capture the last memories of summer
Fall arrives September 23 in the northern hemisphere this year, but once school starts back from summer vacation and Labor Day weekend occurs, summer begins to fade into fall regardless of the date or temperature.
Looking for ideas of how to capture the lingering summer before it slips totally into fall or for ways to introduce fall decor gently?
Amber at Follow the Yellow Brick Home is hosting Transitioning from Summer to Fall Blog Hop, and I am joining her with over 20 bloggers sharing ideas for bringing a little fall into your home during these last few days of summer.
If you are already reading through all the great posts, and you are coming from Cindy at County Road 407, welcome! Cindy's posts are always packed with great ideas served up with wit and humor. Love her and her style! She not only lifts your mood, she also lifts your spirits with her gracious support of others. A side benefit for me is she lives in the same area of Texas as I do, and we get to visit when the area bloggers get together.
For readers who receive my latest posts in your email in-box, click on the title of the post at the top of your email to continue reading the whole post.
A S S U M M E R F A D E S I N T O F A L L
capture the last memories of summer
The transition from summer to fall is more a mind perspective than a tangible event. Fall arrives at different parts of the world at different times depending upon the climate, and fall arrives at different times for people in the same area with the same climate based on their views of the world around them.
With sweltering temperatures where I live, my mind's perspective is summer is still here for many weeks, but there are a few changes outside reminding me fall is coming.
The hydrangea blooms have all lost their beautiful blue shades, have turned green, and have begun to take on rosy hues as summer winds down.
With a long narrow wicker basket in faded, muted colors, I am capturing the lingering days of summer's hydrangea blooms.
The long basket fits neatly behind the glass desk pad in my home office and provides a spot for enjoying the blossoms a little while longer as they dry.
As I sit at the desk, my mind wanders as I look out the window, lost in thought of this summer's good memories. As I turn my gaze back to my desk inside, memories of summers gone by include traveling around the globe with friends and family. The large marble globe was a Christmas gift from my mother years ago, and the small clear glass ball etched as a globe was a gift from a teaching colleague when I retired.
Past summer travels included trips with my late mother many times, the most poignant a trip to France together the summer after my dad died.
A print of a panoramic view of Pont Alexandre III (Alexandre III Bridge) in Paris captures previous summer memories of traveling to Paris many times with students, colleagues, and family.
Harvesting grapes is a late-summer-into-fall event.
Vintage French cutters for harvesting grapes bring memories of French vineyards, wine-tasting events, helping bring bottles of wine home to the parents of traveling underage students, touring cool wine caves below ground, and shopping Paris brocantes (flea markets) with my sister.
These vintage French grape cutters were a Christmas present from my sister who secretly bought them for me at a Paris brocante on our last trip to France.
The grape cutters lying on my desk are another reminder of summer fading into fall and are a way to capture summer memories in my office decor.
As you gather ideas for transitioning your home from summer to fall, include things with special memories for you and your family. Nothing makes a home cozier than living with precious memories of the summers of your lives.
Next up on the blog hop is Carol at Art and Sand, another special person who has beautiful ideas, a joy-filled colorful home, incredible gardens, and a spirit full of life and encouragement. Visiting Art and Sand always makes me happy. Check her out! I bet you leave with a smile on your face, too.
Be sure to visit all of the talented bloggers whose homes are filled with an amazing array of ideas you can use in your own home for transitioning from summer to fall.
Love your desk area filled with so many wonderful memories of past travels. The basket with the last remnants of summer is so beautiful too.
ReplyDeleteSuch a gorgeous view, Judith! I love the beautiful globe from your Mom and the French grape cutters too. They are both so cool. I seriously have a weakness for baskets and this one is fabulous. It's perfect for drying all your wonderful hydrangeas. Hugs, CoCo
ReplyDeleteThe cutters caught my eye immediately. How wonderful that they were a gift from your sister and that they are from a brocante instead of a mail order catalog.
