Summary

Anne Bonfert's ninth-week photography challenge captures the essence of autumn's onset in her surroundings through a series of evocative images and descriptions of nature, wildlife, and daily life in the countryside.

Abstract

The web content is a reflective photographic journal documenting Anne Bonfert's ninth week of a personal photography challenge. This week's theme focuses on the transition from summer to autumn, showcasing the stark changes in weather, the activities of forest creatures preparing for winter, and the tranquility of rural life. Bonfert paints a vivid picture of autumn's arrival with lush green forests gradually displaying yellow and orange leaves, the sounds of animals in the wild, and the crisp, fresh air. Her narrative is interspersed with intimate encounters with nature, such as the intrusion of a neighbor's pet, Pixie, and the therapeutic routine of collecting wood for a barbecue. The journal is a sensory exploration that captures the mood and essence of the season through daily observations and interactions, culminating in a philosophical quote from Nietzsche that ties the soul to the spirit of autumn.

Opinions

The author appears to have a deep appreciation for the natural world and the changing seasons, particularly the transition into autumn as evidenced by the detailed descriptions of the natural environment.
The author seems to find peace and happiness in rural living, as indicated by their enjoyment of the sounds of animals and the opportunity to engage with nature, such as collecting wood.
There is a sense of humor in the author's writing, referring to a small dog as "the neighbors' little rat" and discussing the dog's toy retrieval with a sense of amusement.
The author expresses a level of contentment with the simple pleasures of life, like an open door to nature, even if it means the occasional uninvited visitor.
The reference to the resumed noise from the airport suggests a dislike for the intrusion of human-made sounds in contrast to the natural sounds they cherish.
The final quote by Nietzsche implies that the author sees autumn as a season that resonates deeply with the human soul, possibly reflecting a personal belief that nature's cycles have profound significance for one's inner life.

A Taste of Autumn

Week nine of the photographic documentary of my daily life

It got very quick very cold. While summer was presenting itself last week in full power it vanished with a bang. Temperatures dropped drastically. The sun disappeared and the gloomy mixture of fog and cloud took over.

In my ninth week of the photography challenge started by Dennett, I collected the first signs of autumn. While the forest is still very green you can start seeing yellow and orange treetops across the woods.

It felt like the last day of sunshine. Nothing could stop me from going for a long walk through the woods. Rustling sounds all across the ground of the forest. Squirrels hiding their winter food and birds picking for insects in the soil. Dried leaves are covering the forest ground.

Seeds are falling from the trees. Beechnuts crushing underneath my shoes. I can feel it. Fall is on its way.

Loving the clean fresh air up here I always have windows and doors open in order to let nature into the house. That also means that now and then some visitors walk through the entrance door.

The neighbors’ little rat (that’s how I call all dogs the size of a cat) runs barking into our little flat. Sniffing around. Looking for food. Staring at me on the couch to get up and greet her. Or something like that.

When Pixie, that’s her name, brings her toy with, I usually go on my terrace and throw it for her. She runs and jumps across all obstacles in this hilly garden and brings it back to me. With a smile on her face.

The sheep I had been talking about a few weeks ago are back in my valley. I get to hear them daily. Now they are all back on the fields surrounding my tiny village. Sheep, goats, and some cattle.

This is what living in the countryside is for me. Being surrounded by animals. Seeing animals in nature. Seeing happy animals.

When I visited my parents in their garden plot I got reminded of the fact of how close they live to the international airport again. And of the fact that travel has picked up again. Whilst this airport was entirely closed during a few weeks of the lockdown traffic has picked up again and you get to hear the planes hourly flying above your head.

Back in the forest, I go to collect some wood for another barbecue. As mentioned before, we only make it from wood. With a box, I walk across the forest floor looking for strong and dry pieces of wood. Breaking them down into smaller pieces to make it easier for me to carry them back.

The sound of the breaking wood is echoing through the forest. I wonder what people are thinking about hearing this. But I actually don’t really care about what they think about me taking a few tiny pieces from the forest floor. They should simply mind their own business.

© Bonfert — 29/09/2020 — **HIDDEN VIEW**

Yes, that’s it. Summer has left us. A thick layer of fog is hanging in our valley. As it starts thickening up I lose sight of my neighbors’ house. Time to cuddle in the blanket with a cup of tea in the hand.

I first have to adjust to the change in seasons and then I will go and explore again.

“Notice that autumn is more the season of the soul than of nature.” — Friedrich Nietzsche

A Taste of Autumn

Week nine of the photographic documentary of my daily life

Reunion

Week six of the photography challenge

The Final Week of Summer

Week seven of the photographic documentary of my daily life

Eternal beauty

Week eight of the photographic documentary of my daily life