I welcome the warm, thick air of August with freckled arms. The days of lilacs, wild roses, and irises are passing and morphing into crunchy grasses, browning leaves, and bright sunflowers.

Stores begin to carry mums outside their fronts, passing days grow shorter, and the final “hoorah” of summer lingers timidly in the air.

I can’t say that I’m too sad to see yet another summer go, as I have learned to love each season. In fact, one of my favourite parts of life, is the transition between them – the mild weather settling in from winter to spring, the first few morning touches of frost as autumn greets winter, and the slowing down of summer’s vibrance into autumn’s quiet, peaceful days.

Today, I wanted to share some ways I like to soak in these sacred, liminal times.

1. Capture moments intentionally.

As a photographer, this is basically how I operate, however, I’ve noticed the good it does me when I want to appreciate life a little deeper. Be it an insect, a passerby, or a sunset, everything has beauty to behold. I love taking photos for a myriad of reasons, but the nostalgic piece of my heart appreciates it the most. Looking back on the photos, I can re-live that moment, taste that food, or smell that sea air once again.

Try this: next time you’re out on a walk, or sitting at your desk, try to gaze about you and appreciate what there is to see. There is magic in mundanity.

2. Cooking & baking with seasonal foods.

This is perhaps my newfound favourite way to savour the seasons I feel fortunate to live in the Okanagan Valley, where fruits like apricots, cherries, nectarines, and plums are abundant. This year I grew food in my garden that would feed myself and my circle through summer to fall – peas, tomatoes, herbs, strawberries, squash, and even a raspberry bush my kind neighbour gave me. There’s something to be said about walking outside, ripping off a sprig of mint, thyme, or rosemary, and filling one’s home with their delightful aromas.

3. Daily walks/hikes.

Alright, my last point technically could fall under my first, but I believe it’s significant enough to win its own spot on this post. Walking is genuinely one of my favourite hobbies and I am not ashamed to admit it. Arguably, it’s the best way to explore your surroundings and see the world around you differently. With this, I also enjoy hiking so much, something I have been yearning to get back into for a while.

Since moving here, I have been on several hikes, spotting new flora and fauna I’ve yet to observe. Cacti, snakes, ticks, black widows: you name it – we got it.

I wouldn’t call myself an outdoorswoman, however, I am truly in my element when I am walking on a pine-laden trail with my dog alongside me, a coffee in my bag, and a camera or two ready to go.

The natural world never fails to steal my heart, quiet my mind, and fill my soul to the brim.

I hope this inspires you to soak up life as it comes your way, and that you have the best day.

M.