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Yup, I know, another post about AUTUMN. Sorry, but I can't help myself. I love Autumn with all my heart, so I relish it and indulge myself in all its pleasures for as long as I can. 

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Besides the vibrant color that Autumn brings, the first thing I hear when I begin to see the foliage is the song, "Autumn Leaves" by Nat King Cole. It's not only a beautiful rendition, but was also one of my parents favorite Nat King Cole songs. They used to play the record on the console stereo in our living room on Sunday afternoons, so I have wonderful memories attached to that song.

Philadelphia finally got a nice cold snap, which caused our city trees to suddenly burst into the most stunning color. Therefore, I spent several afternoons outside capturing it before it fades away. You see, that's the thing about Autumn, it comes and goes so quickly that you have to get out there and savor its fleeting beauty. 

The other day, I texted my brother who lives in Florida and included three photos of our foliage. Within the text I typed: "Hi Tom! You see, this is why I love being back in the Northeast....AUTUMN!"

As much as I cherish and will continue to cherish the 20 years I lived in Florida, because not only did I have so many wonderful opportunities, I also developed longtime friendships there, I am extremely happy to be back in the Northeast region of America. I feel as though I've come back to my roots. And I never realized how much I missed the changing of the seasons until I returned in 2001. 

Please enjoy my favorite season in all its colorful attire...













Even though Autumn symbolizes a time when things are dying and falling away, it simultaneously awakens my senses and reminds me to LIVE. 

For me, there is nothing more glorious than taking a walk and hearing the leaves crunch under my feet...

🍂Lessons From Autumn🍁


Enjoy this glorious season, y'all! 🧡

+ Autumn Leaves by Nat King Cole.

30 comments:

  1. Wow! Those orange leaves on the trees in the first two photos are magnificent! You found lots of good colors. I felt as those everything here was very muted this year. We got rain just when the trees were turning, so maybe that was the issue. But we had a 60 degree day yesterday, so I had a very pleasant walk and enjoyed some of the Xmas decor people already had on display! I love that juxtaposition of warm weather and holiday lights.

    Gorgeous photos as always, my friend. Love those berries, too. Hope you’re having some soup and a hot drink today while you enjoy the view. XO

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  2. Ron, these photos are breathtaking! WOW! You really captured autum in all its glory! I've never been to Philadelphia but it looks like such an attractive city. What is that bulding with the clock and steeple? It's beautiful.

    I agree, there is nothing like living somewhere with four seasons. I have visited Florida many times and enjoyed it, but I don't think I could ever live there 12 months.

    Enjoyed reading the lessons from Autumn! Thank you for sharing autumn's colorful attire, Ron.

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  3. Holy cow, Ron, that first photograhp of the bright orange leaves and rocks is incredible! Is that a photo of a lake? I love the reflection of the ripples in the water. Amazing!

    "Even though Autumn symbolizes a time when things are dying and falling away, it simultaneously awakens my senses and reminds me to LIVE. " So true!

    And no need to apologize for your Autumn posts because I really enjoy them, being that it's my favorite season too. You're right, it's fleeting, so you have to enjoy it to the fullest for as long as you can. I'm jealous of the vibrancy of your foliage because ours is not as impressive. I love the shot of the berries. Perfect intro for the Christmas season!

    Thanks for sharing, Ron. Really enjoyed it.

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  4. Thank you! Isn't the color magnificent? And that all happened literally in one day because before that, we had no color whatsoever. And I am sooooo grateful I had off for the two days that I took these photos because I was so excited, running to various locations of the city, snapping my camera.

    Yes, same here. Yesterday was unusually warm. However, the morning was freezing, yet by noon, I was ripping my coat and scarf off because I was sweating to death.

    I found those bright red berries in one of our parks. Aren't they pretty?

    And speaking of soup, last night I made my own version of the rosemary and white bean soup and it was BEYOND delicious. In fact, I'm having two more bowls for dinner tonight.

    Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Hope you're having a FAB week!

    X

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  5. Thank you, Candice! I was so excited to be outside taking these photographs for two days and feel blessed that I had off because Autumn seems to come and go so quickly, I didn't want to miss it.

