sunshine peculiarly genial

"Autumn Glory" by Willard Metcalf
“Autumn Glory” by Willard Metcalf

There is no season when such pleasant and sunny spots may be lighted on, and produce so pleasant an effect on the feelings, as now in October. The sunshine is peculiarly genial; and in sheltered places, as on the side of a bank, or of a barn or house, one becomes acquainted and friendly with the sunshine. It seems to be of a kindly and homely nature. And the green grass, strewn with a few withered leaves, looks the more green and beautiful for them. In summer or spring, Nature is farther from one’s sympathies.
~ Nathaniel Hawthorne
(The American Note-books)

10 thoughts on “sunshine peculiarly genial”

    1. I agree – the sun seems so gentle this time of year, as if it is softening with age as the year ages, too. Summer’s sunshine can feel harsh at times, well, most of the time to me…

  1. I love this painting, it is one that I want to keep on looking at! Also loving seeing the colourful autumn leaves that seem to be covering the northern hemisphere just now. It’s a beautiful season and I’m happy to be sharing it with you, Barbara. πŸ™‚

    1. I love this painting, too, Joanne, and there are so many things to love about autumn! The colors can be spectacular!! Your sunlight is getting stronger down under as ours is waning a little more each day. Thank you for sharing this awe-inspiring season in spirit with me! πŸ™‚

    1. It’s raining here today, Val, so the sun has not been around yet, but for some reason I love the rainy days in autumn as much as the enlivening sunny ones! πŸ™‚

    1. There is definitely something irresistible and delightful about the autumn sunshine – I sometimes feel like a squirrel gathering my nuts on a sunny day, preparing well for the coming winter.

  2. Another great quote and wonderful painting to go with it. It’s true that in October we try soak up as much sun as we can find before the long winter.
    Yesterday was sunny but windy over here and I ate my lunch sitting next to a wall at the museum – the wall protected me from the wind but allowed me to soak up the sun.

    1. Your sunny spot near the wall sounds like a cheerful place to have an autumn lunch, a protected spot to enjoy a little warmth and pick up a dose of Vitamin D! Perhaps for me one of the pleasures of this season is that I don’t have to listen to the droning of the air conditioners any more, and can open the windows and feel closer to nature.

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