Friday Five on Saturday

~ONE~

" Fall has always been my favorite season. The time when

everything bursts with its last beauty, as if nature had been

saving up all year for the grand finale. "

LAUREN DESTEFANO

It's Saturday morning and the sunrise washes tree tops in golden light. When I think about it, it's the slant of the light this time of year that I love the most.

I love all the seasons, but the truth is I love Autumn most of all. Reasons why include: the wondrous beauty of nature in its stunning glory; the garden really looks its best—it takes all season to come into its fulsomeness; that comforting feeling of finding favourites recipes for homemade soups and stews; the sense of wrapping your fingers around a warm mug; brisk air against my face in the mornings; stomping through crunchy leaves; sipping a pumpkin latte.

~TWO~

Just for fun. Beth Moore shared the list below on her Twitter page the other morning. I used to love these kinds of lists found in the old-fashioned ladies magazines of my youth. So I joined in. Share your choices in the comments, if you like....

1. Cashews or almonds? Almonds, but not almond milk. 

2. Driver or passenger? Passenger - it's hard to take in what's interesting or beautiful when one has to keep her eyes on the road.

3. Reading or listening? I prefer reading, unless it's an audio book on a road trip.

4. Dramas or comedies? Upon reflection, I tend to pick dramas more often, even though I love a good comedy. 

5. Sports event or theater? Definitely theater. Thankfully, I married someone who also likes music concerts and art galleries better than sports events. Lucky me.

6. Cake or pie? Pumpkin pie for Thanksgiving; otherwise a slice of cake never goes amiss.

7. Chips or popcorn? Cheetos crunchy cheezies are first, then potato chips, then popcorn.

8. Music or silence? Will not choose - both are necessary to my soul's survival.

9. Mountains or beaches? As a girl, it was beaches. As a young adult, it was mountains. Now it's gardens and parks.

10. Dogs or cats? I love cats, I like dogs.

 

~THREE~

A pot of these pansies has been breaking my heart this week with those deep-seated purple petals. If possible, they are even more intense now than in the summertime, and I cannot get enough of their exquisiteness. I keep going outside to drink in yet another moment.

The garden wanes and these stalwart beauties will soon succumb to the frost. As is my autumn ritual for some years now, I have taken a farewell walkabout in the garden, touching the petals of this flower and that one, thanking them for bringing us so much joy this past summer.

  

~FOUR~

" Is this not the perfect autumn day?

Just the still melancholy that I love—

that makes nature and life harmonize. "

GEORGE ELIOT

The brilliance of autumn colours has peaked in the last week or so. Many trees are now muted in tones of brown sugar and dove grey, the intensity faded. Leaves that once fluttered above my head line the streets in crinkly troughs. Blue jays, spread further afield over the summer, begin to gather nearer to the peanut dishes set in the garden, shrieking their disgust when they are empty. Definitely a sound of autumn - haha.

~FIVE~

" Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good;

his love endures forever. "

PSALMS 106

It's Thanksgiving this weekend here in Canada. No big family gatherings for us as restrictions are in place to help with high active Covid cases. But a little turkey and fresh cranberry sauce, a scoop of mashed potato and a generous helping of stuffing with gravy will certainly go a long way to filling this heart with gratitude and gladness.

 

* * *

Wishing you a beautiful weekend,

Brenda

Photos in this post are mine,

except the last two:

Pumpkin image by hudsoncrafted from Pixabay

Plate image by Matthias Cooper from Pixabay

Hello October: Seasonal Musings and Books

" The end of the summer is not the end

of the world. Here's to October . . . "

A.A. MILNE

There are times when I lament the passing of another month. September was lovely this year, and I am loathe to let it go though I have no choice in the matter. But this morning, I was reminded of why I could look forward to this first day of October. Not only do I get a ripple of pleasure from the small ritual of flipping the calendar page, wondering what shows up next, I also anticipate the arrival of the latest monthly newsletters from two of my favourite authors: Louise Penny and Alexandra Stoddard.

