Ah, September. I couldn’t resist choosing this one for the month’s theme—after all, here we are! This post is part of the monthly Tell Us About blogging challenge, where a group of bloggers from around the world come together to write about the same theme from our own unique perspectives. It’s always such fun to see how differently we all interpret the prompt, and this month’s theme—chosen by me—is September. Last month. our theme was ‘Accidents‘.
I’ve always thought September is such a beautiful time of year, especially for those of us who are more autumn and winter at heart. The suffocating heat of the Algarve summer starts to ease off, the sun loses that fierce edge, and little by little, you can feel change in the air. The nights draw in earlier, the mornings are a touch cooler, and I find myself itching for that cosy feeling that only the darker months bring.
Now, don’t get me wrong—I do love the sun on my skin by the end of winter, but the novelty never lasts long. As soon as the mercury climbs too high and the tourists flood in, I find myself yearning for crisp breezes and quiet days again. I want the cool wind on my face, the smell of damp earth after rain, and that deliciously comforting sound of raindrops hitting the roof and windows. I’m actually really excited about experiencing that in our new house—something about hearing rain in a new space feels like a milestone, doesn’t it?
September also carries a kind of gentle anticipation. For me, it’s the promise of all things autumnal. Shops slowly start sneaking in Halloween goodies, YouTubers share their cosy decor hauls and thrifted treasures, and I find myself drawn to all the little seasonal rituals: pumpkin-spiced everything, swapping summer dresses for layers, and pulling boots out of storage (even though realistically, here in the Algarve, it’ll be October before they’re practical!).
And while I don’t want to wish time away—it’s going fast enough as it is—September is that delicious doorway into the darker half of the year. It’s like standing on the edge of something magical.
Beyond the personal side, September has always had a kind of symbolic weight. It’s the back-to-school month, even for those of us who’ve long since left the classroom. There’s still that ingrained sense of fresh starts, sharpened pencils, new notebooks, and maybe even a bit of reinvention. In some cultures, September marks harvest festivals, a time of gratitude for abundance before the leaner winter months. And astrologically, we move from Virgo into Libra—a shift from earthy productivity into airy balance, which feels fitting for this transitional month.
So yes, September might still feel like summer here in Portugal, but for me it’s the first whisper of autumn. A reminder that the darker, cosier days I adore are on their way. And honestly? That’s more than enough reason to love it.
Don’t forget to check out my fellow Tell Us About co-hosts, and this month we’re welcoming a fabulous new host, Sally!
Sally — Sally discusses the strangeness of September with a focus on nature outings and bird sightings. Within a World of My Own
Marsha — Unlike most of her friends in the Northern Hemisphere, Marsha sees September as the start of something wonderful. Maybe, in another life, she lived in Australia! Marsha In The Middle
For Rosie, September has always meant endings and new beginnings. Rosie – Rosie Amber
Mary Katherine – MK’s Adventures in Style
Sue is on holiday and won’t be joining in this month – Women Living Well After 50
Debbie is on holiday and won’t be joining in this month – Deb’s World
If you would like to join the group, please send a message/comment to one of us so we can include you in future emails! We’d love to have you!
