Anne shirley autumn

Happy autumn, friends!!! 

As we get deeper into the autumn season, I figured it would be sweet to celebrate the fall season with a touch of Anne Shirley. This post was inspired by this video by Julia Sullivan. Anne Shirley’s favorite season is indeed fall. After all, she says, “How lucky am I to live in a world where there are Octobers?” The changing leaves in the beauty of Prince Edward Island, the crisp chill of the air—I can only imagine wearing cozy knits in the Canadian weather.

Here are some ways to have an Anne Shirley autumn:

Bake

Make a sweet treat. It can be pumpkin bread with chocolate chips or the traditional banana bread, which I much prefer. Traditionally, in the Anne books, there’s plum puffs and liniment cake (raspberry layer cake). Allow yourself to indulge your sweet tooth on these cooler days. 

Tea 

There’s something so cozy about being wrapped up in a blanket as the sun rises with a cup of tea in hand. I have way too many teas on hand (so much that I have to forbid myself from buying any more). But choose whichever you prefer: hibiscus, Glengettie (the Welsh kind), vanilla almond, Dublin tea, or earl gray. Enjoy a warm cup, preferably with a friend (and perhaps a baked good).

Watch adaptations

I must confess, though I have spent years reading and rereading the books in the Anne series, I have yet to watch the adaptations. I recently started watching Anne of Avonlea, and it’s sweet to see Avonlea beyond my imagination. It’s a lot less spread out than I imagined. But relax and watch a film for wholesome entertainment, which we all need more of.

Reading 

As I mentioned above, I have reread the books over and over again. But I have avoided the first one just because I always felt like Anne’s hijinks would not transfer well over time. And I have cringed a bit. But I also understand the grownups better: Marilla and Matthew trying to raise an orphan in their older age. Anne softens their hearts and brings more joy into their lives. It’s wonderful to read about, and Anne in her younger days is quite precocious in a funny way.

Going on a walk and enjoying the fall foliage

As the leaves change, it’s a good time to get moving. Go on a walk. One of Anne’s favorite activities is to take a walk saying hello to nature’s beauties as her friends. If you spend most of your time working a computer job like me, getting up and taking a walk after a long day is the perfect way to get a boost of energy and feel renewed.

Enjoying the company of a kindred spirit

On Saturday, I headed into the city to see Kate, whom I hadn’t seen for maybe two months. (We managed to talk for 2 hours and not take a single photo–sign of good times!) We ate fries and enjoyed each other’s company. There’s something so revitalizing about spending time with a friend. So get out—call a friend you haven’t heard from in a while and just catch up with them. Share what’s good, what’s bad, what’s on your mind, whatever is mundane. Just share with a friend you love ❤️

Get crafty

In Anne of Green Gables, Rachel Lynde is known for her knitting chops. Marilla has Anne work on her sewing. If you want to be creative, get crafty. Sew. Knit. Maybe join a quilting club  (this is my future dream). Paint or cross-stitch. 

Hope this Anne Shirley autumn guide helps you enjoy the season more fully! 🍂

Sincerely,

Gigi