    That building in the photograph is Independence Hall, where the Declaration of Independence was signed. Philadelphia has a lot of really beautiful buildings (and history) because it's so old. However, there are a lot of not-so-nice areas as well. In fact, over the past two years, this city has gotten really, really trashy. I try not to photographs those areas because I find them depressing.

    "I agree, there is nothing like living somewhere with four seasons. I have visited Florida many times and enjoyed it, but I don't think I could ever live there 12 months."

    Florida will ALWAYS feel like home to me because I was there for 20 years and had some of the most wonderful experiences and opportunities, not to mention longtime friendships. In fact, those friendships are still going strong. But I decided to move back East because I needed a change, and I'm so glad I did. I never realized how MUCH I missed this region of the U.S.

    Thanks so much for stopping by, Candice. Have a super rest of your week!

    X

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  6. Hellooooooooo there, Daniel!

    Thank you! No, that's not a lake, although it does looked it. That is actually a fountain, which is located at the entrance of the Barnes Museum here in Philly. Isn't it gorgeous? And I am so happy it still contained the water because very soon they will be draining it for the winter months. I actually have that photo as my screensaver/wallpaper on my desktop computer.

    Even though everything seems to be dying and falling away during this season, It seems to have the opposite effect on me. I actually feel more alive -- body, mind and spirit. I feel both more energized and relaxed.

    I found those berries in one of the parks I walk through. Aren't they festive? Yes, just in time for the Christmas season, you're right!

    Thanks so much for stopping by, Daniel. Enjoy the rest of this magnificent season!

    X

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  7. Incredible color!! All the photos you share are so pretty. I can hear the trees & leaves rustling in the wind and the crackling sound of footfalls walking thru the fallen leaves! I too can smell the fragrance of Autumn thru your shared beauty. (I have a favorite too. Surprise! The park benches . I could sit fforeverhours watching passersby!)
    My favorite rendition of Autumn Leaves is by Roger Williams. That ages me, doesn't it? (Nat King Cole's Unforgettable!!!!)

    http://hootin--anni.blogspot.com

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  8. Ron, I, too, LOVE Autumn, so this post resonates with me. What pretty leaves you've got! I'd intended to get outside and take a few photos when our tress finally turned, but I didn't and now, most of the color has turned to sticks!


    I remember "Autumn Leaves," too. In fact, that's one of the songs I remember singing in chorus when I was young. So very beautiful and like you, it provides happy memories.


    I like that graphic you've included and its wise advice. Probably could have included a picture of fruit cake, too. Some folks hate it, but I must be weird -- I like it, minus the nuts, though. And I happen to love candy corn, too, ha!


    Enjoy the rest of your week! xx

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  9. Hello there, Anni!

    Thank you! :) I LOVE this time of year and get so excited to get out there with my camera and snap away!

    " (I have a favorite too. Surprise! The park benches . I could sit forever...hours watching passersby!)"


    Ditto! And that photograph of the benches is one of my favorite spots to sit and enjoy the people walking by. I can spend house people-watching. LOVE it!

    And listen, thank you SO MUCH for your recommendation of Autumn Leaves by Rodger Williams because I had NO IDEA about his rendition?!? Before I responded to your comment, I went over to YouTube and found it, OMG...it's BEAUTIFUL! And yes...."Unforgettable" by Nate King Cole is THE BEST!!!! I love the duet between Natalie Cole and Nat King Cole that is on her "Unforgettable" CD. It's so touching to hear them sing together.

    Hope you're having a FAB week, Anni. Thanks for stopping by!
    X

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  10. WOW, these photos are gorgeous, Ron! They color(s) you captured are eye-popping! These all look like paintings. I'm an Autumn fan too. I could never live in a place that had the same weather all year long. I have family in Florida (Orlando) and I really enjoy visiting them every few years, but I need the changes. Also, I love Autumn clothing and wearing layers. I even enjoy the winter months, but then happy when Spring arrives. Each season has it's own unique enjoyment.

    I love that photo with the bright yellow tree and the statue to the side of it. Is that a park?

