Autumn on my mind

This week's assignment involved going on to Etsy.com and looking for a painting that I loved. Once found, I was to describe the scene, describe what my life would be like if I lived in the painting, and why I chose it.

Simply searching 'painting' was too broad so I searched 'autumn painting' but still got far too many hits. 'Autumn cottage painting' narrowed it down to three pages but none of them captured my attention. So in looking over the broader spectrum of autumn themed paintings, I felt myself drawn towards the ones with lots of orange and flaming reds paired with the contrast of dark wooded trees with a frozen lake running through. This comes as no surprise to me, as I love the autumn. I love it's beautiful, saturated palette; bursts of color against the dreary sky. I've always dreamed of visiting Connecticut in the Fall (no real reason other than the image I have of it as the leaves change colors) and maybe someday I'll get my wish. For now, I shall pretend to live in a painting I found on Esty.

I imagine my life would be very similar to how it is now, but with eternal autumnal surroundings. Certainly not a bad arrangement, seeing that it is my favorite season. I wonder if I'd grow tired of it. Do you think? A year-round selection of pumpkins and cool, crisp fall air. Scarves and rainstorms, maybe even the occasional frost or light snow. Autumn is unique because while the temperature across the board is cooler, you can also still look forward to a warm, sunny day now and again. Now here's a thought to ponder: The leaves would flutter down like butterflies on a breeze but how would they grow back without any spring? In this made-up world of year-round Fall, would the leaves reappear overnight, back on the trees just as crisp as when they first began their earth-bound decent?

I can tell you I'd be a happy gardener. I love pumpkins and autumn/winter squashes. Butternut and acorn squash are so delicious and versatile, and let's not forget the multitudes of goodies you can make with pumpkins! Cookies, tarts, quick breads, muffins, cakes, sweet rolls, pull-apart breads, etc. My tummy is rumbling just thinking about it!

I would love to believe that we'd live in a quaint {but not too tiny} cottage with a generous space for the aforementioned garden, complete with maybe a stable for a horse or two. I'd love to have a beautiful view, complete with a river running through it, where I could watch beavers and the like go about their daily tasks. I'd like to believe I'd be stress-free but let's be real! haha The photographer in me would be like a kid in a candy store, I can assure you that. My wardrobe would be in it's happy place: scarves, sweaters, and boots, oh my!

So if you still find yourself wondering why I love autumn so much here's a breakdown: 1) It's an important step towards the most wonderful time of the year (and if I have to tell you what I believe that is, please just humor me and pretend like you know), 2) the feel in the air (I mean, don't you just love it? Fall has a palpable uniqueness to it), 3) it's beautiful. Flat out gorgeous. And 4) baked goods.

Need I say more?