I rarely watch or remember commercials but for some reason, this one stuck in my mind. I think it aired about twelve years ago, back when I still found watching TV entertaining. At the time, it helped me learn English and understand North American culture. I actually enjoyed commercials—I could discover products, marketing gimmicks, pop culture jokes and their straightforward message was easy for me to understand.
This is how I remember the script:
A bunch of kids are playing in a residential street. It’s a typical sunny summer day and there isn’t a single cloud in the sky. Suddenly, one kid stops and lets out one big scream, pointing at something on the ground. His friends gather around him and start screaming as well. Finally, the camera zooms in and reveals a single red leaf on the ground. Voice-over: “it’s back-to-school time, kids!”
Like these kids, I almost screamed when I saw the first red leaf on the grey asphalt. I like summer and I dread winter. I live in the wrong country, I know.
But then, I remembered that this transition season doesn’t have to suck (looking at you, spring). In Canada, it’s actually an enjoyable time of the year. There is Thanksgiving, Halloween, plenty of cool squashes and pumpkin spice drinks and treats (there is a huge fanbase for them, trust me!), the days are cooler but the temperature is still warm enough…
… and of course, fall colours. You can’t underestimate the impact of fall foliage on the mood. Seriously, it’s amazing. We don’t have sad-looking trees and rotten leaves, we are treated to an explosion of colours. Here and there, you can see random passers-by pulling out their cellphone to snap a picture of a tree, a single leaf, a road covered with leaves.
We used to look for the best spots to admire fall colours—top choices are, of course, Gatineau Park, but also Vincent Massey Park, Rideau Hall or the Rideau Canal. But these past two years, I realized that fall beauty is all around us, no matter where we are. You can walk in a small street in a bland residential neighbourhood and spot an amazing red maple tree. Just keep your eyes open and enjoy beauty where you find it!
Single leaves on the ground are amazing as well. Each displays a unique range of colours and patterns along the veins. Just grabbing a handful and looking at them one by one makes you appreciate the beauty of the world. No, I’m not stoned, thank you for asking.
Over the past ten days, I tried to capture this year’s fall atmosphere—under the rain, during cooler days and before the wind blows all the leaves away. Enjoy!
Lovely! I’m going up north this weekend. Now you’ve inspired me to take some close up shots of the colourful leaves too. Thanks for sharing!
I hope you will have an awesome fall time! Do share the pictures 🙂
I’ve been meaning to go out and snap some shots of fall before it ends, but it’s been raining so much it’s off-putting. And while I love a good crisp autumn day, I’m not so fond of the rainy ones 😉
I do find the light is better on cloudy days, though.
It’s so rainy that I’m worried I might drown my camera 😉 I know what you mean about the light though
I have a Nikon DSLR and I found it can usually handle the rain. I was super paranoid at first but it did get wet a few times! The body is pretty strong (that’s also the same camera that fell in France because of my sister’s stupid cat!)
It is a beautiful time of year. I hated summer so much this year that I am embracing the change of season wholeheartedly! A great set of photos here!
Yes, summer must have been rough for you, I understand!
Lovely! I especially like the orange and green leaves.
You’re reminding me that I should take a walk in my local parks while it’s fall.
Do so and report! 🙂
Beautiful colors! I still kept those leaves from my last visit to Europe Autumn last year.
How did you manage to keep them? I can never seem to do so, they dry up and crumble!
between the thick novel than I brought. and put it in a plastic folder with a zip when I got home.
Smart trick!
As you saw on my blog I loooooooove autumn colors and pictures. Yours are, as always, beautiful (my fave in the rain drops one!)
Yep, we were in sync for that one!