Twenty Years of Beautiful Octobers and Autumns

Octobers are personally special to me. It would always remind me of how I bravely came to grips with beginning a new life in a different, unfamiliar city. Twenty years ago today, I first set foot on Viennese soil…I came with the hopes of an eager 22-year-old mom and wife. ^_^ I had and still have a roller-coaster life-ride!

It was in the middle of October, cool as autumn should be. This charming city has since enchanted me with its beauty, nature-wise, and of its modern architecture and the classic landscape along with other influences. Then and now the smell of dried leaves and the gentle kiss of the wind were such welcomely feeling.

I have twice given birth since, I have met lots of people from different walks of life, I’ve learned the language and how things go around here. I’ve learned to adapt and to survive not only through the indifference or distance,  but through the friendships and closeness  as well. Here in Vienna, was also where I found the truth, or it is here where the truth found me. And it has given me the correct purpose in life, in hindsight, getting to appreciate nature and all that life has to give even more for knowing a wonderful Creator.

For the past years, my cameras have witnessed a lot of seasons. In extremes; in black and white; in blue and gray. There are still lots to see and discover, lots to photograph and feature…there may be those days when too many things happen in a day that I am not able to update this blog, but  I will always return and show more. For I know that this city that has so much to give, is definitely now what I call home.

Here’s a look back to twenty years of beautiful Octobers and autumns in Vienna through my lenses.

I’m so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers

I agree with Anne of Green Gables on this. I could have said the above and the following sentences to it, “It would be terrible if we just skipped from September to November, wouldn’t it? Look at these maple branches. Don’t they give you a thrill—several thrills?“

We lived a walkable distance from Schönbrunn Palace on our first year in Vienna. Our very first photos and my very first autumn shot were taken there. It was also very accessible to the famous Mariahilferstrasse, that we’d often go down on summers to the other end of that street on most days.

After moving, we saw to it that every year, we get to visit and walk around the Schönbrunn palace and gardens in autumn. We would go as a family, with visiting friends, meeting local friends, meeting squirrels.

The City, Our Playground

There are numerous playgrounds that the kids have known all their lives but the Schwemm is their favorite. We’ve had a lot of fun here, be it summer, spring, fall, or winter. It has undergone a lot of additions and improvements through the years we’ve visited and played in it.

At times, we would be in playgrounds far away from home. I always take their portraits, even back shots in a way to document those pieces of reality that I can look back to (and not only reminisce in my head).

Picturesque Backdrop

Vienna has become the backdrop to my kids’ own memories and photographs. To this day, I am surprised seeing photos from hundreds of folders that I don’t remember taking, but I would remember where the place/backdrop was and recall the story behind those photos.

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While I take the kids’ photos any season, or time of the day, autumn ones seem to be the best I captured. The weather is just right, the sun isn’t as intense but gives natural light that’s soft and comfortable for the kids. Autumn sunsets spread the golden hour, the most sought-after time for photographers. The hazy light and warm colors of nature just adds a magical atmosphere to the scenery.

Autumn is also a great season to dress up for. Stockings, boots, sweaters, hats, bonnets and berets are adorable and can add color for your photos to pop. A scarf also add contrast and that chic look.

I have not known autumn too long

“A wind has blown the rain away and blown the sky away and all the leaves away, and the trees stand. I think, I too, have known autumn too long.” – E.E. Cummings

I envy E.E. Cummings, as I have only known and seen autumn half of my life, and that’s already the digital era. If I had arrived with my analogue camera years ago, I still would’ve been a happy snapper taking photos of the same spots as autumn arrives year by year.

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