Newsletter Fall 2025
Happy Fall!(?)
One thing I really love about living in Germany (since moving here from California), is the fact I get to experience fall. It's fall here for sure and maybe it's fall/fall-ish where you are?
Frankly, I got really tired of sweating well into December and while I don't judge those people who love southern California weather, I am good being cold and not sweating myself to death (figuratively, of course). With menopause and other hormonal imbalances, I can be a sweaty mess if it's not cold enough. So, yea, I am thrilled the cooler weather is here and all the fall stuff is out.
Here, in the south of Germany this weekend is the 'Kraut Fest' which is an annual, fall cabbage festival. To say I am excited to attend in a few days in an understatement. It's a dream combo of harvesting and mulled wine and I am so happy it's here!
So What About Fall?
What about fall is good to know with reference to our lives, until we meet death (Auntie D)? After the summer months, we start to see the changes of fall around us. We see the classic fall colors, the pretty yellow, orange and red leaves on the trees and vines. Yesterday I was walking back home in the afternoon and I saw these colors with the sun hitting them - it was so beautiful.
But, what's the significance of these colors? The gardener in me is dying to tell you all about it! When the fall season comes, the trees get ready for winter where they will essentially rest for the cold and conserve their energy. The tree trunks and branches stop sending nutrients to their leaves and instead, hold the nutrients in the roots. And this is what causes the beautiful, fall colors of the leaves and shortly after they change color, they fall off because they have died.
These trees that lose their leaves go into a resting phase, like a hibernation for the winter. When they get this time and it's cold enough, they come back to life in the spring. The trees who get this rest and time, will produce more flowers, fruit and/or growth. The trees who don't, like my trees in my southern California garden, don't get a real winter so they don't even lose all their leaves (and I have to remove the leaves for the trees to try and initiate this rest time for them). Is this what 'helicopter parenting' means?
I know my point is taking a while so let's get to it for goodness sake. With the fall upon us, let's consider going for the ride it represents in nature. In other words, let's think about our own energy and maybe turning that towards our internal environment; to tend to it. What do you think your internal environment needs? Some movement, more water, more fruits/vegetables, more medication, more therapies? What do you need to tend to this season, to make the most of it, and be for the next? Mine told me it needs more chocolate so maybe try that!
The changes in seasons tell us that everything in life is and has a season to it. Which is how I also view our beloved Auntie D, as another season in our being. Give that some thought and let me know what comes up for you. And as you contemplate this season, your 'hibernation time' and whether you really need more chocolate or not, remember, that another season and cycle is always upon us where there is a death/end and with it, another beginning, just like when we die and meet with our dear Auntie.
In Case You Missed It, You Cutesy
Everybody is Doing It, So Let’s Die Better which is my new book, a 31-day companion for caregivers facing the final chapter with their loved one, is out now and you can find it by going to diebetterbook.com
It has received wonderful reviews and feedback so if you gave it a read and are willing to take a quick minute, I (and Auntie D too), would be really appreciative if you left an Amazon review. Thank you!
Dead Famous
"Every story has an end, but in life, every ending is just a new beginning." — Brittany Murphy
Wait, didn't we just cover that? I swear she was reading my mind!
Dying to Meet You
Like I mentioned in the previous newsletter, while I am alive on this planet, one of my favorite things to do is to meet you all. If you ever want to connect, write/DM to connect about your questions, hobbies, hopes etc. I would love to connect with you! Until then, smooches and loads of love - Abigail