspire creativity, calm, and a sense of renewal.

To help you embrace the magic of autumn, I’ve gathered 20 beautiful fall-themed quotes—perfect for journaling, decorating your space, or just reflecting on the season:

  1. “Autumn is a second spring when every leaf is a flower.” — Albert Camus
  2. “Life starts all over again when it gets crisp in the fall.” — F. Scott Fitzgerald
  3. “Autumn shows us how beautiful it is to let things go.” — Unknown
  4. “Notice that autumn is more the season of the soul than of nature.” — Friedrich Nietzsche
  5. “Autumn carries more gold in its pocket than all the other seasons.” — Jim Bishop
  6. “Delicious autumn! My very soul is wedded to it.” — George Eliot
  7. “I’m so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers.” — L.M. Montgomery
  8. “Autumn leaves don’t fall—they fly.” — Unknown
  9. “And all at once, summer collapsed into fall.” — Oscar Wilde
  10. “Autumn is the hush before winter.” — French Proverb
  11. “Every leaf speaks bliss to me, fluttering from the autumn tree.” — Emily Brontë
  12. “Autumn is the mellower season, and what we lose in flowers we more than gain in fruits.” — Samuel Butler
  13. “The wind that makes music in October corn is the same that bends the pine.” — Wallace Stevens
  14. “Autumn arrives in a cloak of gold, whispering secrets of change untold.” — Unknown
  15. “Crisp air, cozy flair, autumn colors everywhere.” — Unknown
  16. “Leaves are falling, autumn is calling.” — Unknown
  17. “Pumpkins, leaves, and apple pies, autumn is a sweet surprise.” — Unknown
  18. “Autumn is the season to find contentment at home by paying attention to what we already have.” — Unknown
  19. “The trees are about to show us how lovely it is to let the dead things go.” — Unknown
  20. “Autumn paints in colors that summer has never seen.” — Unknown

Each of these quotes is a little invitation: to slow down, appreciate the season, and embrace change in our own lives. Whether you’re savoring a warm drink, walking among colorful leaves, or creating in your studio, autumn has a gentle way of reminding us to pause, reflect, and find beauty in transformation.

Which of these quotes speaks to you the most? 🍂 I’d love to hear which one captures your autumn spirit!

Thanks for stopping by, and may your fall be full of color, inspiration, and cozy moments.

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Photo by Maria Vidaurre on the Appalachian Trail

Thoughtful Thursday Autumn Essential Oil Blends

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There is something magical about Autumn when she begins to show herself. The long hot days of summer slowly begin to fade and are replaced with long cool nights. Breezes begin to sweep in and the leaves change their colors and fall like brightly colored pieces of confetti.

There are many ways to bring the ever delightful scents of the outdoors into your home to create a blissful and serene ambience. One of my favorite ways is to use a mixture of essential oils in a diffuser and allow the tantalizing autumn scents to drift throughout my home.

The enchanting scents can have a calming affect on your mind which makes them that much better, plus they’re natural too. These are a few fall diffuser blends I found online at HelloGlow.co created by Stephanie Gerber. I highly recommend visiting her site which contains a wealth of information including 25 essential blends for autumn, how to make your own diffuser and what you can expect with the different blends. If you’re new to this idea, start with 1 or 2 recipes and see how you like it.

Have a lovely day and thanks for stopping by!!

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Thoughtful Thursday Poem by George Cooper

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I painted this Autumn abstract a while ago but thought this beautiful poem by George Cooper fit it perfectly:

“Come, little leaves” said the Wind one day, “Come to the meadows with me and play. Put on your dresses of red and gold; for summer is past, and the days grow cold.”

Hope you enjoyed this today, thanks for stopping by!

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Thoughtful Thursday – Welcome the Slumber of Autumn

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In just 2 short days, summer will officially end and Autumn will begin. This is such a wonderful time of year with cooler temps, changing scenery and delightful crisp fall breezes. It’s a time to slow our pace, get out the blankets and relax with a cup of hot cocoa in front of the fire place.

With one of the hottest summers on record, this Autumn is a welcome change. We don’t normally see too much color changing this far south in Florida but I can at least dream of the magical hiking trips I’ve taken in the past. The breathtaking views that Mother nature blessed me with on my autumn hikes was to say the least, awe-inspiring.

Being outdoors during this time of year has a way of slowing your thoughts and offering your more clarity in return. It gives you the chance to refocus on your goals and what’s most important to you. We live such fast paced lives and this process of slowing down is literally a breath of fresh air.

🍂I took these photos while hiking the Appalachian Trail. I hope you enjoy them🍁

What do you like most about autumn?

Thanks for stopping by!!

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“Notice how autumn is more the season of the soul than of nature.” ~Freidrich Nietzsche

Thoughtful Thursday Fall Essential Oil Blends

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Living in the South you don’t get to enjoy a lot of the autumn colors and scents so I’m always looking for ways to bring the warmth of the season into my home. One of my favorite ways is to use a diffuser and add drops of essential oils to make some of the most tantalizing autumn scents.

The fragrant oils can affect your mood and give you a sense of complete joy and harmony. They may even bring back some wonderful memories. There are a lot of premixed synthetic oils but most are full with harmful chemicals. Plus many people can’t tolerate them and that’s why essential oils are great because they’re natural.

