autumn – pj,your friend

In our family Halloween also signifies my mother’s birthday. As a kid I remember her getting more face-to-face birthday greetings than I do now via Facebook! All the neighbor kids, and there were bunches, would always remember to give her birthday wishes. It pleased her to no end each and every year. It didn’t matter that she was never taken out to dinner, was never given a party. She wouldn’t have missed those trick-or-treaters for the world.

Two years ago she celebrated her 90^th birthday and we gave her that party! What a joyous occasion that was for her, surrounded by her whole family: two children (one preceded her in death), three grandchildren, various spouses, and (at that time) eight great-grandchildren.

The craft pictured here was one made especially with her in mind but obviously can be used for anyone, any occasion.

We began with a large blue poster board and added green construction paper for the grass. We found a tree online, downloaded, printed and asked the local printer to enlarge it. Then it was traced on brown construction paper and voila!

Leaves were made from scraps of felt. Different shades of green and different shapes were used to signify different stages of the family. The pumpkins (perfect for the season) were used for the great-grandchildren and those who could, added their names and applied to the poster, affixed with Velcro two-sided dots. My dear friend Trisha supervised! The sun (featuring my mother’s picture) and a couple of clouds rounded it out.

It’s a memory my mother is proud to share with you.

pictures courtesy of Deb Roquet

The sun is not rising as early these days and neither are the birds. As I wake up, I wait for the birds to join me and they seem to be snoozing with the sun. But I don’t mind. Now I’m enjoying beautiful sunrises and the leaves are just beginning to turn. I love this time of year. Pretty soon “taking a walk” will be translated “crunching the leaves”. What a lovely sound! Wood burning fireplaces will go into action and fire pits will be used more frequently. What a lovely smell!

And football season is already upon us.

Well, honestly, I don’t need that, not being a football fan. Don’t shoot me if you are! I do have fond memories of football games while in high school – mainly the players, 🙂 along with the camaraderie and just the big social events every Friday night or Saturday. When I entered 7^th grade junior high, my brother was a senior and played the trumpet in the marching band. I took great pride in letting everyone know I was related, not only to an upperclassman but to a band member! As a band member family, my parents supported the boosters and worked in the concession stand. I managed to take “ownership” of that too. But mainly, I just walked as close as I could to the players and tried to make eye contact. 🙂 Sometimes it paid off, although I’m pretty sure I noticed the coach glaring at me on occasion.

That was ions ago.

Now I’m content to be bird-watching with hubby or simply curled up in front of the fire. Long drives to see the changing colors and a trip to a winery are perfect events for this time of year. I’ll be sure to take a jacket.

I’m thankful for the seasons. I’m thankful for the Creator.

God is good.

What’s YOUR favorite season?