Sunday, September 30

Day 274: Changing of the Leaves & Happy Giveaway Drawing

Today we went on a bicycling adventure to Djurgården, one of the beautiful parks in the middle of Stockholm, to see the changing of the leaves. Yes, it has begun here already, believe it or not, and I wanted to capture the beginning stage when all of the trees appear as if they have caught on fire on top. The rest of the tree's leaves are still green but there is a bright patch at the top that is burning and aflame. It is absolutely gorgeous and it is probably my favorite time of year. The leaves I especially love are the maples with their deep, rich, red, orange and yellow-tones. They are so festive and beautiful and the fact that the leaves turn these vibrant colors right before the trees go to sleep for the winter makes me especially happy. Reds and oranges are my favorite colors so it's no wonder that I love this time of year so much. 

Earlier in the day it was gray and cloudy but then just around lunch time big patches of sunshine started shining through. We started talking about heading out right about then but by the time we were on our bikes it was becoming cloudy again. We were not deterred however and continued on our way, enjoying the lovely fall day. When we arrived fifteen minutes later we found that we were not the only ones with the idea to head to Djurgården. There were families, couples, individuals and even people with wheel chairs or walking canes out and about, deep into the park. That is something I really love about this city. Firstly, the fact that there is access to such beautiful parks in the middle of the city and secondly, the fact that everyone utilizes them. It really is wonderful to see so many people out enjoying nature. 

We started taking photos right away, even though it was grey and cloudy and the photos were not showing how vibrant the leaves really were. We figured we could edit them once we'd loaded them onto the computer at home. Then something magical happened. The sun decided to come out! Oh happy day! It was amazing to see the transformation and how much more beautiful everything looked with the sun shining and a blue sky backdrop. Suddenly everything had come to life. We even had more bounce in our ride, if there is such a thing. 

What is your favorite time of year? Leave me a comment below and tell me if you have a special ritual for celebrate your favorite season. A Random Commenter will be entered into a drawing for a Happy Giveaway in celebration of today being my three-quarters-of-the-way marker to my one year goal of Finding Happy in 365 days. I can't believe it has already been three-quarters of a year. I guess time flies when you are having fun and finding happy. Thank you again for all of your support along my journey thus far. I hope to see you all on day 365 as well (though it may be day 366 since it is leap year this year!). There will be a special Happy Giveaway to celebrate my completion then. 

The cut off for entering today will be tonight at midnight. Central Standard Time in the US and seven a.m. in Sweden (tomorrow). Good luck and happy commenting!

Here are some photos from our lovely day....


At Djurgården... making our way to the leaves...

Under every tree that was aflame you could find hundreds of these beauties... 
some came home with us ;-).


A pretty yellow tree.

Here comes the sun!

Look at those vibrant colors... gorgeous! 

 Back at the yellow tree... you can really see the difference here with the sun shining and the blue sky...

 A fun harvest wreath near the cafe and boutique at Rosenlund's Trädgården on Djurgården.


Behind the cafe we came across Rosenlund's beautiful gardens. Just look at that savoy cabbage!

 And then there's this cutie... I couldn't resist snapping this shot!

Thank you again for stopping by! And don't forget to leave a comment below to be entered into the drawing for the Happy Giveaway.

12 comments:

  1. Congratulations on making it to the 3/4 mark on your blog! Can you believe how fast this year is going? The trees here in Chicago just started changing colors this week. There are some that have even turned red, as in Stockholm. The weather has definitely gotten cooler and there's that crispness in the air during the mornings, too. I don't really have any ritual that I like to celebrate my favorite season--which also happens to be Fall!
    I think I just enjoy the beautiful landscape changing and, of course, pulling out my fall and winter clothes. I enjoy making soups and stews and desserts with apples, pears and pumpkins :). Happy Fall to you and Carl!
    :) Becky & John

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    1. Thank you so much Becky! The year really is speeding by. I can't believe today is the first of October! :-D I also love making soups and all of the wonderful fruity fall desserts. I also pulled out my "fall" sweaters this weekend. Saving the wool for later. ;-) Happy Fall to you and John as well! And Happy Anniversary!

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  2. Beautiful photos Grace Ann! I was out running the Lidingöloppet today, which runs through the forest and the water - just gorgeous! As much as I love fall, I have to say my favorite time of year is early August. At home, this is the hottest time, the dog days of August, when things slow down a bit... I just love it!

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    1. Thank you Katie! We went to watch that race a couple of years ago. Very impressive! I can imagine that it is really beautiful there. Early August is a lovely time too... especially when like you said, it is nice and hot, or in Sweden, warm. :-D Thank you for your comment!

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  3. Congrats Grace Ann...and thanks again for inspiring me to join this quest for finding happy!

    Coincidentally, my blog is also about fall today and that wonderful feeling of getting out a wool cardigan for the first time in the year. Love my cardigans and feel equally happy every year when I get to start wearing them again.

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    1. Thank you Odella! I am so happy that you were and still are inspired to Find Happy! :-D It really seemed like an appropriate day to write about fall. I love the image of you pulling out your wool cardigan for the first time. There have definitely already been some days where I have worn my favorite wool jackets. :-)

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  4. Love the change of leaves, and I am so proud of you for making it 3/4 of the way!!! I don't know if I have a special ritual or a favorite season, but I think I like the beginning of each season the best. The first snow, the first flower of spring, the first strawberry, the crisp bite of fall... They are all great, and they all make it exciting to transition from one season to the next. Miss you lots! Big hugs from NY! - Elizabeth Gattman

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    1. Thank you Elizabeth! I sometimes can't believe I have made it this far myself. I love your comment about liking the beginning of each season. I may have to revise my own favorite to that. It is so true! Firsts are great at the beginning of each season. Almost like falling in love... Miss you lots to! Sending you a stor kram from Stockholm!

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  5. Wow, wow, wow!! Awesome photos! Christmastime is my favorite time of the year. The smell of cinnamon and spices, the music, the excitement, the hustle and bustle, family time, and food! Wish I was there to see those leaves!

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    1. Thank you so much! We sure had fun taking them all. I love Christmas time too! It is so hard to pick one and stick to it. :-P Wish you were here too! Come visit! :-D

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  6. Such a lovely, happy posting! As a newbie to the Stockholm area, I'm also enjoying seeing those flaming trees ignite into rich reds and golden hues. I'm also a "sweater person" so fall, combined with sunny skies, is also probably my favorite time of the year...athough spring, summer and crisp winter days are pretty nice too:)

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    1. You are so sweet! Thank you so much! Reading through your comment and everyone else's comments it feels like every season could be my favorite, but deep in my heart I am a fall girl. I love sweaters too, as well as scarves and boots and of course anything made with pumpkin. :-) Thank you for your visit and comment!

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