Breathing In Autumn

“At no other time (than autumn) does the earth let itself be inhaled in one smell, the ripe earth; in a smell that is in no way inferior to the smell of the sea, bitter where it borders on taste, and more honeysweet where you feel it touching the first sounds. Containing depth within itself, darkness, something of the grave almost.” - Rainer Maria Rilke

The harvest of our garden is winding down.  I did not plant an Autumn crop as I had wanted to but that is not stopping us from fully experiencing the sweet essence of this time of year.  I was able to get three of these little corn husk kits on the Waldorf Tag Sale group for a good price.  In times past, we have made our own corn husk dolls with husks from corn we used for meals.  The process is the same and fun either which way although I think it is much more worthwhile for the children to see the process from start to finish and how all parts of a crop can be used in its entirety without waste.

There are just so many ways to enjoy this time of year.  My mind fills up daily with so many of them.  Apple picking, pumpkin picking, hayrides, leaf collecting... Oh yes, caramel apples...  

Pumpkin painting (yes - it is a pirate pumpkin that Maia created!)...

And Autumn fires... this past weekend, we were lucky enough to enjoy one with some of our dearest friends. We had a big pot of chili, cornbread, bundled up, enjoyed a few drinks and made s'mores with the children.  Each weekend should be filled with laughter and friends that that.  I'm grateful to have so many wonderful people in my life.

Autumn Leaf Photo Contest

Each month I host a photo contest over on the Little Acorn Learning Facebook Page with a special theme that correlates to the season we are enjoying.  For October, I chose 'Autumn Leaves' this year and I am so pleased that I did.  The submissions have been nothing less than breathtaking and we've had great participation from our online community.  

Today is the last day that we will accept submissions.  The winners of the contest will receive a free e-book of their choice from Little Acorn Learning.  In order to vote for your favorites, all you have to do is click the ones you "like" the best.  Votes will be tallied after today and we will announce the winners on the page.  

Pop on over and take a look at the beautiful colors of autumn our members have shared!  

xoxo

Contentment

"Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos to order, confusion to clarity. It can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home, a stranger into a friend."  ~ Melody Beattie 

It is often hard for me to feel content.  It is something that I have always struggled with and I often find myself feeling as if I am searching or longing for something more than what I already have.  It is never in the form of monetary things.  More often, I feel as if I am missing some human connection or completeness even in the midst of all this beauty in my life.  

It takes slowing down for me to really be able to stop and see how full my life is.  I have to quiet my mind and remind myself that I do not need to fill myself up with more of anything.  That what I need is already  here.  I guess it is the human condition and a goal I have is to try to become more mindful in life, especially in this area.  I am lucky to have friends who are also trying to be more mindful in their lives and we help each other so much.

 As I've said, my gardening experience this year was not perfect.  But it was the best it has been yet for me.  I am proud of my accomplishments so far and I feel as if I have learned a lot this summer.  To garden, you must be patient.  Something that is not easy for me (as you can see from our early picked carrots!).  To garden, you must revere the earth which I do.  To garden, you must fail and try again.  You must accept defeat and learn to embrace the bounty when it comes.  

Our sunflowers have fallen over and are telling us that it is time to seed.  I've not yet done this but we are going to try to harvest our sunflower seeds this year.  From what I understand now that I have cut them from the stalk, I can cover them with a brown paper bag for a month or so until they harden and fall off.  Another adventure and learning experience that I welcome.  

With Michaelmas passed, it reminds me that this time of year is one of death and renewal.  Facing our dragons and moving forward with bravery.  It is my favorite time of the year and I always feel a readiness inside to begin again when Autumn arrives.  

Signs of Autumn

Breathtaking.  My favorite season which needs no words to describe.

And this next photo is what I found on my kitchen counter one day last week.  Little gifts from little girls.