ReplyDeleteI like that you used the word "fade". I was just thinking yesterday that things in the garden are fading, the sun has faded the landscape and even the colors of nature are faded.
This is my very favorite season of the year - I hope you have a lovely fall.
Your description of me made my head swell. Just kidding but thank you. I love your desk! Not only is it in front of windowa but the decor is stunning. I hope to go to France one of these days. Your memories sound so fun and how sweet of your sister to know you so well that she gave you such a fantastic gift?! My sister would give me a gift card. Not complaining! I am picky. :) Enjoy the rest of our hot days. Looking forward to seeing the rest of your fall decor!
ReplyDeleteHi, love the wicker basket and what a treasure the scissors are! Sounds like you have a very sweet sister. I have never been to France, but it's on my bucket list. :)
ReplyDeletehugs,
Jann
Judith, truer words were never spoken on the fact that the transition is more a matter of perspective than an actual event, and what I love about the many contributors in this hop is that we have so many perspectives! Some are already having cooler days/nights, gardens are waning, and only the sun's position gives the slightest hint elsewhere. Your desktop vignette is a perfect capture of the transition - the print, the basket of hydrangeas, and the grape shears. I love the somewhat faded look it all appears in the light, too. Happy September, and here's to more mindful perspectives on what we see each day!
ReplyDeleteI always love visiting your home Judith. You have such wonderful early fall touches. Those grape cutters are a true treasure.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed seeing all your treasures in your beautiful post! Not only are your pieces pretty but I loved hearing the stories behind them. So many memories!
ReplyDeleteShelley
Judith, I love the idea of having a desk with a view out the window. A perfect spot for planning, daydreaming and reflection, especially with your favorite little treasures on display.
ReplyDeleteI love all the pretty pieces on your desk and the story behind how you got each of them. What a lovely way to remember and reminisce. So happy to be hopping with you!
ReplyDeleteYes, incorporating sentimental pieces in all your decorating makes the pretty so much more meaningful! I had no idea there was a special tool for harvesting grapes; learned something new! Sounds like you had a wonderful summer, Judith!
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed reading your memories of summers past and seeing your beautiful desk styled perfectly for this time of year. Love that glass globe and have never seen anything like it.
ReplyDeleteWhat a sweet post packed full of memories, Judith. I feel the same way as I look around at items from years past...the glass blown pumpkin I made while pregnant with my boys...the tall triangle vases from my late mother-in-law. There's joy in bringing these items out and taking time to reflect on them. I especially love the vintage French cutters you have at your desk.
ReplyDeleteJudith, my hydrangeas are turning more green also. I love your wicker basket. It’s hard to find that shape. The picture in front creates the perfect feel for this time of year. I love the grape cutters. What a wonderful piece to have. It’s wonderful that you have such great memories to enjoy sitting at your desk in front of the window.
ReplyDeleteJudith I just love coming over and visiting your beautiful home. Your memories were so enjoyable.
ReplyDeleteI always love how you weave your personal stories into visually stunning posts. This is all so pretty. I had never seen the grape cutters before, they are beautiful! Of course the hydrangeas are wonderful for this summer through fall. I am reminded to go out this morning and cut some blooms before the deer eat them down to the ground!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for sharing this lovely post for our hop. Happy fading summer!
I love your desk and the way you told about summer's past. The grape cutters and the basket are lovely.
ReplyDeleteJudith, I prefer muted natural hues for fall, too. Your wicker basket is so pretty. Happy almost fall from a fellow Texan! Blessings, Cecilia @ My Thrift Store Addiction
ReplyDeleteI just adore fall! We are still sweltering here in SC! This is such a beautiful vignette with all your treasures. I really love that glass desk blotter!
ReplyDeleteSuch a lovely view you have designed for yourself with the lovely basket and hydrangea blossoms. Those silver grape scissors are such a treasure! I am wishing you cooler weather and hoping I have some coming my way here in Florida, too!
ReplyDelete