Change is in the air: It was glorious while it lasted

Seasonal reflections, updates + photos for a final good bye to what was

Hello there, friend. Writing to you from the South German countryside today 👋where the first autumn rain is gently tapping on the roof. Through the window, I am watching bluetits, robins and other forest and field birds (whose names I don’t know in English) who busily peck at oats from the sill. Despite the weather, they’re cheerful companions and I could sit here and watch them all day. Who needs a TV anyways?

I don’t know about you, but I’ve been clinging to the last warm summer days and rejecting the first signs of autumn. I don’t want to hear anything about Halloween and consciously look away from the Christmas cookie aisle that’s already been set up in stores (WHY so early?!).

The other day, I walked barefoot through the family garden, stepping carefully around slugs and admiring pumpkins, aubergines, a few forgotten beans, the last edible flowers and roses. I smelled, I touched, I picked and I appreciated. It really felt like a stroll from summer to autumn in a way.

Now, though on this beautiful September full moon, everything has changed.

The weather has cooled down, I dug out some beeswax candles and am trying to remember where I put my woollen socks while my summer dresses are still hanging on the drying rack.

Although it does feel like a switch has been turned weather-wise, and I’m feeling quite exhausted since the temperatures dropped so suddenly, I remind myself that we’re in another glorious in-between season. Not quite summer not quite autumn. A gray zone that’s actually the most colourful, rich season in itself. A time we shouldn’t just skip because we’re all so focused on what’s next (hello autumn & winter holidays).

I wonder how you’re finding it all, wherever you are?

💛

The first flavours of autumn make me sentimental: it’s about integration, letting go & moving forward

As I’m pottering around the house, slowly getting ready for the cosy season, my thoughts wander to my solo trips to Portugal and Italy in winter and spring, our wonderful trip to Greece in July, and the small moments shared with friends and family in the UK and Germany in between larger travels.

I’m reflecting on everything I’ve been working on and been dreaming about in 2024, too. Why now?

• On the one hand, now is the time for harvesting our creations in nature, business and life. It’s about integration, taking inward, finding stillness.

• On the other, it’s the season for shedding layers and “old skin” as well as letting go of what we don’t want to take into winter, quite literally. It’s about closure and moving forward.

So, in many aspects, it’s a great time of the year :) and with that: Long story short, I have a pretty big announcement coming your way soon… remember my viral note here and post on female leadership a few months ago? All I say for now is that it’s all connected and ties beautifully into my work from years ago. 🔥

A brave new chapter - will you join me?

In terms of goals… I’m asking myself how much love and attention they’ve been getting…

Have I been consistently writing this year or is there more than writing I do consistently?

I think with consistency, the doing in itself is more important than what we do with our creation afterwards. In fact, writing for the sake of writing rather than writing for the sake of publishing is important for my creative juices to flow and not dry out. I share when I feel like there’s value not when there’s a self assigned deadline alone.

Clearly, on the writing front, a lot has been drafted and little shared.

Time and energy are scarce these days and living life away from screens will always be my priority. This post was ready over week ago but scheduling failed so I had to manually try again a week later with a few seconds to spare. In case you’re curious about what might get sent out your way in the coming weeks…

Current drafts include these titles:

• How to savour summer and make your home winter-ready

• 5 things I’ll start, stop and continue this autumn.

• Ditch the ladder, and climb the jungle gym of life. Autumn reminders for everyone.

• On productivity and women’s well-being - relevant insights from the industry you may not know about (I have a handbook from 5 years ago that I may or may not republish soon, too)

In all honestly, I don’t only have three, or four drafts. I have over 60+, many of which are gathering dust and may never get shared.

Since I don’t just write as a multi-passionate human…

…and photography being one of my favourites (amongst other visual arts like painting, drawing, embroidery, knitting, pottering and all sorts of other fun activities), I wanted to share some summer highlights with you as a final celebration of the sweet summer season. Photography of places that shaped, challenged and supported me in outgrowing myself this season.

Let’s go down memory lane together, shall we?

As I’m reflecting, I am wondering how YOU are feeling about this back-to-school energy and seasonal turn from being out and about to getting cosy indoors again. Make sure to join this wonderful reader community if you haven’t already and share your experience in the comments - if you like.

A Bavarian summer in the mountains

Summer equinox - my birth rose in full bloom, evening light sparkles, a runrise drive to the airport and my beloved family garden in full bloom

A Greek summer by the sea

Balcony of dreams, mermaid life, family run taverna art, Greek uncle's tables, the shop from a different time, cool car on a windy day

City love across Europe

Cities that want to stay anonymous, flowers and books for warm summer days - a must

Let’s chat & reflect together 💛

I’d love to hear in the comments what 1. your summer highlight has been and 2. where your happy place was over the last few months, 3. whether you’re reflecting too and what comes up. Pick one or all topics 🫶

After writing all this, I feel a bit more at peace with the seasonal shifts and am excited about the idea of stews and compote again, fruit cakes and continuing decorating our apartment in a budget and renter-friendly way. More on all of this soon, maybe.

See you soon. 👋 Since you’re here, why not consider forwarding or recommending my publication while you’re here? And of course subscribing, if you haven’t already. It means the world to co-create this space together.

What you may have missed:

Summer without scrolling and all-or-nothing thinking

Knowledge isn't power when you keep it to yourself

• My absolute highlight this summer: sending postcards to strangers on the internet and starting a trend to spread more postcard love

• This note giving other women a shoutout - feel free to join in