Season of Change

Change isn't something to be afraid of,

it's something to be inspired by.

~ Stacy Coles

Look out the window and you will notice a slight change in the colors all around you. There is a hint of crispness in the air during the early hours of the morning. The cooler winds pull at the weakening leaves that hang on their billowing branches. I get a renewed sense of excitement as these early signs of fall become more visible and it's time, again, to break out the fall decorations.

A season of change is good in more ways than just rotating your porch decor. It's a great time to reorganize your closets, de-clutter your mind, and re-focus your goals. Make this time of year the jumping off point to finish that book, train for that race, sign up for that painting class, or whatever it is you've been putting off. Think about it, there is just enough time left in the year. It's a great time to begin a goal, finish a project, or revamp your New Year's resolution that you gave up on in February.

Use the inspiring shades of firery-burnt orange, sunset-mustard yellow, rusty-barn red, deep olive green, and tree branch brown to regenerate your senses. Bring these colors into your kitchen as you try new recipes using peaches, squash, tomatoes, zucchini, and pumpkins from your garden (or, if your green thumb isn't very green, like mine, visit your local Farmer's Market). Incorporate the seasonal smells like ginger, nutmeg, and cinnamon as you bake and can your favorite harvested fruits and vegetables. For me, the smells of fall begin with the aroma of peppers, onions, and tomatoes as my mom's salsa recipe simmers on my stove. It's amazing how smells can revive precious memories. And if the memories are accompanied by a few tears, blame the onions!

Bring an instant change to your home decor by incorporating the colors of the season with accessories. Decorative pillows, ceramic vases, silk plants and flowers, and even art work are easy ways to update any room with inspiring seasonal colors.

Be open to the invigorating smells and beautiful colors around you this time of year. Welcome the change of the seasons and see what exciting things you are inspired to change, try, or add to your day. These changes, whether they are making fall wall art or trying a new recipe, could become new traditions that can be passed down through generations.

Inspiring Change