Friday 2 October 2015

Inspired by Nature

Where did September go?  It flew by so fast - one minute it is August, the next, October.  Although it has been a fabulous start to Autumn - the weather perfect almost every day - it has been a stressful month for me.  So what do I do when I am stressed - I go outdoors as much as possible, and feel the tension lift from my shoulders - and become inspired by nature.

 

The garden always has this effect on me - it is a form of therapy.  Tackling all those end of the season chores takes my mind off the less pleasant things that I have had to contend with.  Doing the same things every year as the seasons turn has a symmetry to it, a kind of  'all's well with the world'  feeling.  I cannot be cross or impatient out there.  The sights and sounds soothe and calm me.

 

I don't talk about the garden much these days as I feel as though I have said it all before over the last four years of blogging, but it still has a calming effect on me, I still appreciate the beauty of it all and it is still where my heart lies.  I know not everyone feels the same way about gardening; to some it is a chore, an extra complication to an already busy life - I feel that way sometimes when  everything that needs to be done piles up; but the feeling soon fades as I set about my tasks.

 

Sitting outside in the last of the Autumn sunshine, face up to the sun, feeling the warmth; not sure how long this good weather will last before the frosts arrive; making the most of these bonus days; I feel the stress ease and I am able to smile and enjoy the moment and know that I have a lot to be thankful for.  And in a couple of weeks time I will wonder what all the fuss was about and will get myself on an even keel once more.

 

Although the trees are slow to turn from green to russet and gold the flowers are looking lovely in their autumn colours.


Early mornings have been hushed and shrouded in mist; the cows standing motionless in the fields waiting for the sun to rise.



There are still butterflies making the most of the warmth that the day brings.


And then, as dusk falls, the sky turns dove grey, scarlet and burnt orange as the sun sinks below the horizon - and so ends another perfect autumn day


How could you not be inspired by all that Nature has to offer.

'Til next time enjoy the colours of Autumn.
 
"In all things of nature there is something of the marvellous."
~ Aristotle
Elaine


50 comments:

  1. I love the Autumn colours - flowers like jewels shining among the dewy greenery. I also have been making the most of this lovely late summer weather by getting out and about or simply sitting in the garden, face up to the sun, enjoying the warmth. Although it means that all my pots have had to be watered, it has been so nice to have days without rain and cold winds - I can almost forgive the lack of a proper Summer! ('Almost' because the children were back at school before the best of the days came along.)

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    1. I have emptied my summer pots and planted them up with bulbs - they were almost over anyway.

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  2. The colours are beautiful at this time of year, I think that is one of the reasons I love it so much. I think what you were saying about gardening being a chore is true of so many things in life!

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    1. It's only at certain times of the year when so much needs doing - most of the time I can handle it ok and it is a joy, other times I feel like concreting the whole lot over - ha!

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  3. Your garden looks splendid in it's autumn gown Elaine.
    Nature is the best way to unwind....good for the heart and soul.
    I was thrilled to see your butterfly....there have been so few here this year, and that concerns me.
    This is a garden made for butterflies.

    I never tire of reading about gardens........I doubt I ever will :)

    Have a wonderful weekend.....enjoy these golden days that autumn often brings.

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    1. There are just small patches of colour Cheryl - the photos probably give a false impression. There have been plenty of butterflies about but as the weather chills they are becoming a bit scarce now. Have a good weekend too.

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  4. I spent three years living in a rented cottage with no garden at all and realised then how much I needed one! Thankfully it was out in the middle of nowhere and I could walk to my heart's content from the door, but I still so missed getting the dirt under my finger nails and the sense of achievement that comes with gardening.

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    1. It was the same for me Jessica - I had a tiny yard and when we moved the first priority was the size of the garden, never mind about the house.

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  5. Elaine, your photos take my breath away! The butterfly is magnificent and the sunset amazing!! Thank you! Wishing you well!

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  6. Beautiful photos. It has been an exceptionally lovely September hasn't it? The garden is a great haven from all life's worries and cares. I hope we have a few more days yet to enjoy it before the frosts set in:)

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    1. Thanks Rosie. I can't remember a September like it for a long time - long may the good weather continue.

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  7. Your fall photos are so rich. Here the heat has destroyed the garden I want to plant spring bulbs this weed end, but of course the weather is changing to rain. Love the misty morning shot. Enjoy the last days of your garden.

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    1. Thanks Ann. I am so sorry that your garden has suffered after all the work you put into it - I have all my bulbs in now so I can relax a little, although there is still plenty of tidying to do.

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  8. A lovely post and wonderful autumnal pictures. I agree with what you say about being inspired by nature by being outside.
    I hope that this month is less stressful for you. Flighty xx

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    1. Thanks Flighty. I do love being outdoors and the weather has been especially kind - it is a shame to waste it being inside. I hope so too.

