As a season winds down I try to savor every last moment—especially the small, fleeting pleasures that will change in the months ahead. Lately we’ve been taking long beach walks with the dogs, enjoying the warm sun on our faces and picking sweet blackberries along the way to share with neighbors.
I’ve always said that fall is my favorite, but since moving to this upper northwest coastal corner of Washington, summer has moved up near the top of the list. The weather here is mild, the flowers keep blooming late into the season, and I don’t have to worry about excessive heat. It’s been a lovely balance of sunshine and cool breezes.
One of our favorite features of this house is the front porch. It’s a modest, covered space that works in every season, but it’s especially delightful in late summer and early fall. We spend a lot of time there watching the sky change as the sun rises on one side of the house and sets on the other. The view from left to right is like a constantly shifting painting.
My parents love sitting on the porch all day, and so do our pups. It’s perfect for morning coffee, a leisurely lunch, or an evening meal while watching sailboats and barges drift by. We often spot deer wandering past and enjoy the flowers spilling from our railing planter boxes. The summer sunsets are hard to get enough of. We also have an upper deck off the bedroom with a lovely view of the water and neighborhood, which we use daily.
Even though we’re lingering in summer, I know colder, wetter days will come soon—days when coats, hats, and gloves will be necessary. Every season brings its own pleasures, though, and I’m learning to appreciate each one. In my book A Lovely Life I share thoughts on savoring the seasons; over the nearly eleven months we’ve lived here, every season has revealed something peaceful and beautiful about our new home. This summer we’ve also enjoyed more neighborhood activity and wildlife encounters, and we’ve made a point of getting out to explore our surroundings.
We actually moved in last October, so that was a busy time. This year will be our first full fall living in the house, which feels especially wonderful.
As summer slowly fades and evenings cool, I’m already getting excited for fall. It’s a cozy, home-centered season that feels restorative and intimate—just the kind of time I look forward to each year. I’ve started a bit of fall nesting and am planning a simple mantel display to share soon. Making a house feel like home in every season is one of my favorite things.
My new book A Lovely Life is filled with small, practical ideas for enjoying each season. I’m already thinking about ways to refresh our railing planter boxes for winter and other simple touches that bring comfort and beauty inside and out.
How are you savoring the last weeks of summer? I’d love to hear—share on Instagram or in our community Facebook group.
See more of our Fall Nesting 2022 Series:
Start here >> A Slower Rhythm Through the Seasons
How to slowly transition your home to fall — decorating tips and a pretty fall mood board
Reversible Blankets for Sofas, Chairs, Beds and More (our mud cloth layering blankets)
Affordable White Washable Slipcovers: Ikea Ektorp Chairs
How to Be Intentional in Planning for Fall and Holidays
Savoring the Last Sunsets of Summer from Our Porch!
How to Decorate a Fall Mantel Using What You Have
Vanilla Bourbon Latte: Make Your Morning Coffee Cozier for Fall
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