Autumn Highlights

Posted on by Miriam

It’s hard to believe we’re almost half way through the year. Time is flying by so fast. Looking back at the last three months of Autumn, it all feels like a bit of a blur. So, what do we do when life gets blurry? We adjust our focus.

March began with family changes and challenges, hospital visits and aged care homes. Seeing my in-laws declining with health issues and dementia is never easy. It’s been a time of change and transition, a time to accept, love and support them, with care and kindness.

It’s a reminder to cherish our loved ones while we have them. Life is so precious. And so are our memories.

We camped a few times, at Razorback in the High Country with my daughter and her horses. And at Maritz Bend on the Goulburn River, swimming, relaxing and immersed in nature.

Time flies and it’s up to you to be the navigator.

Weeks later I got sick, a bad head cold that really knocked me about for over a week.

Recovery complete, the end of the month was spent by the Murray River with friends. Warm camp fires and nights under a full moon replenished the body and spirit.

Gratitude gently reveals the many mysteries of life and the order of the Universe

April began with an early Easter spent with family. It was bittersweet with our time divided between family at home and the aged care home where my father in law is now living.

We got away for an extra long weekend, camping at Rocklands near Dunkeld. Getting bogged, fine pub dining at the Royal Mail hotel, a kitchen garden tour with the head chef and a mountain climb were adventures I’ve since written about.

Walhalla is one of my favourite places to visit. It’s gorgeous in Autumn and it’s a place I’ve written about on my blog many times. This year we visited late in April, making new memories in this magical gold rush township.

We travelled back up to the Ovens Valley near Myrtleford for our daughter’s birthday. It’s always special spending time with her in this beautiful backyard.

Life can be pretty damn delicious.

On the first day of May we rediscovered beach pleasures at Black Rock on the Mornington Peninsula. It was such a great walk along the beach and along the coloured cliffs, followed by a fabulous lunch at The Black Squirrel Cafe in Sandringham. The month produced lots of writing that turned into stories published, of recent places and experiences. Spontaneous opportunities and deliciousness equals more special memories.

How we see anything changes everything.

Lessons from Autumn

It’s a time of change. I feel it daily. I feel it in the air. I see it around me, in the bare branches and the leaves that lie on the ground. I sense it within my family and the wider world. No point resisting. We go with the flow.

At home, amongst the routine, I walk Harry daily and, even though I’ve trod these paths countless times, I still find newness in nature. It’s messy, raw and real. It’s been a time to check in on myself and honour where I am on my own personal growth journey. A time of going inward, rediscovering what’s meaningful, soul searching and exploring both new territory and old favourites. We’re all affected by the shifting seasonal energy, an energy that encourages us to grow and evolve.

Autumn came quickly this year and seemed to disappear just as fast. I guess it’s not unusual to feel a sense of melancholy and loss as short cool days set in.

“All the trees are losing their leaves, and not one of them is worried.” — Donald Miller

In this last week of Autumn I’m reminded that nothing ever truly ends. One season blends into another, with all of creation ever changing, diverse and dynamic. We’re also like nature, we move with her, we’re affected by her. We’re up, we’re down and we let go. We dance with her, a tango of energy that, when we tap into, makes our life richer, broader and more meaningful.

Winter is around the corner here in the Southern Hemisphere but no hibernating for this momma bear. Plans are afoot for some travel up north, fuelling a sense of anticipation and quiet excitement. Not yet but soon.

In the meantime, wherever you are, whatever season you’re in, embrace the journey and the changes along the way, for it all passes far too quickly.

In love and light

“I don’t know what lies around the bend, but I’m going to believe that the best does.” Anne of Green Gables

67 thoughts on “Autumn Highlights”

  1. I would find it difficult to live in a country that didn’t have seasons. The change in season brings so much refreshment. Mind you, over here we are stuck in a chilly and wet Spring. The ground is waterlogged and cold, and we wait (impatiently) for some sun and dry weather to dry it out and encourage the flowers to bloom! Best wishes to you Miriam as you head towards autumn.

