Autumn inspiration

By Rachel Rowland ( ABC School’s Academic Coordinator ) This is the time of year when the weather becomes colder and summer ebbs away once again. The leaves on the trees begin to change colour and fall to the ground, and the nights draw in. As we face shorter periods of sunlight, how can we keep ourselves feeling positive? Let us look at some wonderful quotes about autumn for inspiration. Apples Many quotes about autumn seem to include apples. This delicious fruit is one of autumn’s fantastic crops. In September and October, there is an abundance of ripe, juicy apples available. “Autumn seemed to arrive suddenly that year. The morning of the first September was crisp and golden as an apple.” ( J.K. Rowling, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows) Leaves This is the time of year when the natural world rewards us with a final burst of vibrant colour before winter sets in. There is a vast array of wonderful shades all around, including rustic reds, golden yellows, oranges, pinks and browns. “Autumn is a second spring when every leaf is a flower.” ( Albert Camus ) Pumpkins Pumpkins are one of the most visible signs of autumn’s arrival. The common pumpkin grows on vines and bushes, and is rich in beta-carotene, vitamins A and C, potassium and iron. This wonderful round, orange fruit is believed to have originated from North America. Many people use pumpkins as Halloween decorations each year but they can also be included in many recipes throughout autumn. Pumpkin soup is a delicious, hearty and nutritious meal to eat on cold days. There are also many recipes available for pumpkin pies, cookies, breads and pancakes. You could even try a pumpkin spiced latte! “I love the scents of winter! For me, it’s all about the feeling you get when you smell pumpkin spice, cinnamon, nutmeg, gingerbread and spruce.” ( Taylor Swift ) Conkers A conker is the seed of the horse- chestnut tree and it is a hard, brown nut encased in a green, prickly shell. They fall from the trees, once they have ripened, during early autumn. Conkers have been used to play games every autumn for generations. Playing conkers is very much a British custom but sadly less children are playing it these days. The game is played with two participants. Each person has a conker hanging on a string. Players take turns at hitting the other person’s conker. The game has some rules, such as if a player misses hitting their opponent’s conker, they are allowed two more attempts. If a player drops their conker, the other player can shout ‘stamps’ and jump on it. The winner is the person who manages to keep their conker intact. The loser is the person who has had their conker completely destroyed. Not to worry though, as there are many more conkers on the ground for another game! Conkers can also be used to treat sprains and bruises in humans. Aescin, which is the main active component in horse chestnut, can be extracted from conkers and used for healing purposes due to its ant-inflammatory effects. “You are like a chestnut burr, prickly outside, but silky-soft within.” ( Louisa May Alcott ) As you can see, there are many wonderful things about autumn. It is a new season, therefore a perfect opportunity to try something new. Why not try playing conkers or making a pumpkin pie! Whatever you decide to do over the coming months, make sure you keep warm, eat well and enjoy the crisp, fresh autumn air!