Sweetness

 The sweetness of September settles softly in my soul. 

Seeing the leaves begin to change -

watching a swallowtail enjoy a bit of sustenance -

gathering a handful of ripening fruit -

spotting a bird in flight...

all these and so much more makes the month of September sweet.

May it also settle softly in your soul.

Hugs

Debbie

"Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones." Prov. 16:24 (NIV)

Good Morning Friends

- wishing all of you a wonderful start to November.

It is an early Monday as I write this post.

We are seeing a change in the weather...temperatures are cooler and a killing frost is in the forecast for us this coming week.

So unusual to still be picking zucchini this late in the season.  What an unusual autumn!

   Even the trees were reluctant to don their fall colors.

 Maybe this means winter might be late!!  We will just have to wait and see.

Well dear ones have a blessed week.  

Hugs!

Debbie

"The harvest is past, the summer has ended...Jeremiah 8:20a (NIV)

Give Thanks

As November comes to a close taking a moment to give thanks.
 

 For an early sunrise...

Fall's final leaves...

a sunny afternoon walk...

the years we had this beloved pet....(Scooter you are missed).

and last but not least  for each of you who bless me with your lovely visits.  

God Bless!

"Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever."  Psalm 107:1 (NIV)

Blessings

Acorns and oak leaves on the ground...

Black walnuts for winter baking...

a final harvest of veggies...  

and a few asters bravely blooming.

November may be cold and gray but it still brings its own special brand of blessings.

Hope all of you are blessed this week.

Hugs

Debbie

"The Lord gives strength to his people; the Lord blesses his people with peace."  Psalm 29:11 (NIV)

Autumn's Collection

 Some of autumn's collection sits on my studio table.  It is waiting to be sketched and painted.

   When I go for walks this time of the year there are  many things underfoot that find their way indoors.  












                                                                                                            Leaves of different species, berries, and  nuts are just a few of the mementos gathered.    They are rich in texture as well as color.                                                              
All are a wonderful source of inspiration.




What makes this type of collection special is when it fades there is generally more to be found.  That is if the squirrels have not gathered up all the nuts!

  Are any of you gathering some of autumn's collection?   If so - hope you will share.  


Have  a wonderful day - God Bless!

Wondrous

October brings such wondrous gifts...skies of blue

Vibrant colors everywhere...

Decorations that make one smile....

Crisp tasty apples...

and sweet moments to look up.










 

 Hope October is bringing you some of these lovely gifts.   Have a wondrous day!

Winding Down

There are signs that summer is winding down.

The sunflowers begin to bow their heads.

  Leaves start to gather on the ground.

Late blooming perennials perfume the garden.

Crickets can be heard singing in the night.   Day's arrival comes later and it's stay is shorter.

All these signs serve to remind me "There is a time for everything and a season for every activity under the heavens: a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot."  Ecclesiastes 3:1-2.

Thank you for taking some precious time to stop by.      May you enjoy the last of summer's interlude!

Leaves

 Sweet leaves once you were bound high above the ground.  Once you provided shade from the summer heat.   Now you are dried and brown beneath my feet.

 

I've been spending a great deal of time with leaves these past few weeks.  

Raking, blowing and mowing them has kept me busy.  It always does at this time of the year.   I consider myself fortunate if this task is complete by Thanksgiving.  For the most part oak trees make up our woods.  They are always the last to shed their foliage.  In fact they will keep some of their leaves until spring.  

This week I gathered a variety to bring indoors to the studio. 

My favorite ones are those that are curled.   They have such interesting shapes.   I am not sure they actually will inspire a painting but I love drawing them with pen and ink and a watercolor wash.

 If nothing else it is a great exercise for these shorter days.  If any of you might need some for your own inspiration please feel free to come visit...I am sure I can find an extra rake!!

                                         
                  Thanks for stopping by!  Have a blessed night.
                                         

Victims of Hurricane Sandy

 My thoughts today are with the victims of Hurricane Sandy.  I know that many blogging friends as well as family are struggling in the aftermath of this huge storm.

We were blessed here with only rain and gusty winds.  Unfortunately for so many that was not the case.

 

The simple task of making applesauce... 

 

baking a batch of cornmeal muffins...

or gathering a handful of fallen leaves should not be taken for granted.  

Life can be so uncertain.   Even the small things we do daily are great gifts.  

I am certain that those who have lost loved ones, homes, and a way of life to Sandy would agree. 

 

I am looking up for all who were caught in the storm - hope you will join me.  God Bless!