Last year, Autumn made itself visible several weeks early. Leaves began to change color by mid August and by mid September they were already falling.
I always smile when I see the pretty Autumn colors all over the ground and I love it when leaves are falling as I drive by rows of deciduous trees with my windows down. This scene gives out a feeling that one would get from a loved ones hug. In my case this would be God giving me a hug. I do thank Him for all that is pretty and so thankful that we do have beautiful things in this world to enjoy especially during those difficult times that we all go through from time to time. It is a reprieve from the hard times and beautiful scenery gives us hope, hope for better days to come ... and they will ... in time.
Seeing a cloudy sky never gets old for me and if it's a moody sky then it is even more worthy to photograph.
I took a picture of this poem from one of Riley's books called The Children's Book of Virtues. Isn't it good? I think I may print it and frame it.
Typically it doesn't rain hard in WA, it's usually a steady light rain or drizzle but on occasion we do get a lot of rain and it reminds me of the torrential rains we would get during the monsoon season in Tucson. We even had thunder! That's another rarity. Whenever it does rain hard we step out on the front porch and watch it for a while.
I sometimes plan little outings for myself during the day. Sometimes I'll treat myself to breakfast. I bring a book with me, I read while I eat. I just love solitude! Other times like in this case I went to our local country store and bought several size and color pumpkins then I drove to Redondo beach and sat on a bench and read, looking up occasionally to take in the views. It was enjoyable and quite relaxing.
This is how the sky looked like as I was getting closer to home ... a big difference from the cloudless sky out by the water. I think this is one of the reasons why I can handle cloudy days ... because of the variety in the weather. Everything is all about balance, and perspective. And not to mention that I do have a great affection for cloudy stormy skies.
This boy has always been so active and very hands on and always wants to be doing something. As you can imagine, after a while it can be tiring and mentally draining. On days when we want to relax at home during the evenings we have him play board games. I'm so grateful that Jacob likes to play board games too. I like to sit with Riley while he's reading and help him with difficult words and to remind him to pause at commas and stop at periods or else everything sounds like a run on sentence, lol.
We do tell him that it's perfectly ok to be bored. There's times when we say no tv or electronics and that he needs to entertain himself without making a mess. At first he'll complain but then I remind him of how blessed he is to have toys and books. After a few minutes the house is quiet and when I checked on him he's immersed with his hot wheel cars or playing with his army men. I think it's important that he learns to keep himself busy in constructive play.
And ohmygoodness, just look at my super cute Sophie! Isn't if funny how cats will make themselves feel right at home next to books? Like, it happens every time. I didn't put her in front of my books she just likes to sit by them or on top of them, like when I'm reading or the ones on my desk. I can't even with cats ... they can be the cutest! Some cats that is. I'm just so thankful that Sophie lets us pick her up whenever we want. She's very loving.
Still, with the remainder of the apples from apple picking, Jacob baked an apple banana bread with pecan crumble. It was so moist and delicious.
One of my favorite breakfast is hash brown casserole, eggs, bacon and biscuits and gravy. Sometimes we even add this meal on our dinner menu.
Another book stack. All great books by biblical authors. I am SO thankful God opened my eyes to discern between biblical and unbiblical authors. I no longer just buy a Christian book just because the book is placed in the Christian/religion genre. Although I hold biblically sound authors in high regard not one of them replaces the truth that can only be found in Scripture.
During mid mornings I take time to do Bible study. Reading slow and with intention has been engrossing. The more you learn God's truth the more you want to keep learning and the more fun it becomes.
Sometimes after dinner we head out by the water and breathe some fresh air. I think it's nice to be out in nature especially after a long day. It is refreshing and necessary and it definitely breaks up the monotony. It is up to us to make our life interesting and fun ... you have to be intentional.
Such a pretty serene scene.
On August 31st, 2018 my sister texted me and said that my dad wasn't feeling well. He felt a heaviness on his chest so my sister took him to the ER. They ran tests and dad ended up staying overnight for observation. Doctor's concluded that even though my dad did not have the typical symptoms of a heart attack they determined that he did in fact had a mild one and had 100% blockage so the Doctor placed two stints in his left artery.
I am just so thankful that my sister was available and took him to the ER immediately. I spoke with dad the day after his surgery and said he was doing better and sounded in good spirits. I'm grateful to God for allowing dad to stay with us a while longer.
Mom was blessed to have another birthday last September. My sister got her the prettiest cake. Here is dad after his surgery. He lost weight but looks good. I wish I could have been there but grateful that my sister includes me by texting me pictures of important celebrations. I'm happy she's there ... always being a helping hand to them.
Living slower requires living with intention. And to live with
intention means to make little daily choices that resonate deeply in our souls.
x.jpg)
