It’s that time of year when clocks get turned back one hour and life changes to shorter light-time each day.
In the U.S., each time zone switches at a different time. Most of the United States ends Daylight Saving Time at 2:00 a.m. on the first Sunday in November.
Originally proposed in New Zealand in 1895 by George Hudson, the practice of “springing forward and falling back” has been confusing people ever since. Some people love it, and others hate it. I have my own reason for liking the change: it’s a reminder to me to switch things up around the house with style and design projects. (Like I need an excuse, lol.)
It’s my cue to make the needed changes for fall—some of this is an annual tradition. For example, the garden studio gets closed, the fall cleanup begins and window boxes and planters become fall/winter displays for winter interest. It’s also time to check my outdoor lighting, making sure it’s in place for the fall ambiance and ready to function at dusk.
But there are lots of new things too. A new custom garage door is on order for the Garden Studio, scheduled to arrive in December. I’m replacing some carpeting in my media room and updating a few pieces of furniture.
Change also comes to my personal style. This November I’m letting my beard grow. For me it’s something that many people have requested for quite some time, so here goes…for as long as I can stand it. (FYI: It’s also “No-Shave-Ember” this month. A fun ‘holiday’ that began on college campuses and now is also embraced as No-Shave November, a way to bring awareness to men undergoing cancer treatment—including chemotherapy, which can make facial hair fall out.)
So, as we move the clocks backwards, remember that life continues to move forward with change and excitement. Plan ahead for your own projects, ready your planters and yard for the winter by creating texture, get creative with your décor, and embrace the magical night time with lights. For sure I’ll do the same, informing you all along the way.
