Lens Artist Challenge #167 – Colors of Autumn

The image above is a meditation bench in front of Elliot Hospital in Manchester, NH. This is three block from where I used to live so I would walk there often.

In Sydney, Australia where I live now, we have entered the season of Spring (Sept-Nov), opposite to the northern hemisphere. Our short nod to Autumn appears around May in specific locations where the conditions are right for leaves to turn. I’m sure it happens more brilliantly the further south you go, but around Sydney Autumn is not highly noticable due to there being more evergreens than deciduous trees.

Northeastern USA Autumn Memories

But since I previously lived in the state of New Hampshire, I have no shortage of Fall images. The question is which ones to post. I do find myself missing the changing leaves, the crispness in the air and the scent of harvest along with all the fun it brings.

I’ve been very fortunate to live in many beautiful places. However, there is something sentimental about Autumn in the USA that I don’t experience in Sydney. In addition to the changes of leaves and weather, there’s the start of school, anticipation of Halloween, pumpkins, apple cider and hay rides. Even if you don’t participate in all the Fall festivities, the ambiance is still there. The season seems to gently gain energy while pointing us toward Thanksgiving which is the forrunner of Christmas and the New Year.

Opposite seasons down-under

In Australia, any kind of squash is called a pumpkin, and they don’t have what we call pumpkin, so no pumpkin carving. Pumpkin soup is very popular year round but especially in winter (July/Aug), but it’s really squash soup. I know it’s confusing.

Halloween in Australia is not as big of a deal as it is in the US, it’s barely noticable actually. At this time of year (Sept-Oct) students are nearing the end of their studies, as the school year runs from February 1 to the December holiday break. December is the beginning of Summer so Christmas is a little too warm to be cozy and surfing and sunbathing is the more likely pastime.

I love both countries for various reasons. The change of seasons is more dramatic in the northern part of the US, and holds precious family memories. Fortunately I can reminisce thanks to Amy’s challenge this week.

If you’d like to join in the challenge please use the tag “Lens-Artists” so others can find you. Next week Tina at Travels and Trifles will host the LAPC theme with “Seen Better Days” featuring things that are run-down. Hope to see your images this week and next.