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    1. Hi Denzil, I hope your spring warms up soon. Weather patterns seem to be crazily haphazard all over the world. In some ways it feels like winter’s already hit here. Take care and nice to hear from you.

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  3. I’ve missed you and your posts, Miriam. I’m glad that you’re making the best of the seasons. Thank you for sharing those beautiful pictures. Change is inevitable. It’s up to us to make the most out of it. Stay safe, Miriam.

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    1. Yes, it is tough. Aging sucks! And it brings back lots of memories of my own mum and her battles. Sorry to hear you’re also experiencing the same thing Jill. Sending hugs. ❤️

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    1. Yes! None of us know what’s around the corner but we can make a conscious decision to live fully in the present. Have a wonderful week Kamal. xx

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  6. Clearly Miriam, you are making a priority to live, love, and travel. I admire you for doing so. As you mentioned, this year, aging, and health challenges helps remind me what is important like family, and loving while we can. And gratitude certainly helps open doors for live to flow. Happy Autumn!

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  10. You’ve had a hard fall. I love the photos. I love parrots. We have two parrots. It’s always weird to think that while were springing out up here you’re falling down under.

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  12. Loved your Autumn reflections Miriam…. So good that you got time to spend time with your daughter on her Big day.. the photos spectacular and the scenery WOW!… Just wonderful….
    As you head into your Autumn/Winter… Here Spring, well will soon be midsummers day…. And our weather at the moment doesn’t know which season its in…. But Nature too is finding her balance…
    And I am okay with going with her flow… Never a dull day…. But each one to be cherished and made the most of…
    I wish your relatives good health Miriam…. And yes… Nothing is ever lost….
    The shedding of leaves…. like the shedding of our perceptions, all a much needed part of growth and renewal…
    I have great hopes for the renewal and growth after the shedding we are witnessing world wide….
    Nothing is ever LOST…. All has purpose …
    And what is exciting is that we are a part of that transformation….

    Being a leaf that is blown about in a storm it never knows quite where it’s going to land.. But even that one tiny leaf, has played its part.. It was once part of the whole tree of life….. And it will be absorbed back within the whole… Mulched down to help the next generation of trees grow…

    Loved your post Miriam…. Enjoy your travels and many are stood on that Bend in the road right now Miriam…. Like you we trust in our final destination…. one step, at a time… and we shall all round the bend to see a new horizon waiting to be explored…

    Love and Light dearest friend.. And thank YOU for being part of my own journey..
    Love Sue ❤

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    1. Hi Sue, what a wonderful in depth reply to my reminiscent month and post. Those trips feel so long ago now, even though it’s only been a few months. Amazing how things change so quickly. Melbourne and indeed Victoria has been placed in a 7 day full lockdown again today, with masks mandated inside and out. Funnily enough our state of emergency is due to end on 4 June and it can’t be extended without any “cases” hmm, coincidence? I think not. But will people connect the dots? I can only hope though sadly it’s only seen more healthy people line up to get tested. Like you I’m going with the flow, not playing the game and getting on with my life. Though I’ll be honest it did trigger me.
      Yes, you’re right, all has purpose and this too I know is for a reason. Love that we’re a part of the transformation and so very grateful to have you with me on my journey too Sue. One step at a time indeed dear friend, slowly forwards, and keeping our eyes on that bright new horizon that lies in waiting once all this BS plays out. Thanks again Sue snd sending lots of love your way. xx ❤️

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      1. I hear you Miriam, yes our freedom date is looming soon. Summer Equinox haha.. yep rise them up to bring those who believe it all to come crashing down. Here they are now locking individual county’s down again .. They are pushing Indian varients… Mainly to get that section of the population on board which many in those areas are resisting lol .
        So we observe .. and we detach to do our own thing not joining in the GAME.
        You are welcome.
        Sending love right back ❤️💚❤️🌈🌈🌈😁

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  13. Congratulations on the publications! And I’m so sorry about your in-laws. Watching loved ones decline and move into care homes is never easy, and all we can do is support them as much as we possibly can. I truly believe that they feel the love we give them, no matter what the situation is.
    It sounds as though you’ve made the most of your Autumn, despite being sick for a while, and I’m so glad for that. Thanks for sharing your journeys with us…they never fail to inspire!

