As Autumn falls I surrender.
I find that surrendering grows easier and easier as I get older–and wiser. You may ask what on Earth I might be surrendering to now that Fall is in the air. The answer is simple: the passing of summer!
And homemade pickles made from succulent Farmer’s Market pickling cucumbers:
Tummy Bounty!
Summer Bounty!
And picnics with friends in the warmth of the sun and the cool of the river:
Francie & Bill (on right) & Mike
And digging crystals at Shasta Lake:
Liz–Can you Dig It!
Niece Angela:
Crystals Aren’t the Only Treasures!
Captain Wendy
And painting outside at Sandy’s:
Sandy–Hard at Play!
Liz–Happy and Color-Full
And luxuriating with tea after sleeping under the stars, atop warm Mother Earth:
Ah! The Sweet Life!
And lastly, a birthday cake celebrating another precious year of life!
Ardith–Master Chef!
Happy Birthday, Gayle!
So, as I surrender to Autumn, I let go of the joys of the summer. I can’t hold onto them anyway; they are gone–no matter how much I want them back or wish life could be like it was.
It’s different now. I must accept. Besides, if I’m too busy lamenting how life used to be, I miss what is here right now. Life. Always life through ALL seasons….
And now as I face forward, releasing the past, I see Autumn.
And:
Acorns as big as golf balls!
Rainbows!
Lounging in the sun!
Mt. Shasta adorned with new snow, framed by a blaze of color.
And as I relax into this season, I continue to see the gifts Fall offers.
In my excitement, I resist the temptation to wonder what Winter will bring. For if I look ahead, I might miss something happening right now.
Like:
Birds at the bird bath!
Precious moments❤
Indeed!
Stepping into fall here in the Blue Ridge Mountains of VA is such a joy, Gayle! From my front porch I can watch the trees turning into blazing colors starting at the very tops, where the air is cooler, and moving down the slopes like an artist brushing colors down a canvas. And as the leaves fall, as they are now, the deep shade of summer trees bows out, allowing more and more light in. My favorite little chipmunk is busy these days stuffing his cheeks with bird seed, So much to savor! Happy autumn to you, special lady!
Ooooh, I would so love to be sitting on your porch with you, sipping tea, watching the trees change, leaves fall and chipmunks stuff! Being back east when the colors change is truly being in one of the most beautiful places in the world! So glad you are enjoying it!
How delightful!
Thank you
AND
Happy Birthday Gayle.
Thanks, Sue. Love these birthdays!
I enjoy your wise words, Gayle! Also- I have never seen a more cozy looking bed- super jealous!! 🙂
Even a mattress thrown on the ground works! Having said that, however, nothing like a king-sized bed for comfort!
Loved it, Gayle! Those turkeys cracked me up! My garden still is blooming like it is summer except for the crepe myrtles and liquid ambers which are turning colors. Let me know if you are up for a visit soon…would love to see you!
Yes. Would love to come see your garden. Christine and I have started painting Sunday mornings, so maybe we could incorporate a visit? Paint in your garden? Thanks!
Summer… AHHHHHH….. crystal digging and bead necklace making and pool hall hopping and parrot feather gifting from Joanie and painting and turkey feather hunting and ice pop sucking and watermelon rind throwing and moon watching and story telling and singing and sharing and touching the love and light that dwells like ions of human triumph in your eyes. Amen and hosannah my Gayle lileeeee. Love you and am sending you happy autumn thoughts and big hugs and kisses! Shasta sure looks sexy…. Big love to Mike!!!!!!
Ahhhhhh, summer fun, indeed one of the pleasures in life. Can’t wait to hear what you find in autumn. You and Nino! Think about you all the time!
Hi Gayle, Thanks for reminding me about how precious the present is.
It is all we have at the moment and I do loose a lot of it by thinking of the past or future. This is a gift to all of us. The pictures were great too. Especially you lounging on your deck, what a view too. Thinking of you, Peggie
Thanks, Peggie. You are definitely one who embraces life! Hope you’re enjoying it…
Happy Birthday Gayle and many returns. I wish you many many more beautiful Falls , Winters, Springs and Summers.
My husband is feeling better than ever. He has been cancer free from April and came back to normal life.
Thanks for all your support.
Krystyna and Family
Dear Krystyna, Your news makes me very happy! May you both be well, enjoying the sweet life for many years to come!
That trip was a really special time, crystals, the lake, the sun and the time shared with family and new friends meant a lot to me, something I will never forget, can’t wait till next time, with Captain Wendy at the Helm, of course!!
Great idea to go again. Girls can’t have too much fun! BTW, Wendy found the umbrella that went overboard. It was stuck in the mud after the lake level dropped.