In this in-between of seasons, when autumn's oranges greet winter's whites
October 23, 2022
The fall colors peaked here a week or so ago, while the temperatures steeply dropped, so much so that a touch of snow blanketed the piles of leaves we had collected at the front of our yard on Friday morning. I admired the yearly reunion with my intrigued toddler, our fingertips pressed against his playroom windows.
That afternoon, following a brisk walk, he and I sat down to rest in the damp grass before heading inside. Within moments, a cool, misty rain set upon us quickly, a downpour that fizzled out just as fast as it had begun.
Under jacket hoods, we watched in awe as one of the most vivid rainbows I’ve ever seen came to life above our neighbor’s rooftop, forming an arch over golden leaves. The rainbow was gone just as fast as the rain, but the memory of my son in my lap pointing up at it in wonder? That’ll stick.
In this in-between of seasons, when autumn’s oranges greet winter’s whites, I exist in a fog of memories. I’m not sure how to describe it, but as I wrote last year at this time, there’s a sort of sadness that comes with nostalgia for me each October, and I carry it in my shoulders. As I pull boxes of winter gear out of storage closets, I seal an envelope of new autumn experiences and tuck it away into the furthest corners of my mind.
It’s my quiet, internal way of recognizing, I think, that my favorite time of year is passing.
We’re in the in-between of one and two children, now. At 22 weeks along, the second son I’m carrying is growing stronger every day. With every soft kick and flutter, my mind darts between flashbacks of this time last year and the future we are so excited for. But I’m called back to the present by my toddler.
For him, each new season is exciting and worthy of embracing, despite the elements. My hope is that, in this season ahead, I’ll lean into this lesson that motherhood brings more often. Winter will always follow autumn, but sometimes, rainbows follow the rain.
And I don’t want to miss any of it.
Things I’ve loved this past week
The fresh air that pours into the kitchen from open windows each morning
The quiet of early mornings, before the others stir
Those first sips of a warm chai latte
The way the sun hits our trees at Golden Hour
The way my son says “butterfly” (u-tter-fly) and “grandpa” (amp-a)
Finding the perfect leaf on a walk, fresh off the tree
What I’m listening to
The ‘fall feels’ playlist on spotify
What I’m reading
“The Family Upstairs: A Novel” by Lisa Jewell
My “Last Week Look-Back” posts are me at my most honest: an unpolished spewing of reflections and ramblings on - well, whatever comes to mind, really.
I intend to post these at least bi-monthly, but hey - life gets busy. So I hope you’ll check back often, and follow me on Instagram at @wordsby_jennamarie for updates.
I’m so glad you’re here. Thanks for reading!