An Alphabet of Autumn
Dear reader,
Opinions may differ, but to me September belongs to autumn. I can’t help myself, I’m mildly obsessed with it. Every morning I find myself scanning for clues, the tiniest hints of change: leaves just starting to turn, a shy golden edge here and there, or that first, almost imperceptible chill brushing past on my bike ride to work. This can only mean that it’s time for our alphabet of autumn.
A — Active skin care. When the air turns cooler, I like to invite a few active ingredients back into my skincare routine, as if helping my skin also adjust to the season.
B — Brew some warming cider. Nothing sets the tone for autumn evenings quite like something warm and spiced simmering on the stove.
C — Coming book release. I’m eagerly awaiting Artens Överlevnad by Lydia Sandgren. A new book always feels like a small fresh start.
D — Dolled up. This season, I’m promising myself to dress up more often, even if it’s just for an ordinary day. Why wait for an occasion when we can create one?
E — Experiment with spices. Autumn meals are richer, heartier, more fragrant. I’m leaning into that, letting cinnamon and cardamom take centre stage.
F — Favourite corner. From our window, we see tall linden trees. Watching them shift colours is like having a seasonal performance right outside.
G — Gua sha. A small ritual at the end of the day, massaging my face with a gua sha stone. A little luxury in the middle of the mundane.
H — Haircare. After a sun-filled summer, it’s time to give my hair some extra care and attention.
I — Incense. I’ve been lighting incense from Astier de Villatte, in the scent Stockholm. Somehow, it makes the evenings feel more anchored.
J — Jazz. Each afternoon when I come home, I put on some jazz. It has become my soft cue to shift from work into rest.
K — Keep up running. I used to stop when the dark and cold crept in. But now, a friend and I run together. We talk, we catch up, and the path passes almost unnoticed.
L — Loafers. Finally, loafer season is back. I have a great pair in brown suede wich I will be making the most of.
M — Music. This is the season for music. I’m looking at concert calendars, checking the church nearby, and finding events to weave into darker evenings.
N — NK Kaffe och Tehandel. A new season calls for a fresh batch of tea.
O — Open the windows briefly. The crispness of autumn air, even for just a few minutes, feels bracing and alive.
P — Paper Republic. My notebook of choice, keeping all the loose thoughts, lists, and half-ideas safe in one place.
Q — Quiet mornings. The kind where the world hasn’t quite asked anything of you yet.
R — Routines. A new workplace means new rhythms. I’m slowly settling into them, and it feels good.
S — Short books. A friend reads only books under 200 pages. I’m tempted to copy her. It feels like a clever way to make reading portable, unhurried, and always within reach.
T — The Slow Label. I don’t often recommend brands here, but I bought a few basics from The Slow Label recently, and the quality surprised me. So if you need some basics, maybe check them out?
U — Unhurried meals. Gathering friends around a crowded table, letting conversations stretch long after the plates are empty.
V — Visit museums. When the skies are grey, I turn indoors, losing myself in paintings and quiet halls.
W — Writing letters. I imagine myself at a table lit by candles, sending notes and postcards to friends far and near.
X — x2 in Copenhagen. This autumn brings me there twice, once for a conference, once for a concert. A treat to look forward to.
Y — Yield to the dusk. When the darkness falls early, I won’t resist it. I’ll take it as an invitation to slow down.
Z — Zone out. Take another route home, kick through the leaves, let the detour itself be the destination.