Tuesday, 8 November 2011

Autumnal nostalgia...

Autumn days when the grass is jewelled...this time of year makes me nostalgic. I think of my first term at University, where it rained and rained and rained this time of year; blame the West country weather. But as students with less than 10 hours of lectures a week (yea, really) we didn't mind. More reason to stay tucked up in the one warm room of our student house and watch re-runs of thirtysomething or delve into the emotional highs and lows of a John Hughes film; 'She's Having a Baby' was a favourite. We were planning our family lives at 18 years of age! And here I am; living the family life.

It is now at this time of year that my University friends and I get together, for (whilst we are all in throes of motherhood) an annual catch-up. Knowing its coming up makes me miss them even more as life and geography has got in the way of us meeting often. So in Autumn I always get this slight heart ache, that yearning that comes from missing old and precious friends who you know you haven't seen nearly enough of.

via the ever lovely dustjacket attic
Meanwhile, my little life goes on; gearing up for the coming weeks as Christmas starts to draw closer. This year I have a sense of calm about the season that has definitely been missing for a long time. I am revelling in it. Just waiting for the first showing of the Coca-Cola ad; '...holidays are coming, holidays are coming...' to get me truly started.

I notice also that my concentration is shifting; getting back into focus. For so long there has been a haze that now is sharpening up. It's almost imperceptible, but it's there. I am so lucky to have the time to notice. It's amazing really how my mindset has changed. I feel...more in control than I have for years. It's a good feeling.


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7 comments:

  1. Unknown8 November 2011 at 15:15

    There is this amazing and growing sensation, reading your blogposts over the last few months, of someone whose beautiful but perhaps slightly fractured (too strong a word?) life is finding its wholeness and balance again. It is so inspiring. You are generous to share so much of yourself, and show us what is important in living well. Your blog often makes me think and consider things I sometimes take for granted or fail to address, so thank you. xx

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  2. Mary8 November 2011 at 16:51

    Belinda's comment is perfect. It has truly been a pleasure to witness this transformation in your life, and it has definitely brought things in my own life more into focus as well. Enjoy the calm and peace of the autumn before the holiday fun begins!

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  3. beautifully, suddenly9 November 2011 at 01:34

    Hi Lou!

    So happy to hear (well, read) that you are starting to feel that you are regaining control - it's such an amazing, empowering feeling, isn't it? *hug*

    I like this time of year, too, but for me it's because Spring is here and the weather is finally beginning to warm up ... Christmas is on the way with the lovely prospect of a short summery break over the new year (and of course, this Christmas will be extra awesome for reasons that you know). I would love to have a cold, white Christmas someday, though! just for something different :) xox

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  4. carina9 November 2011 at 20:22

    I'm so glad that you feel better. I think of you so often when I'm rushing around. I think 'I want to do what Lou is doing':-)
    Oh yes, Christmas....I bought my first pieces of Christmas decorations today! Don't tell anyone.

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  5. Charlotta Ward9 November 2011 at 21:57

    I agree with Belinda and Mary - it is wonderful how tangible the sense of 'peace' is in your writings. The veil has lifted from where we sit and here you are now so centered and happy. It makes me happy too! xx

    Big hugs from Sweden.

    xx Charlotta

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  6. Sophie9 November 2011 at 22:35

    that first comment was spot on. I have loved reading all your blog posts of late :) i apologise for my lack of commenting on them - i am the worst at time management. but know that i love them lou :)

    and i LOVED this post. i get that autumn nostalgia too! it reminds me of the first few weeks before the ski season starts and that just brings back the most amazing memories.

    i can just imagine how amazing christmas would be around at your house. i want to comee haha!

    hope you have the best time catching up with your uni friends. so crazy that you went to uni in bristol when i was just there a few weekends ago! xx

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  7. debra@dustjacket10 November 2011 at 04:40

    So lovely that you have such dear friends from University ... the annual catch sounds great!

    Thank you so much for the kind words and link,
    hugs DJ

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