First Day of Autumn

Happy autumn, y’all.

I grew up at the edge of Northern Maine, tucked away between potato fields, the Allagash Waterway, and the Canadian border. Fall began with the start of September and the start of school. Sometimes, a few flurries found their way to the ground even before the official end of summer. 

As September turned into October, autumn progressed with shortening days, cooler temperatures, and of course, the lovely leaves. The trees put on an art show before going dormant for the winter, reminding us that the end of something can be beautiful too. 

Now, I live in the opposite climate. Southern Louisiana has summer until late October, the days stretching into the 80s and even 90s long after the calendar switches seasons. And yet, there are little signs, if one is observant. The sun rises later each morning, and sets earlier each day. Though it is still hot mid-day, the early temperatures are quite pleasant. 

Though I love the winters in New Orleans, autumn in New England is my favorite. When the leaves turn and their colors contrast against the blue sky and the sun is still warm. Maybe you have a light jacket on and a cup of something steamy in your hand. You know that winter is on the precipice, but for now, it is still beautiful to be outside. 

Today, the first day of autumn, is also the Autumnal Equinox. It’s one of two days a year (the other is the Vernal Equinox, the first day of spring) that the day and night are perfectly in balance. There are exactly twelve hours of daylight and twelve hours of night. 

Wherever you are, whether for you autumn is the bridge between too hot and too cold, those days with brilliant sun and brilliant leaves, or if autumn is a time of stretched out summer with glimpses of the dropping temperatures to come, enjoy it.

Get outside and enjoy it.

Thanks for reading!

💜

Laura