Autumn Plans & Winter Reads

Posted byRebecca BuddPosted inAutumn, D.E.Stevenson, I'm Reading a Book, Tea, WinterTags:, , ,

“There are adventures of the spirit and one can travel in books and interest oneself in people and affairs. One need never be dull as long as one has friends to help, gardens to enjoy and books in the long winter evenings.” D. E. Stevenson, Listening Valley

I read somewhere that the season of Autumn shows us how beautiful it is to let things go, much like the leaves that fall gracefully to the outstretched arms of the earth.

Letting go, albeit reluctantly, of the warmth of summer allows me to explore the coming season of harvest where evening mists hold the promise of the coming winter. October is a time of plans for the long winter months where tea and hot chocolate challenge and decry the frigid winds that buffet my windows. I confess that Vancouver winters are not as cold as in other parts of Canada, but they do have the same mournful howl.

The books are stacked and the tea cupboards fully stocked. A warm shawl rests beside my reading chair along with my favourite “winter socks.”

I’m Ready!

I just added another book to my “to read” stack: “Listening Valley” by D.E. Stevenson (see above quote), who I just discovered was a best-selling Scottish author. She published more than 40 romantic novels over a period of more than 40 years. Her father was a first cousin of Robert Louis Stevenson, a confirmation that writing was in the family DNA. Goodreads noted that her books are “funny, intensely readable, engaging and dependable.”

I couldn’t resist!

Published by Rebecca Budd

Blogger, Visual Storyteller, Podcaster, Traveler and Life-long Learner

16 thoughts on “Autumn Plans & Winter Reads”

    1. Have you ever noticed that your thinking becomes clearer when you come into nature, feel the chill in the air. I feel awake this time of year. Walking in the cold and then coming home to tea or hot chocolate and a good book. Thank you for your hugs – sending back mine “on the wing”. 🤗🤗🤗

      Liked by 1 person

  2. Oh how exciting!! Stacks of books, cups of tea, and conversation about books. I love your backdrop of the harbor, the skyline, and the colorful trees. Our marina is emptying out rapidly, and I feel so inspired to write another autumn poem. Your scarf is perfect, and your joy is contagious. Many hugs and more hugs!!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. This is the best news ever – that you feel inspired to write another autumn poem. I’ll be on the look-out! Time spent reading is extra special, especially in our busy lives. I find that planning is an exciting prelude to the event of reading, much like planning a birthday party is as fun as the actual birthday party. I’m looking forward to spending lots of time together this winter! Sending hugs and more hugs with all speed back your way.

      Liked by 1 person

    2. Brilliant photos and a great project, Rebecca, what a gorgeous backdrop you have picked! We loved to watch you talking about books and teas and the Van Gogh scarf is simply stunning, fit for a cheerful and charismatic personality like you! Well done! ❤

      Liked by 2 people

      1. Thank you for joining me on the Vancouver Seawall and for your encouraging comments. I meet up with my friends, the crows in the afternoon. There are hundreds that gather in a park area a few steps away from this location. In the late afternoon, the crows gather together to prepare for their journey home to their rook. There is a great deal of chatter but they always go together to a place in Burnaby – 6,000 crows from all over Vancouver and North Vancouver. It is a remarkable sight to see. There are leaders and callers that direct traffic. I am beginning to question whether humanity is the most advance creature to walk/fly/swim this earth. Many hugs and love coming your way!

        Liked by 1 person

  3. I love your poetry book (is it a new one!) and about the Stevenson family. And, maybe I will enjoy listening to some of her 40 romantic novels(I hope some of them are on Audible). Your photos of autumn are lovely, nothing like the fall colors for bright leaves, thank you for sharing. Enjoy your stack of books and the tea that you have at the ready. You have just mentioned some good books that I might enjoy this winter.

    Liked by 3 people

    1. I have a couple of great books to recommend, Frances! There are many fabulous conversations that will come when the winter months comes and the snow flies, or rain pelts down. Tea is always a good idea!

      Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you for the recommendation, Gallivanta! I am now connecting with New Zealand. The world has come to us, my dear friend. I will be on the lookout for Miss Buncle’s Book!! Many thanks and hugs!

      Liked by 1 person

  6. What a great idea to match up your books with different teas! It does make you look forward to those long evenings ☕️📚 Oh, and I love your scarf 🌻

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Dear Elisabeth, thank you so much for introducing me to Russian Literature. I just purchased “A Hero of Our Time” by Mikhail Lermontov based on your brilliant post. I owe you a debt of gratitude my friend. Books bring us together, even when we are apart. Hugs and more hugs.

      Liked by 2 people

Comments are closed.

%d bloggers like this: