The Season – Fall or Autumn

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Definition for Fall/Autumn 

 

Noun

The Season between summer and winter comprising in the northern hemisphere usually the months of September, October and November.  When night becomes more noticeably earlier.  The equinoxes might be expected to be in the middle of their respective seasons.

 

Last Sunday, September 22, 2013 was the first day of “Fall” or “Autumn”.  As I began to write this blog I wondered why we have two names that basically mean the same thing and why for only this season?  If you think about it winter is winter, spring is spring and summer is summer but Fall can be Fall or Autumn.  So yes, I goggled it and there was more detail than I care to put in this blog so my best answer is this:  Before the 16th century it was referred to as “harvest” but as more people moved from the working land to the city and more began to read and write this word began to be lost.  Britain called it “Fall” centuries ago but the Brits were influenced by the French and began to call it “Autumn”.  Americans kept the original term “Fall” from “faellen’ in Old English; meaning “the Fall of the leaf”.  The word Autumn comes from the French “l’automne”.  The French got the word from the Latin “Autumnus”.  French and Latin are romance languages; English is Germanic language.  Hope you enjoyed your trivia lesson and I guess if you want to be a little more romantic you refer to it as “Autumn”.

No matter which term you use, it is such a festive time of year to me.  Baseball Season is wrapping up and getting ready for the World Series.  Tailgating and Football Season is in full swing whether it is secondary schools during the week, college on Saturday and Professional on Sunday and of course Monday Night Football.  I must say “what about those Broncos!” they did an incredible job this week…love me some Broncos.  But I must confess I have always been a Dallas Cowboy fan because they are “America’s Team” even when I lived in Colorado but that was back in the good ole days when they were true “winners” with Roger Staubach, Tony Hill, Randy White, Tony Dorsett (thunder thighs) who was later traded to the Denver Broncos.  I remember my dear sister baked and decorated a beautiful cake with the Dallas Cowboy helmet on it for the 1978 Super Bowl XII what an honor.  However, when you cut into it I was surprised to find she had baked an Orange Crush cake…we all had a good laugh!  Leave it to my sister she has always made me laugh! Then the next phase of winners with Troy Aikman, Emmitt Smith, Michael Irvin, Mark Stepnoski,  I must mention Nate Newton, John Gesek, and Mike Saxon since they all lived in Coppell.  Those were the days…I guess that is enough about football.

Now my world is filled with watching my precious granddaughter at her soccer, softball and peewee cheer events while chasing a two and half year old grandson.  It is never a dull moment that’s for sure.  Trust me don’t turn your back though as I was in charge one evening leaned down to grab his drink and next thing I know he is out on the field with his big sister.  Gigi might get fired…it takes a village to raise these kids now days but feel very blessed my children and grandchildren live so close

I saw a post the other day and really resonated with me. A great outfit for “Takin Time Out”…“Fall…The season of leggings and yoga pants is upon us!!!”  I love my yoga pants or capris, they are sooo comfy! How about you what is your favorite comfy clothes?

Autumn is very slow to arrive in Texas…during the days the temperature is still fairly hot but cools down in the evening.  I love the crispness of the air especially in the dawning of a new day!  You can actually enjoy walking and spending time outdoors. Trees really won’t begin turning until winter here but I love watching other parts of the country enjoy their seasons.  Especially in the mountains and East coast…God truly knows how to paint a masterpiece with the vibrant colors of the leaves changing and the full bloom of the wildflowers & brush along the mountain side.  It truly is breathtaking. 

I also love to decorate for Fall.  There are so many cool ways to dress up the mantel over the fireplace and tables inside.  We have BIG Orange Pumpkins in the yard, scarecrows, bundles of hay, and we plant yellow, orange, burnt red and purple mums.  When the weather really cools down we can plant pansies, ornamental cabbage and flowering kale to enjoy all winter long.  It’s also a time to plant the Fall bulbs so you can enjoy those precious tulips & daffodils next spring.

It’s also a wonderful time for baking.  Love peach cobbler, oatmeal cake, apple pie and variety of cookies.  Mmmm think I might make a bundt spice cake in the morning…

I must mention too, there are multiple verses in the Bible that speak about Autumn

 Genesis 8:22 “As long as the earth exists, seedtime and harvest, cold and hot, summer and Autumn day and night will not cease.”

Jeremiah 5:24 “You never thought to honour me, even though I send the Autumn rains and the spring rains and give you the harvest season each year.”

Deuteronomy 11:13-15 “From now on if you listen obediently to the commandments that I am commanding you today, love God, your God, and serve him with everything you have within you, he’ll take charge of sending the rain at the right time, both Autumn and spring rains, so that you’ll be able to harvest your grain, your grapes, your olives.  He’ll make sure there’s plenty of grass for your animals.  You’ll have plenty to eat.” What I get from this verse is plenty of rain and good harvest is the reward for obedience but forgetfulness of God and idolatry would be followed by drought and barrenness.  Stay faithful and obedient my friend.

Other reflections of Fall signifies the end of summer and the passage to winter.  Fall or Autumn is a time of transition, soothing, serene, vivid and vibrant.  It is “Takin Time Out” and enjoying, relaxing, reflecting, just being calm.  A time of harvest and peace.  Pour yourself a savoring cup of Cinnamon Tea…breathe deeply and reflect what you think the true meaning of Fall or romantic Autumn brings to your life!  Savoring the last of September and Welcoming Orange Flamboyant October!  Blessings to you until next time….

QUOTES:

“Fall has always been my favorite season.  The time when everything bursts with its last beauty, as if nature had been saving up all year for the grand finale.”  Lauren DeStefano

“It is only the farmer who faithfully plants seeds in the Spring, who reaps a harvest in the Autumn.”  B.C. Forbes

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One comment

  1. Tonya, so glad to find your blog! I enjoyed the reading. I follow quite a few blogs, including Debbie Kuriowa and Darcie. I have made many new friends also that I follow but never met. I love being able to keep in touch, along with Facebook! Take care!

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