Tag: Fall Color

Florida Fall, Does it Exist?

As a native Floridian I’ve always felt I’ve missed out on the autumn season. The fabulous colors of the trees before they go dormant for the winter, the drop in temperatures that make Fall festivals cozy and inviting, the ritual of putting away summer clothes and airing out the winter wardrobe, are not things we experience in Florida. I admit there are some trees that change color, but they don’t offer the vibrancy that I adore when I have a chance to spend time in North Carolina during the fall.
 
In Florida, the months of October and November are completely unpredictable when it comes to weather. We’re still in hurricane season and more often than not the temperatures are still in the upper 80s. Shortly after Hurricane Matthew blew through, battering coastal areas, we experienced our first night of cool weather. I came home from work and the instant I stepped out of the car the fragrance of a nearby fireplace tinged the air.  I couldn’t help but smile as I entered my own fireplace-less home, knowing that the holidays would soon arrive.
 
Surprisingly, there are more homes with fireplaces in Florida than one might imagine and the first hint of a chill always elicits at least one being ignited. I remember a childhood Christmas with the air conditioner blasting so we could enjoy the flickering magic as we opened our gifts.
 
Despite not being able to experience all the wonders of fall, it’s still my favorite season. This year I decided to see fall through new eyes and not dwell on what I don’t have. Instead I am finding joy in the sparse trees on my commute that are slowly changing color, taking heart in the slight drop in temperatures and throwing open the windows, enjoying the local pumpkin patch, and finding new recipes to test in anticipation of Thanksgiving and Christmas. Sometimes taking a moment to stop and adjust our perspective allows us to see how wonderfully blessed we are.
 
Contrast of Florida Fall versus North Carolina Fall.
 
Florida beauty
Methodist church pumpkin patch
Anyone for pumpkin pie?
Stream decorated by nature.
North Carolina
What is your favorite part of the season and what are you thankful for?
 
If you have browsed our books tab, you may have noticed that my Seasons of Faith series, which is set in Orlando, Florida does not include a Fall novel. The season is simply too short to set a novel, so I skipped forward to Christmas. Regardless of the weather, Christmas is alway a vibrant season in Florida.  Christmas Vows is currently on sale for 99 cents. Check back soon for an exciting chance to win a free digital copy.
 
 
 
Footnote: Western North Carolina is being ravaged by forest fires. Please pray for them to end soon and especially for the safety of the firefighter heroes.

The Magic of Falling Leaves

 

There is something enchanting, magical even, about falling leaves. They don’t just flutter to the ground, they dance and whirl, as if enjoying their freedom. Even when they land they aren’t content to lie still, they take flight again in a gust of wind or in the wake of a speeding car. I could watch this ballet for hours, except you never know where the next show will be.

I recently spent a weekend chasing fall around Western North Carolina and while the colors weren’t as vibrant as what I’ve seen in the past, there was a different beauty to the landscape. Perhaps spending my whole life in Florida with little to no fall color that made this trip so spellbinding; maybe it was the much needed reprieve from the stifling heat; or maybe it was taking the time to see the world from a different perspective.

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As I watch my photos from this trip slip through the screensaver on my computer, I’m struck by the thought that fall is a chance for God to show us what a master artist He is. There is the side of a mountain with red, yellow, and orange spattered among the deep green of the pines and spruce. There are the fallen leaves, some brown, some still golden, that found a resting place on a moss covered rock in the rushing rapids of a clear stream. In the front yard, red and pink roses are still blooming in front of trees that are changing color daily.

Back in Florida, I can immerse myself in the photos and videos from this trip and find inspiration. There is so much beauty in the world, sometimes we just have to take time to change our perspective.