These are a few fall diffuser blends I found online. If you don’t have a diffuser I would recommend buying one. You can check out the websites below for recommendations or Amazon has plenty to choose from with reviews to help you find the best one. But don’t go crazy buying lots of essential oils. Pick 1 or 2 blends from the choices below and start with that to see what you like. Let me know how it goes.

Have a lovely day and thanks for stopping by!!

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EssentialOilHaven.com gives recommendations for oils and diffusers.

CountryHillCottage.com gives easy ideas and recipes for living well.

TheOilDropper.com has useful information on using essential oils.

Thoughtful Thursday Vegan Pumpkin Smoothie Recipe

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Pumpkin pie is one of my favorite treats for Thanksgiving but that only comes once a year. So to get into the spirit of Autumn sooner I love making pumpkin smoothies.

When you slowly sip this savory drink bursting with flavors of cinnamon, ginger and nutmeg you can’t help but to sit back and take a moment to truly enjoy the season. This recipe is very easy to make and is super delicious! I always try to use organic ingredients when they’re available.

Pumpkin Smoothie

  • 1 C Unsweetened Almond Milk
  • 1/2 Can Organic Pumpkin Puree
  • 1 Small Ripe Banana
  • 3 Tbsp Organic Rolled Oats
  • 2 Organic Pitted Dates
  • 1.25 tsp Cinnamon
  • 1/4 heaping tsp Ginger
  • 1/8 heaping tsp Nutmeg
  • 1/2 Tbsp Maple Syrup
  • 1 C Ice
  • 1/2 Hass Avocado (optional) *

Place all ingredients in the blender and blend until smooth. Top with sprinkled cinnamon and enjoy! (Makes about 2 glasses)

* Note: If you prefer a thicker, creamier smoothie the avocados do the trick. They have a mild flavor and give you more of a milkshake consistency. But I would try it first without the avocado because you can always add it later, it should be thick enough without it 🎃 Another trick is to use 2 Tbsp Organic Chia seeds. Soak them overnight in water and add them to your smoothie mix and blend.

Thanks for stopping by!!

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Slow Pace of Autumn

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Hard to believe that autumn is officially here today. It’s the time of year to slow down and really take in the beauty of the season. Before long, Mother Nature will repaint her canvas from beautiful greens to stunning hues of yellow, red, orange and brown. Gentle breezes begin to roll in and rustle the fallen leaves bringing much needed cooler temps.

We bid farewell to summer as we watch the days become shorter and nights become longer. We get our warm comfy sweaters out, light a few candles and settle in for the season. It’s a time to rest, reflect and finish what’s needed.

Although here in the South we don’t really see a change in this breathtaking season, I bring warmth into our home by decorating for fall. Being an avid baker the sweet scents of pumpkin, apple and cinnamon fill our home making it even more cozy. How do you spend your autumn months?

Wishing you a peaceful autumn season filled with joy, love and good health!

Thanks for stopping by!!

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Thoughtful Thursday Anna Ruby Falls, Georgia

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Anna Ruby Falls photo by Maria Vidaurre

There’s something to be said about slowing down and spending time in nature. This past fall I was fortunate to take a hiking trip to northern Georgia with my husband. One of our visits was to Anna Ruby Falls which is in Unicoi State Park, located just outside of Helen, Georgia. It was a stunning drive to the falls as we drove on the windy road through the forest with accents of mother nature’s foliage of yellow, orange and red leaves glistening in the sunlight.

The hike to the falls is about a half mile on a paved path. Officially it’s .4 of a mile, but my Garmin and phone tracker showed it was a bit more. Nevertheless, it was a majestic hike the entire way as the path followed the creek and you were serenaded by the flowing waters. The path was a little steep but there were plenty of benches along the way to rest if needed.

James H. “Captain” Nichols was a Civil War Colonel who retired and moved to Nacoochee Valley in 1870. Even though he had been promoted to Colonel he was reverently referred to as “Captain.” While out horseback riding one day, Nichols discovered the falls and named them after his daughter, Anna Ruby.

The falls are made up of Curtis and York Creeks that run down the steep slopes of Tray Mountain in 2 falls. In the photo above Curtis Creek Falls is shown on the left and drops 153 feet and York Creek Falls is shown on the right and drops 50 feet. These 2 falls combine to create Smith Creek which is what you see when walking on the path.

I hope you enjoyed this little travel tidbit. Anna Ruby Falls was a beautiful place to visit and I hope you’ll be able to visit it too!

Thanks for stopping by!!!

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“Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished.” ~ Lao Tzu

All photos were taken by Maria Vidaurre

Thoughtful Thursday Happy Thanksgiving

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Happy Thanksgiving!

It’s hard to believe that it’s that time of year again. The weather has gotten a little cooler, thank goodness and the leaves are changing. But this is a time of warm gatherings and welcoming family and friends into our homes with lots of love. It’s a time to reflect back on the year and give thanks for all that we have.

More importantly it’s a time for you. This is the time to slow down and take in the beauty around you. Catch your breath and nestle in for the winter with warm soups and hot cocoa. Take time for yourself this season to recharge your energy. Find happiness in the simple, small everyday moments. Allow your soul to linger in the joy and peace of the season.

I want to extend a sincere heartfelt “Thank You” to all of you for your love and support. It’s greatly appreciated!

Wishing you a Very Happy and Blessed Thanksgiving!

Thanks for stopping by!

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“As we express our gratitude we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.” ~John F Kennedy

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