It seems the Summer is being nudged sideways by an impatient Autumn this year. Here in Scotland, we tend to feel the nights drawing in a few weeks before our cousins South of the Border and similarly, the Summer takes its time making an appearance again come June.
There are two separate dates marking the start of the seasons. One is defined by the Earth’s axis and orbit around the Sun and the second is a fixed date used by meteorologists. Meteorologically speaking, Autumn starts 1st of September, but in Scotland, we are generally talking about the former, which means this year, Autumn starts on the 23rd of September and ends on the 21st of December.
I know people are always saying how quickly time passes, but when I look back on the Summer that is ebbing away, I do genuinely wonder where it all disappeared to. It’s not until I look back on all the goodies that have been on the packing table these last three months that I realise how busy it’s been.
Our online store is growing with new illustrations and summery stationery vibes. We’ve also had some new additions to the ‘Scottish Rain Words line, with the reaction to the new Tea Towel being huge. In fact, we’ve practically gone global with that one which is very exciting. I worked out in recent weeks, it’s made its way across the UK, Ireland, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and Norway! If you still haven’t got one, it would be a great gift for the Pluviophile in your life, and of course, you have to make sure you get one for yourself too.
We also enjoyed glamping during the summer holidays – a time that was much needed to just reconnect with nature, each other and ourselves. In amongst it all I had the lurgy, so it felt doubly important to step off that treadmill for a bit. The kids thought it was great fun taking our enamel mugs out into the wilds. It’s great they are so easily entertained.
As I reflect on the Summer that’s now gently setting with the sun, I think about the things I love about Autumn. It’s important to have gratitude and appreciation for life in the here and now, instead of wishing away our colder seasons.
There is a lovely hush that wraps around Scotland in Autumn- granted it’s normally in the form of a damp mist, but it’s a great time to get all cosied up for those chilly walks. It’s time to look forward to the spectrum of leaves decked out in oranges, reds, and yellows, illuminated in a crisp, golden afternoon light. The treasures tipped on the kitchen table are no longer sunflower seeds and petals, but conkers from the Horse Chestnut trees and pinecones that remind me Christmas won’t be too far away.
There’s always something to inspire and restore you here in Scotland, whether it’s along the coast, or in the countryside and forests. I do hope you enjoy our wanderings as much as we do.
Before I go, I just wanted to thank you all for supporting small business. I love to hear your suggestions for my new patterns and prints – keep those ideas coming. It means the world to me, and I am so grateful. I am also beyond grateful to the wonderful stockists who come back for more when they have sold out – and the bunch of amazing creatives I collaborate with and license to. I appreciate you all. Thank you.
Who else is excited to see what Autumn brings? Maybe a new Christmas card design?