    Thank you for sharing this magnificent season with us, Ron. Can you believe that Thanksgiving is only a week away?

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  11. Hey there, Debbie!

    Thank you, my friend! I feel so blessed to have gotten out there at the perfect time because Autumn suddenly comes and then suddenly goes. I was lucky because it happened on my two days off, so I was able to get outside both days.

    "In fact, that's one of the songs I remember singing in chorus when I was young. So very beautiful and like you, it provides happy memories."

    Isn't it such a beautiful song? I just recently discovered a rendition by Eva Cassidy in which she sings "Autumn Leaves" with the London Symphony Orchestra and it's GORGEOUS! I had never heard of her before then. Unfortunately, she passed away at a very young age. She had such an incredible voice.

    I'm not a fan of fruit cake, but I AM a fan of candy corn. I haven't had it in awhile, but when I was a kid, I would eat it by the handfuls!

    Thanks so much for stopping by, Debbie! Enjoy the rest of your week as well!

    X

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  12. Helloooooo there, Clair!

    Thank you for you kind words. I had so much fun taking these photographs. I took them pretty much over the course of two days and was very lucky to have gotten them because Autumn comes and goes so quickly. Last year we didn't get any color until the end of November.

    "I have family in Florida (Orlando) and I really enjoy visiting them every few years, but I need the changes."

    That's where I lived for 15 years. I also lived in South Florida (Boca Raton) for the first 5 years. And yes...I too enjoy Autumn clothing and layering. We had a few days last week in which I had to wear a scarf and gloves, however, for the past two days it's been INSANELY warm. In fact, today I was literally sweating from the humidity and warm temps. I enjoy all the season, with the exception of Summer. I don't like being hot, so summertime is challenging for me. And last year, we had a VERY hot an humid one. But I would still rather deal with summer and have the other 3 seasons instead of having only one, like it is in Florida.

    Yes, I took that photo in Independence Park, not far from Independence Hall. It's one of my favorite areas of the city because it's rich with history. I feed the squirrels in that park!

    I know, I just said that to someone today. It's hard to believe Thanksgiving is only one week away?!? And before we know it, it'll be Christmastime!

    Much thanks for stopping by, my friend. Have a great rest of your week!

    X

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  13. It's OK, Ron, I too never tire of seeing autumn colors and the ones in this post are fabulous. I haven't been back to Philly since college graduation and didn't realize how wonderful it is at this time of year. We still have some colorful areas in NH but within a couple of weeks those will be gone as well. Like you, I could not live where there was only 1 or 2 seasons because I would miss out on my favorite one, fall. The daytime temp was in the high 60s yesterday, but today was much cooler and very windy. I made butternut squash soup today and it was so good. Minestrone is on the menu plan for Saturday with homemade crusty bread and pumpkin pie for dessert. It's our turn to host friends for our weekly dominoes get together.

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  14. Hi there, D!

    So happy to hear you feel that way. Me too! I never tire of seeing autumn colors and the season overall. I LOVE it! And it' so fleeting that if you don't get out there and enjoy it, it's gone.

    " I haven't been back to Philly since college graduation and didn't realize how wonderful it is at this time of year."


    I think because of how historical Philly is and all the beautiful older architecture, it's the perfect backdrop for AUTUMN. They both compliment each other so well.

    As I shared, I really truly enjoyed my years in Florida, however, after 2o years, I found myself really craving the change of seasons. I don't think I ever really appreciated when I lived here. It took moving away to realize how much I missed it.

    Same here, it was unusually warm here yesterday. It was in the high 70's and very humid. Today however, it's back to MY weather (low 40's). I adore the colder weather.

    " I made butternut squash soup today and it was so good. Minestrone is on the menu plan for Saturday with homemade c
    rusty bread and pumpkin pie for dessert. It's our turn to host friends for our weekly dominoes get together."

    OMG...that sounds absolutely mouthwatering! I love minestrone! I made the white bean/rosemary soup a few nights ago and it was so utterly delicious, that I am making again this weekend. Don't you just love soup?