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  9. I do hope life does get on a more even keel soon for you. I imagine these colours really do contribute to relaxing the spirit and lifting the soul. You are having warmer autumn colours than where I live - and the kinds of fantastic mists we have to do without. Best wishes.
    Lucy

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    1. Oh I'm sure it will Lucy - sometimes things just get on top of you don't they. Most mornings have been misty - which I find hard to catch the atmosphere on camera - it is quite spooky but beautiful in its own way. Have a good weekend.

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  10. I have the feeling that the autumn colours on the trees could be spectacular this year - this Indian Summer is a real bonus. I was watering and trimming my winter hanging baskets today and the sun was lovely and warm, it does the spirit good.

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    1. I think so too, although there are only a few turning as yet. Yes I agree, a real bonus - wonderful isn't it.

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  11. Wonderful photo series!
    Greetings from Germany

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  12. I find the garden is a therapy for me too. Your garden is beautiful. The pictures of the mist are magical. Wishing you a peaceful and restorative weekend :)

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    1. Just being out there makes me feel better. Thank you for your kind wishes.

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  13. Sorry to hear that you have been stressed. I hope that the garden has helped to relax you and that you will be back to yourself soon and that the stress will have passed. xx

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    1. Yes it has, thanks Amy - I'm feeling better already.

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  14. My garden and marveling at the beauty of nature is my favorite escape from everyday stress, which means taking care of my very elderly parents. I enjoyed your misty early morning photos and your beautiful autumn coloured flowers.
    Have a nice weekend!

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    1. Thanks Janneke - you have a good weekend too.

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  15. Hasn't the weather been wonderful Elaine ..... clear blue skies all day. I have put some of the garden to bed for the Winter but still loads to do ..... hope this beautiful weather continues.
    Hope that your decorating is going well and not causing too much disruption ....... a few photos when it's done ?!!!
    Enjoy the weekend. XXXX

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    1. Yes it has Jackie - not too hot, just right for working in the garden. I still have loads to do too but a little bit each day and I can tick a few more jobs off the metaphorical list. Yes we are getting on well with the decorating - the stripped table and chairs have come back and look amazing, we just need to wax them now. The sofa and armchair have been collected and they will be ready in a couple of weeks. I am just deciding on the colour for the curtains and blinds now. We have gone fairly neutral with the walls so I feel we need a 'pop' of colour so it won't look too bland. There will definitely be photos when it is all finished. This is the fun part. Enjoy your weekend.

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  16. I am one who loves to garden...though I don't have one in my own yard these past few years. I visit the community gardens and help out there. It is calming, it is nice to have the repeated lessons...you plant the seed, the sun, the water, the dirt...and out comes a flower. Even the plants that don't do well one year will come around the next. Don't you wish more of life was like that.

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    1. Hi - thanks for visiting. Just being in a garden , whether its yours or someone else's is good for the soul - the growing and nurturing is the most important part for me. Yes I do wish life was more like that - nothing is ever certain. In the garden, one year you can have an apple tree dripping with fruit, then nothing the next year - but we gardeners never give up hope.

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  17. Ah, those layered misty, mysterious landscapes...

    Ms Soup

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  18. I like the mists and the sunset best.

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    1. Not one for flower photos then. Oh well, you can't win 'em all.

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    2. They were a bit in your face for me.

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  19. Elaine ...Elaine

    What an absolute joy to read your words and enjoy your fabulous photo's. The colours are wonderful. I just love this time of year ... in fact I'm not sure whether Autumn has taken over from Spring as my most favourite season.

    Thank you for sharing these photo's.

    Hope you have a pleasant weekend.

    All the best Jan

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    1. Jan ... Jan
      Thank you so much for your kind words. I am the same although Spring has so much hope attached to it - but you can't beat Autumn for its colour and bounty.

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  20. Gorgeous series of photos! Thank you so much for sharing, and warm greetings from Montreal, Canada. :)

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  21. Like you the best stess buster for me is found in the garden - weeding and pruning and spending time " looking up"! Your photos are beautiful dear. So glad you are capturing the beauty of the flowers so when the weather turns cold and gray these pictures will sustain our hope for their return. Have a lovely week. Hugs

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    1. Thank you Debbie. The weather here has already turned grey, wet and colder - I am so grateful that we had that little bit of late summer to see us through.

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  22. I can totally understand why September has been stressful, decorating is just so darn disruptive! Glad to hear that will be sorted soon. It's always so good to get out into the garden and escape for a while....it s so very calming as you say. Oh PLEASE do talk about the garden, it's never the same so we never repeat ourselves....
    I love the pics, especially the misty shots, mist is such a special part of autumn, I do love how it transforms everything so.xxx

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    1. It has been a long job Dina - I have given up on trying to keep everywhere dust-free. We are only half way through so far. But the results are looking good, husband has been working tirelessly on it - he is a perfectionist, I think that is why it is taking so long.

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  23. Colours of the trees are beautiful at the moment aren't they?


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    1. There doesn't seem to be many changing colour around here so far, still very green.

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  24. It is feels like Autumn visiting you with all those gorgeous colours! I too find refuge in the garden when times get hard, hope this will get brighter for you soon. Sarah x

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