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    1. Hi Ann, it’s always lovely to hear from you. And yes, you’re right, it’s not easy seeing our loved ones deteriorate but we do what we can don’t we. Sending warm wishes your way. xx

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  14. I’m in an older age group, Miriam, and could be the focus of care in the not too distant future. Terrifying thought but weird how rapidly it all happens. We have a close friend here battling chronic illness and another in the UK, given days to live. Both only in their 60s. So you are right to adopt a ‘live your life and do it now’ approach. I wholeheartedly agree. And how beautiful those fleeting autumn colours 🙂 🙂

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    1. Yes it’s scary Jo, how the symptoms of age and circumstance creep up on all of us. Best wishes to you, your friends and those you love. Life is indeed precious. And there’s no time like the present. 🙏

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  15. The temperatures are cooler here too, much earlier than usual but not nearly as chilly as your Victorian weather. It looks like you’re making the most of every day and I hope the current developing situation doesn’t impact you too much. Best wishes over the next few days.

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    1. Thanks Carol. It’s amazing how quickly things can change. A few “cases” here and suddenly masks are mandated again and we’re on the verge of another lockdown. Funny how it’s all coincided with the end of our “state of emergency” on 4 June. The government can’t extend it unless there are cases. Political propaganda perhaps? People need to connect the dots and wake up. Anyway stay warm over there. Our van is still in for service so we’re not going anywhere for awhile.

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  17. A beautiful and bittersweet post Miriam, I’m so sorry to hear about your in-laws and it’s wonderful you can be there for them. The autumn colours are gorgeous and I hope you will be able to spend plenty of time in nature during this beautiful season 💛🍂 xxx

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  19. congrats on the publications Miriam, seems like you’ve made it in the paid article business!

    What a great list of trips and magical to share your daughters birthday.

    Sorry about Doug’s parents, always a challenge when life turns back to dependence on others … you posts always resonate! Sorry about yet another lockdown, make the most of it 🙂

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    1. Thanks so much Kate. Yeah, I’m well and truly a published writer these days. Travel and writing have always been my loves, and I’m always grateful.
      And thanks for the well wishes about Doug’s folks. I know you know all too well the challenges of aging family and health issues. And lockdown? Well, I’m a bit over it honestly but hopefully we’ve learnt and can move forward from this. Have a great weekend. 😊

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  20. Such a beautiful post Miriam. Sounds like your autumn was full, with good times and challenging ones. Through it all, I know how much you appreciate the wonder of each day. Sorry about the health issues with your in laws. That’s so hard. Lovely photos of your wonderful adventures! xx

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    1. Thanks so much for your kindness and thoughtful words Jeni. It was a season that went all too quickly but that’s life these days! And you’re right, I do appreciate each day. Wishing you a great weekend. Enjoy your cooking shows! xx 😊

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  21. So true it all passes so quickly! Hope you’re not affected by new Vic lockdown 🤞 love the king parrots, randomly had a visit from one in our backyard a couple of months ago, so beautiful ❤️

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  23. Life certainly is precious. I’m sorry to hear that you are dealing with the declining health of your in-laws. Sending you big hugs. Time certainly does fly. We find ourselves with a spring that keeps switching from cold to hot. I’m looking forward to the warmer days. I love the truth that you shared: “How we see anything changes everything.” Beautifully said!! Wishing you beautiful days ahead, Miriam!! xx

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    1. Hi Amy, thanks so much for your kind words. Life is indeed precious and I’m making the most of every bit of sunshine we have, as we head into winter. I hope your spring settles into a beautiful warm season full of happy days. Sending you much love my friend. xx

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  25. I’m sorry to hear about your in-laws but so glad you’re getting some time in nature–I think it helps counteract the stress of our very human lives. And you’re right–life CAN be so damn delicious. But looking at your ice cream concoction has me craving a turtle sundae–it’s on you if I cave to the craving tonight:).

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