    Thanks so much for stopping by, D! Have a fantastic weekend!!!
    X

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  15. Ron, you can post photos of Autumn as much you want, I never tire of the season! The color you captured is WHY I love Autumn so much. Wow! I'm with you, nothing like walking through fallen leaves, hearing them crunch beneath my feet. I also love the smell of Autumn, so earthy!

    I really like the lessons from Autumn. Good ones!

    Thank you for sharing the beauty of this season, Ron! xo

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  16. Hola Denise!

    Me too! I wish Autumn was 12 months out of the year! No not really, because if it was, it wouldn't be as special as it is.

    " I also love the smell of Autumn, so earthy!"


    THANK YOU for mentioning that. I AGREE! I love the scent of the cold Autumn air. I wish I could bottle it and wear it as a cologne. LOL!

    I found that online, isn't it great? And it's so true!

    Thanks so much for stopping by, girl. Hope you're enjoying a fab weekend!

    X

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  17. Ron, I think it's so great (and healthy) to have your attitude about following your gut and making a move/a change and doing it. Change is something people fear, but crave at the same time. Change is necessary.

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  18. You are so right, Candice. Change is something we all crave, but feat simultaneously. I fear MANY things, however, I don't like being afraid, so I walk through it. And as you said, change is necessary in order to grow and move forward.

    Thanks for your insight! X

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  19. Ron, that first photo at the top of this post is incredible, dude! I love the color and contrast you captured within it!

    I love autumn too, and so does my girlfriend. She and I are alike that way. However, she also loves winter, but I'm not a fan of the cold. I like how snow looks, as long as I don't have to walk/drive in it. LOL!

    You never cease to impress me with your photographic eye. You know how to make a photo POP!

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  20. Thank you for your kind words, Matt!

    I took that first photo at the Barnes Museum. It's a fountain/pool at the entrance of the museum. Eventually then will drain it for the winter months, so I'm glad I got that shot when I did.

    " However, she also loves winter, but I'm not a fan of the cold. I like how snow looks, as long as I don't have to walk/drive in it. LOL!"


    You're not alone, I know so many people who are not a fan of the cold, winter months. In fact, most people don't like winter, I'm in the minority. OMG...I LOVE Winter, the cold, and the snow. Looking forward to our first snowfall.

    Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Have a most excellent weekend!

    X

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  21. Good Heavens, Ron, these photos are beautiful! You really outdid yourself on this one--and that's saying a lot!

    You, of course, know my hatred of cold weather, but I really get a charge out of your enthusiasm and determination to get out there and enjoy life. Bravo!

    By the way, excellent musical choice with "Autumn Leaves" and Nat King Cole. I swear that man's voice was a gift from God.

    And thanks for sharing that lovely memory about your parents. If you said the words "console stereo" to young people today they wouldn't know what you were talking about.

    "Autumn in New York" by Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong is another seasonal favorite of mine.

    Great job, buddy! I look forward to the day when I can look at your autumn photos--from a beach in Hawaii!

    Take care!

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  22. Hey there, Rob!

    Much thanks, buddy! I was so inspired by Autumn that no matter where I pointed my camera, it was gorgeous, so it was easy. Last year we didn't get any color until almost the end of Nov, so I was very happy when I saw the foliage changing this year!

    This has been a very strange (bipolar) Autumn because right after we had that cold snap, the temperature went straight up into the high 70's this week, it truly felt like spring/summer instead of autumn.

    "By the way, excellent musical choice with "Autumn Leaves" and Nat King Cole. I swear that man's voice was a gift from God."


    You said it, a gift from God, I agree. He voice had the most beautiful tone, and smooth as silk.

    Ha! I had a feeling that YOU would pick up on the "console stereo", I kid you not! And that's the truth, the younger people wouldn't even know what I was talking about!!!

    ""Autumn in New York" by Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong is another seasonal favorite of mine."


    Yes, I know that song! And she's another one who had a gift from God voice! LOVED her!! And Louis as well!

    Thanks so much for stopping by, buddy! Hope you're having a terrific weekend!

    X

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  23. Of course, I immediately had to stop and pull that song on YouTube so I could listen to it while I looked at your photos. Which are gorgeous, by the way. I thought you said you weren't seeing much fall color? Seems to be plenty of it in these shots. Some look like they are aflame.

