Finding Gratitude in Every Season

Thanksgiving used to be my favorite holiday. These days, I’m not sure I have a favorite, but what I can say for certain is this: I love Fall. Everything about it speaks to my soul—the rich colors, the crisp air (when it finally arrives), the cozy smells, and, of course, those little glimpses of Christmas peeking through.

I don’t decorate for Halloween. Instead, I go all in for Fall. The best part? It lasts longer—straight through to Thanksgiving—and gives me an excuse to indulge in my love of pumpkins. If you’ve ever heard the phrase, “We don’t discuss the pumpkin budget,” know that it’s more than a funny quip in my house. It’s a way of life. Pumpkins are non-negotiable.

Living in the South adds an extra layer of pumpkin-related logistics. The lingering summer heat means some of my pumpkins don’t make it through the season unscathed. But even if I have to replace a few along the way, it’s a small price to pay for my personal pumpkin paradise.

This Thanksgiving was a little different. Instead of celebrating at home, I found myself at the beach, watching waves crash on the shore while sharing a meal. Not a bad trade-off, right? It gave me a moment to pause and reflect on what I want future Thanksgivings to look like.

No matter where I am, there’s always so much to be thankful for. This year, I’m simply grateful for today—the gift of now. And that’s enough.

What are you thankful for this season? 

Fall Has Arrived!

The temps may still be climbing into the high 80s most days

 and the leaves may not be changing, but Fall has arrived!

 Mums and pansies always make me feel like Fall is here!

 Not to mention, I really love pumpkins.

 Welcome!

 I love sweet pansy faces and how they smile all winter.

This is my wreath this year. 

I decided I wanted a new one and this is what I came up with. 



Happy Fall, Y'all!

I love FALL!  It really is my favorite time of the year.  I don't know why, but I have always been like this.  I feel more creative, positive and energetic in the fall.  My optimism sores during  September through December.  I love the sounds, sights and smells of Fall...it all makes me happy. 

Do you have a favorite season?  A season where you feel all is right with the world and your past, present and future seem rolled up into one glorious gift? 

Delicious autumn! 

My very soul is wedded to it,

and if I were a bird I would fly about the earth

 seeking the successive autumns.

  ~George Eliot

It's that time of year....Pumpkin Farm Visitin'

Yes, it is that special time of the year when all young children seem to find themselves on a trip to a Pumpkin Farm. We are, of course, no exception to this rule. This week, after 2 other tries (both on rare rain days here in North Georgia), DS2's kindergarten class managed to make it to the wonderous land of where pumpkins grow!

Here we are on our way to take the hay ride (funny 'cause due to lots of people having allergies...there was NO hay). This was a fun one, though, because the man running it handed out some "I spy" papers with things for us to seek on our journey. The kiddos loved it!

IF I only had a spare $399...

Well, that would probably actually need to be $798, because you know I would need 2 of these fantastic artificial pumpkins! If you are in the market for some you can find them at Grandin Road, http://www.grandinroad.com/jump.jsp?sort=-1&itemID=10933&itemType=PRODUCT&AS=1&keyword=pumpkin, along with tons of other very cool things.

On to less costly but equally fun items...this is a photo of my new checkbook cover and key ring. Last weekend was the "big" festival day around here and I found both of these in a booth for less than $10. I picked up one of the lady's cards and now I can't find it (argh!). Aren't they cute? The checkbook cover set me back all of $5 and the key ring a whopping $4. I really love the keyring because it is big enough to slip over my wrist which makes this "Mommy with generally too many things to carry" very happy.