The light lingers, warmth still beating (although ever more faintly). Leaves sing out a vibrant song of colours as they fade and fall for the final time. We awake to the crunch of frost under foot, the warble of birds and clutch our coats and blankets closer in the darkened dawn.

This season we learned many things, chief among them how to survive an entire month of stomach bugs where each member held on, then valiantly (or not so valiantly) fell under the horrific spell. When we emerged, blinking and unsure as to the human face of the earth any longer, we embarked upon a road trip to the Blue Mountains, leaving behind the house that was beginning to seem haunted by unseen forces.

It was just the break we needed.

As for the remainder of what is fast becoming my favourite season, I picked up a few random lessons along the way. Here are a few of them:

1. It is Important to Invest in Yourself

I have called myself a ‘writer’ for a while, chiefly because I have been consistently setting aside time now for over five years now to hone my craft – blogging and (as of two years ago) crafting a historical fiction manuscript. This season saw me launch into a middle-grade fiction series for the sake of entertaining the kids, and then when I finished the first draft of Book 1, I found myself enrolling in an online writing course for children and young adult authors. It was informative, interesting and eye-opening and I relished the chance to get back into study again. It also taught me a lot about the importance of structure and re-writing. I’m knee deep into the (what feels like the fiftieth) draft of the first book now, but I feel as if it is being formed into something I will be proud to own and put my name to. No one told me how slow it would be though!

2. Seeing a Play is Far Better than Seeing a Movie

Especially when your nephew has a significant role in said play! Dave and I were gifted the unusual chance to escape for an evening to bask in the wit and irreverence of Oscar Wilde’s genius in ‘The Importance of Being Earnest’. The performance was carried out with impeccable skill by the cast of Belgrave Heights Christian Senior School and the audience was uproariously laughing most of the evening. The fact that coffee, tea and scones with jam and cream were served at intermission merely sweetened the deal and we left incredibly satisfied that we had engaged in a date night well spent.

3. Self-Care is Crucial

I have become an avid proponent of self-care, having realised first hand what a difference it makes in my own life. When I sat down to log the activities that breathe life into me it soon became clear that it was the mundane, everyday things that mattered. Yoga, reading, learning French, a delicious lunch and a podcast – each of these daily components goes towards staving off the crazy, making me feel alive and filling me up just enough so that I can pour back out for the people who need it – my family.

4. A Jar Opener Can Prevent Much Swearing

I’m an independent woman. I like opening my own jars, thank you very much! But sometimes there is a limit to how many times you can fiercely wrench your wrist sideways or bang a knife against the side of the metal lid. Enter the ‘JarKey‘. It breaks the seal with the most satisfying of gentle ‘pops’ and then twisting the lid feels positively blissful. A present from my Mum and Dad from a little homewares shop in Leura, it has the added bonus of taking me back to our wonderful time away at Rawson Retreat.

5. Australian Authors are Exceptional

For a long time, I’m ashamed to say, I have overlooked our national talent, favouring the sizzle and sparkle of those overseas. Lately, however (largely due to the Writer in Residence interviews on the So You Want To Be A Writer podcasts), I have been devouring Australian fiction and it is amazing. From the suburban family drama/thriller from Sally Hepworth set in Sandringham (The Family Next Door) that will delight readers who appreciate Liane Moriarty, to the impeccable and complex crime novel debut of Sarah Bailey (The Dark Lake) that completely drew me in and fooled me to the end….to the fantasy wonderland (or should I say Wunderland) that was Nevermoor (for Harry Potter or fantasy fans looking for another magical universe to fall in love with). We are punching far above our weight and I’m so proud of our industry. And that doesn’t even come close to naming all the other amazing talents, like A.L Tait, Catherine Pelosi, Jaclyn Moriarty (yes, she is Liane’s sister) and many, many others.

Well Autumn, dear friend, you have been shadows and light, softness and flickering. I will treasure in my memory the best of the long days and the vivid memories that you allowed us to create under your shroud. Until we meet again.

What did you learn this season? Perhaps it was a strange fact that won’t be forgotten, a tip for the kitchen that has changed your life? I would love to hear about it down below! I’m linking up with Emily Freeman to share What I’ve Learned.