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  24. OMG, it's so funny you said that because while I was putting this post together the other night, I too put that song on YouTube so that I would have it as background music to enhance the look of the photos. Must be a LIBRA thing! LOL!

    " I thought you said you weren't seeing much fall color? Seems to be plenty of it in these shots. Some look like they are aflame."

    I know, and it was right after I mentioned that to you, we suddenly got a cold snap and VIOLA!....the trees turned into the most vibrant colors. So I grabbed my camera and snapped as many photos as I could within two days. I feel so lucky to have gotten these.

    Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Hope you're enjoying a spectacular Autumn weekend in your area!

    X

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  25. Ron, your photos are magnifique! And aren't so happy that we finally got a cold snap, which prompted our trees to burst into color? My husband and I have been taking walks and enjoying the foliage. I love the photograph of Independence Hall. The orange you captured is breathtaking. Where did you take the shot of the leaves and the rocks?

    "Even though Autumn symbolizes a time when things are dying and falling away, it simultaneously awakens my senses and reminds me to LIVE. " Me too! This is the time of year when my senses feel more acute. I sleep better, my brain functions better, and I feel even more grateful to be ALIVE. Like you, I enjoy the colder weather and am looking forward to our first snowfall!

    Thank you for sharing the beauty of Autumn, Ron! xo

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  26. Hellooooooooo, Elaine!

    Isn't this time of time year FANTABULOUS? I took that photo at entrance of the Barnes Museum on JFK Blvd. It's a pool filled with river rocks. They usually fill it in Spring and then drain it in late Autumn, through the Winter months. I was so happy to see that the water was still in it, so I snapped a few photos with my smart phone.

    "This is the time of year when my senses feel more acute. I sleep better, my brain functions better, and I feel even more grateful to be ALIVE"


    OMG, you took the words right out of my mouth! That is exactly my sentiments about this time of year and why I freaking LOVE it. Ooooo....and me too, I cannot wait until our first snowfall! In fact, yesterday it almost felt as if it WOULD snow. But it's wasn't quite cold enough.

    Thanks so much for stopping by, my fellow-autumn-winter-cold-weather loving friend! Have a super week!

    X

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  27. Fall foliage is one of THEE BESTEST THINGS!!! We do share a deep love of Autumn, and you've captured it so beautifully!

    That's a sweet 'lessons' poster. Had to laugh at the 'not everyone will like what you like' ... candy corn... bleh, ick, yuck. LOL
    Hope you enjoy the rest of this glorious season.

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  28. Yes!!!!...I TOTALLY AGREE....THE BEST THING EVER! And I know you love Autumn as much as I do. I'm so happy that I was able to get outside during the changing of the leaves and captured it because it always happens so quickly.

    Isn't that poster a hoot? I found it online and instantly knew I wanted to include it within this post. And yes, candy corn is one of those things that you either LOVE or find it YUCKY! LOL!

    Thanks so much for stopping by and catching up with my posts, my friend. I really appreciate that!

    Enjoy the rest of this glorious season too!

    X

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  29. stunning. Stunning. STUNNING!! The colors explode off my screen! Thank you for sharing. The NE is super awesome when it comes to Autumn color. I simply adore the shot with the gray rocks and red leaves. The composition and texture of the shot are gorgeous. All our color is gone now and we're officially in "brown season" until the first snowfall! X

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  30. Thank you, Lisa! You know HOW MUCH I love this season, so I was beyond happy that I got out there at the perfect time to capture it this year!

    I was lucky to get that shot of the gray rocks and red leaves because the museum usually drains the pond right as Autumn arrives for the winter months. I made that photo my screen saver on my home computer AND my work computer.

    We still have a lot of color on our trees. In fact, I was in the park today and was shocked by how long the trees have held on to their bright leaves. LOTS of yellow!

    Oooooo....and speaking of snow, I can't wait until we get our first this year. For some reason though, I have a feeling that this winter is going to be a wimpy one when it comes to snow because it's been UNseasonally warm here the past two days. It reached into the 70's here today. I can't tell whether it's June or December. LOL!

    X

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