some fall fashion from etsy Vintage shops

a two chipmunk and wild turkey day

This morning I went to Noccallula Falls Park near my home for a morning walk. I have often mentioned in my blog how much I love it. There is something so rejuvenating about walking there. Today the wind was a little chilly when I started out, but I didn't put my sweater on because I wanted to feel the nip in the air. It made my steps a little quicker and soon enough I warmed up. The trail goes up and down little hills through the woods and meanders around pioneer buildings, farmyard, through a covered bridge and a small zoo area, in addition to the waterfalls.
This morning, I showed my family pass, got my hot pink paper bracelet, used the little ladies room, then started on the path through the park. Right at the entrance, I was greeted by four old friends. Wild turkeys that I had seen throughout the park last Fall! This made me feel so happy and in a weird way, honored! I mean how many people do I actually know who get to see wild turkeys in the morning?? Not many! hehe
I have always loved seeing chipmunks, maybe because they were so common to see when I was little, at my Grandpa's farm in a small town in Pennsylvania, and I have many happy memories from that place. I rarely see them around here even though my husband has seen some when he leaves for work early in the morning. Well, I was startled today when on two different occasions a cute little chipmunk crossed my path. I felt an instant rush of emotions and stopped in my path to observe the little creatures rustling about some leaves on the forest floor. I actually whispered "thank you" out loud because I was so grateful to the Lord for seeing them and to be enjoying such a wonderful morning.
As I walk through each and every area, I find that my problems become small and the simple yet powerful love of God becomes great. As I breathe in the fresh air, smelling the smells of nature including manure-ish odors past the deer habitat and farmyard, I think about how us human beings can complicate life so perfectly. I want to keep it simple and learn to appreciate the little things in life while casting everything that weighs me down on the shoulders of the One who created this world that we live in.
I highly recommend that you find somewhere that you can go to to be refreshed, somewhere away from your hectic schedule where you can feel the breeze or watch the light cast shadows on the leaves making them look like they are dancing. Watch the birds, watch a crazy squirrel. I'm not talking about a wilderness vacation, mind you. I am talking about sitting on your porch or deck or walking in a local park or even just gazing out a window. It is the littlest things and the simplest things in life that can touch you the most and give you clarity.

Psa 96:12 Let the field be joyful, and all that is in it; then the trees of the forest shall rejoice

Let The "Fall-ification" Begin...

A few months ago I bought some flickering candle Christmas lights with a 40 percent off coupon at Hobby Lobby. I had in mind to put them in our non-working fireplace and then layer twigs around them to give the illusion of a burning fire. And if you're not standing really close, it actually looks kinda real!
I am looking forward to a wonderful and cozy Autumn season this year. Today, Ray went into the scary attic and found my Fall decorations, so you better watch out if you are anywhere near my front porch tomorrow. Foliage (albeit fake) will fly, scarecrows will dance, and crows will "caw, caw", my friends.
You see my daughters and some good friends have been on a cruise out of Tampa this past week and Monday they are coming home along with Christina and Kavi! (oldest daughter and my grandson in case you don't know)! Monday is my birthday and this will be the first time in three years that we will be with each other on that day...and...Ray's birthday is Thursday!
So, happy decorating shall commence! Happy Fall Y'all!

soon...

Summer is giving one last hurrah before handing the reins over to Fall. I won't miss you Summer, cool mornings and golden afternoons await me along with the handiwork of God among the leaves. Vibrant red, cheerful yellow and rusty orange...

sunlight glistening through the trees at Noccallula Falls yesterday morning

the falls are gushing after tropical depression Lee passed through this area last weekend

hello old friend!

the old girl at the farmyard

Yesterday morning was the start of my cooler weather walks at Noccallula Falls Park , and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Oh how I love the trails there as they weave through the woods, gardens, past the waterfall, the deer habitat which had several new fawns, the farmyard with the donkey, llama, chickens, roosters, sheep, and goats, and the covered bridge that crosses a bubbling brook. A nice cool breeze, hearing the leaves rustle, birds flurrying, squirrels scurrying, butterflies visiting the last blooms of summer. Need I say more?
It is a short season since the park closes after Halloween so I plan to utilize it as much as possible. I guess I need to send my "dear John" letter to the YMCA to cancel my membership there!

Ulyana Sergeenko, Russian Fashion Designer

Source: treee.tumblr.com via Darlene on Pinterest

Source: google.com via Jennifer on Pinterest

Source: google.com via Darlene on Pinterest

Source: google.com via Darlene on Pinterest

Source: google.com via Darlene on Pinterest

Source: google.com via Darlene on Pinterest

Source: google.com via Darlene on Pinterest

Makes me proud of my Russian heritage and makes me want to wear a babushka!!

first neighborhood walk this season

there are still some flowering shrubs in the neighborhood

oh, and here are the completed mushrooms, the shorter ones with white stems are the clay ones I made, the taller ones are the paper bag ones I made from this super easy tutorial

a tree fell over across the street from us the other day and the city is finally taking care of it

This morning was cloudy, gloomy and in the low 60s when I left my house for the first outdoor walk of the season. As you may know, I have been holed up inside during the sweltering summer with my trusty exercise bike, dreaming of the cooler days to come when I could reacquaint myself with the outside world. There was a lot of debris and a few fallen trees along my route due to tropical storm Lee, but in spite of the grey weather and disheveled look of things, I enjoyed every minute of it!
It was very quiet though, no scurrying squirrels or fluttering birds. They must have been weary from the heavy rains and winds we had been having and having a slow start to their day.
I hope, wherever you are, that you are experiencing some refreshing changes in your life,whether it is through the weather or some other means!

anticipation

I can't explain to you the feelings of joy I have when Fall approaches.
A cool breeze on the front porch,
sipping coffee, watching the crazy squirrels leap among the tree branches as they hoard the pecans for winter

thinking of the happiest season to come,
while visions of pumpkin spice everything
tea with ginger and cream
and family gatherings dance in my head.

mushrooms on my mind

click here for tutorial to make mushrooms from a paper bag!

I made the ones above from air dry clay
I will be painting them after they dry!

For over a month now I have been thinking about making some clay or paper mache mushrooms. I know, the weirdest things run through this brain!

I actually, finally made some clay ones this morning out of air dry clay I purchased from Hobby Lobby with my 40percent off coupon. Then I saw this tutorial for paper bag mushrooms and was quite intrigued to see how they would turn out. Well, I did it and it was incredibly easy!
If you have a fall party coming up or a woodland forest theme one, this is a great and inexpensive way to add some earthy decor! I will post some pictures of my clay and paper bag ones after they are completed!
top of the mushroom to ya!

Fall Fashion Dreamin

Oh, I love the colors, shape and pattern of this dress along with the cute ankle boots. Sophisticated but not stuffy!

This Fall I really want to get a pair of ankle boots that have a small heal (not totally flat) and can be worn with dresses. Similar to the two pictures above.

Of course I love the vintage look and shape of these dresses

Now this is a dress which makes me drool. I love the shape, the colors, the bag, the ankle boots! A perfect retro yet modern look!

sweet September

ahh, sweet September, the promise that summer will soon end and the days of crisp air and opulent beauty are just around the corner...