Autumn in My Hometown

Summary

The author, Elin Melaas, reflects on the beauty and tranquility of autumn in her hometown of Drangedal, Norway, and expresses gratitude for the natural splendor and peaceful lifestyle that the season brings.

Abstract

Elin Melaas shares her appreciation for the autumn season in her hometown of Drangedal, located in Telemark, Norway. She cherishes the transition from summer to winter, embracing the changes in temperature, daylight, and the vibrant colors of nature. Despite having lived in larger cities and occasionally yearning for urban life, Melaas has grown to value the serenity and natural beauty of her small town, especially during the pandemic, which has instilled in her a greater appreciation for space, silence, and the outdoors. She highlights the spectacular autumn colors, the joy of solitude with her dog, and the simple pleasure of enjoying a coffee with a view. Melaas's essay is a response to an October writing prompt about the color orange, and she invites readers to learn more about her through additional links.

Opinions

The author is glad to live in a place with changing seasons, particularly enjoying the autumn.
Melaas appreciates the transition from warmth to cold, light to dark, and green to the autumnal colors of orange and brown.
She views autumn as a time for reflection and new beginnings.
The author has learned to be grateful for life in her small hometown, focusing on the benefits rather than what she might miss from city life.
The pandemic has deepened her appreciation for nature, fresh air, personal space, and the ability to be outdoors without crowds.
Melaas finds joy in the simple pleasures of nature, such as the autumn colors and the silence that allows her to enjoy her coffee and view in peace.
She values her connection with her dog and the solitude they share during their outdoor excursions.
The author's perspective on her hometown has shifted to one of gratitude and mindfulness, savoring what each season brings.

Welcome October, with your orange colors and golden light

Autumn mode in my hometown (Drangedal, Telemark, Norway). Photo courtesy: Elin Melaas

“I’m so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers.” — L.M. Montgomery

I’m glad I live in a place where we have changing seasons. The autumn is spectacular. I enjoy the transition from summer to winter, from warm to cold, light to dark, green to orange and brown. Autumn is a time for reflection and expectations. A time for a fresh start.

Drangedal (Telemark, Norway) is my hometown. I have lived elsewhere, and I still wish I lived in a larger city now and then. Yet, I’ve learned to be grateful for the life in my hometown. I’m trying to focus on what I get in a small town rather than what I miss by living in it. I genuinely value nature, the fresh air, the colors, and the clarity.

Besides, the pandemic changed me. No, I appreciate more space around me, the silence, and the ability to move outdoors without running into people. Just me, my dog, and my shadow.

Left: My beautiful dog poses with some books. Right: me and my dog. Photo courtesy: Elin Melaas

I’m getting closer to nature. The changeable autumn colors are fantastic, and the leaves are glorious. In silence, I’m enjoying my coffee and my view.

Autumn coffee. Photo courtesy: Elin Melaas

I wrote this story in response to Dennett’s great October prompt, “Orange.”

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Autumn in My Hometown

Welcome October, with your orange colors and golden light

Orange You Glad It’s October?

To me, October is a color — the color of orange.

About Me — Elin Melaas

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