The First Day of Fall
What I’m reading, watching and savoring this season.
This week, I’m leaning into fall, my favorite season. While plants are always on my mind, I’m revealing more of my world, moving beyond my usual musings on water lilies and lotuses, and finding inspiration in the shifting colors of the leaves—from saffron to crimson to russet. Along with that comes the full texture of the season: the scent of pie baking in the oven, the deep, woodsy flavor of wild mushrooms sautéed with garlic, the flicker of candlelight in the evening, the warmth of the fireplace, and soon, the soft orange glow of pumpkins on porches. Below, you’ll find what I’m reading, watching and eating this season. Let’s get cozy, and let autumn unfold.
What I’m Looking At
Ben Sledsens’ "Bloemenruiker": A brunette strolls through a forest, enveloped in deep greens and burnt oranges—a serene scene of an autumn day.
Jarrett Key's "The Woods": Vibrant greens, fiery reds and dusky purples mimic the shifting light through the trees, grounding the scene in autumn’s essence.
Erik Madigan Heck’s chromogenic print: Vivid red leaves cascade from branches against an amber autumn backdrop, their saturated hues creating an almost surreal effect.
Natalie Wadlington’s "Fall Bones": A figure crouches, cradling a wide-eyed black cat amidst a sea of golden leaves—literally me and my cat soon.
Maria Yelletisch’s "Hojas de otoño": Earthy browns, soft greens and warm oranges flow in repetitive strokes, forming a quiet, meditative rhythm—like leaves falling in autumn.
Tang Shuo’s "Onlooker in the Tree": Tang’s muted tones and palette evoke quiet reflection, capturing the stillness and nostalgia of autumn.
Brrch Floral’s arrangement: Peachy-pink snapdragons, delicate baby’s breath and orange autumn leaves, grounded by soft Spanish moss, capture the tranquility of a quiet fall morning in Brittany Asch’s signature style.
James Postill’s "Autumn Rush": Swirls of golden light and blurred trees create a dreamy haze, evoking the quiet reflection of a rainy fall day.
Marcelle Reinecke’s "Shroom Hunt": Bright greens and golden light fill the forest as a figure pauses over a freshly picked chanterelle, capturing the quiet joy of foraging.
What I’m Reading
When I Sing, Mountains Dance by Irene Solà: I found this through
’s Substack, and it’s one of the most unique books I’ve read this year. Set in the Pyrenees, the Catalán novel begins with a farmer struck by lightning, then switches perspectives between witches, animals, mushrooms, mountains and even ghosts. And how Solà captures the untamed beauty and hues of the landscape makes it a perfect fall read:
“You have to come up here in the fall,” Solà writes, “when the crest line turns from one color to another, now red, now chestnut brown, now the beige of a Pyrenean cow’s snout, now ochre, now orange, now deep garnet, and colors you’ve never seen before in your life, with a sun yellow as an egg yolk.”
Spooky books: Every year, from September 1 through Halloween, I only read eerie, unsettling books. I’ve already finished State of Paradise by Laura van den Berg—a mind-bending novel set against Florida's hurricane-soaked landscape, where a ghostwriter navigates conspiracies, disappearing people and strange connections to the past. Next up is All’s Well by Mona Awad (her novel Rouge is still lingering in my mind), which
recommended in her post on Strange Books You Should Read This Fall, followed by Bunny.
My fall TBR also includes: Ghostroots by Pemi Aguda, A Devil Comes to Town by Paolo Maurensig, The Country Will Bring Us No Peace by Matthieu Simard, The Dolls by Ursula Scavenius, Pink Slime by Fernanda Trías, Fragile Animals by Genevieve Jagger and Disruptions by Steven Millhauser.
What I’m Watching
A Perfect Murder: My favorite fall rewatch is a 1998 thriller about a wealthy husband plotting to kill his wife. But it’s not just the suspenseful story that draws me in—it’s the palette. Deep burgundies, rich browns and moody lighting make 90s New York feel like it was made for autumn. Plus, Gwyneth Paltrow is giving major Carolyn Bessette vibes, and Sarita Choudhury is stunning—worth the watch for her alone. Still need more reasons? Check out
’s hilarious take:
“When Emily starts to suspect that Steven actually has it out for her and decides to leave his ass, she moves in with Sarita for a little bit to get away from him. While she’s crying at the table Sarita says to Gwyneth, ‘I’ve got you your favorite yogurt,’ ostensibly to soothe her, and it kills me??????? Are there really people who, when faced with an attempted murder at the hands of their own spouse, seek solace in a disposable plastic cup of Dannon fruit on the bottom? This dude is plotting to kill her, could you maybe run out and grab a pizza and some margarita mix????”
More Michael Douglas thrillers: Check out
’s post on Movie Pudding, where she pairs Michael Douglas films with foods like a nduja croissant and a hefty slab of focaccia.
I’m obsessed with this YouTube channel that follows a couple on their farmstead in Azerbaijan. Their home is surrounded by vibrant flowers, ripening fruit trees, and pathways lined with potted plants. In one video, they gather wild mushrooms from sheep-dotted hillsides, carry them home in woven baskets, then cook them with onions and herbs. In “Pumpkin Day in Our Village” the woman harvests oversized gourds for three savory dishes, and in another, bakes pumpkin bread while her husband chops wood in the forest. The dream.
What I’m Eating
Fall recipes: First up is Nick Abstract’s vegan brioche toast layered with gochugaru pickles, scallion aioli, deep-fried oyster mushrooms and a sticky miso glaze. If I can manage, I’d also love to recreate his French omelet, a cloud of creamy eggs crowned with morel mushrooms.
’s Pumpkin, Shallot & Cheddar Galette pairs pumpkin with a silky Mornay sauce for a luscious treat. ’s Squash Mafaldine, topped with crunchy garlic breadcrumbs and a Cavolo Nero gremolata, is perfect for chilly nights, balancing sweet, creamy squash with salty, sour notes. And ’s Mushroom, Ricotta, Lemon, Thyme Tart combines earthy mushrooms and bright citrus in a buttery crust that’s pure fall.
Pumpkin Bread: Above is my go-to fall recipe. The pumpkin bread blends the warmth of cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves with the richness of olive oil and the subtle sweetness of pumpkin. It’s even better the next day—perfect for cool fall mornings with coffee or tea.
What’s On My Wishlist
Half Note Mugs by Ekua Ceramics: The playful loop handle and soft mustard and lavender colors make these mugs ideal for your morning coffee, adding a special touch to each sip.
Onde and Le Raye candlesticks by OROS: Sculptural and organic, these oak and walnut candlesticks bring warmth to any space.
Vintage cookware by Dansk Kobenstyle: This chocolate-brown pot is a true classic, perfect for autumn meals. (Want more vintage goodness? Check out the post I curated for
.)Perfumes by Regime des Fleurs: Falling Trees is the obvious fall pick—think moss, warm woods and honeyed light. For something brighter, Toor Toor balances tuberose and grapefruit with a woody depth that works year-round.
Squiggle Tray by Sophie Lou Jacobsen: Playful yet functional, this tray’s sleek design and wavy handles make it perfect for a fall centerpiece.
Paintings by Behn Shahn: This mid-century art book is perfect for fall, with its rich, earthy palette capturing the season’s warmth and depth.
Pumpkin Spice candle by O’Soy Candles: A fall staple I look forward to every year. If pumpkin isn’t your thing, Cinnamon Apples is equally autumnal and comforting.
So excited about you reading All's Well!
This is such a lovely post, so evocative of the fall season! A Perfect Murder sounds so intriguing, and I have to try some of those recipes!