No matter what I'm feeling when I begin, I know that Louise, in the midst of informing readers about her latest writing ventures, often makes me laugh at some witty remark. And while she's reminding herself, she invites her readers to take courage, like Gamache, because life is still full of goodness in the midst of sorrows, tragedies, and pain. And as for dear Alexandra, she remains my long-time inspiration to choose to live life as beautifully as one can, no matter the circumstances. And even as we age, she reminds her readers to 'Be here now' in the moments when they unfold.

These lovely women invariably set the tone for the coming weeks. I didn't realize until this morning how much I look forward to their offerings every month. Their newsletters are posted on their respective websites so you can read them there: click for Louise's and Alexandra's. Or, you can sign up, if you want their missives popping into your inbox each month.

I wrote something from Louise's newsletter into my journal this morning, and I share it with you, for it speaks to me: 'Who knows the blessing of the sun except those who've emerged from the shadows? Who recognizes goodness, longs for goodness? Who is attracted to kindness, except those who have known the other? . . . Life isn't about being fearless, is it? It's about digging deep and finding courage. Finding we are braver than we ever thought possible.'

Virginia Creeper on the side fence

Our autumn kaleidoscope continues to play out scenes of colourful displays. Drives into the countryside have filled our joy tanks to the brim. As I mentioned before, we've had a perfectly lovely September. Oh sure, there have been some blustery, rainy days - and news on the Covid front nearly swamps us with sorrow for the pain of so many. But even as we take time to bear witness to the suffering of others, right dab in the middle of it all, there have been so many sweet moments of exquisite beauty to help lift our shoulders and brighten the path.

Deep drifts of leaves pile up in corners, under trees, in the garden beds, and along driveways and fence lines. Our young six-year-old neighbour was out gathering the colourful leaves one afternoon after school. He was quite ambitious in his quest and created quite the pile for the compost bin. I had to smile in chagrin, though, when I woke the next morning to find his hard work, along with his mom's and toddler sister's, had all been in vain. For there was another dump of leaves overnight from their big tree. As for myself, I am not a raker of leaves—I love the confetti of leaves laying about everywhere. If anyone feels the need to rake, be my guest; as for me, I'm enjoying the variegated bedspread of nature's handiwork.

* * *  

On other news, I'm working on a current family photo album for my mom. She says digital photos are fine, but she can only look at them on her computer. 'Tis true for many amongst us—there is nothing like holding an old-fashioned photo album in our hands while looking at the faces of those we love. Maybe even pressing those pages to our bosom, when getting together in person is still a thing to carefully consider for so many of us.

One novel I'm reading at the moment is an old time favourite: Anne of Windy Poplars by L.M. Montgomery. Set in the autumn and nature's richness described in ways that only LMM can do, Anne writes letters to Gilbert about her experiences as the new Principal of the girls high school in Summerside. Autumn scenes in the book mingle delightfully with the real life setting outside my window and creates a mood that makes me happy.

I am also working my way through the seasonal anthology Autumn with Editor Melissa Harrison. Already a good friend, the pages are penciled and starred with favourite lines. One line from contributor Nick Acheson caught my eye this morning: 'Yet even as winter's dark and cold and damp are presaged by the yellowing, dying vegetation all around, you spot a fresh little violet flower on a chalky bank. An autumn gentian, peeking bravely into bloom as all else fades.'

Made me think of my self-seeded Johnny-jump-ups who create tiny surprises around the garden this late in the season. They are still blooming, if you can believe it!

On that note, it's time to wrap up. I hope you have a beautiful weekend, and I wish you grace and heart's ease as we begin our travels through this new month.

Heart hugs,

Brenda

Today's photos are mine

Five on Friday: Autumn Quotes

"There is something in the nature of tea that leads

us into a world of quiet contemplation of life. "

LIN YUTANG

Nights close in and Autumn's mood edges nearer. Front yards are littered in leaves, and when the wind blows, they skate down the street in sprightly dance. I dig out recipes for hearty soups and stews. I trade my summer reading for literary feasts rich with autumnal scenes and themes, turning my thoughts towards home and hearth, quiet contemplation, and cozy indoor pursuits.  

I searched out photos and quotes that lend themselves to the season and now offer this simple spread of Five on Friday. Hope you enjoy!

 

ONE

"I was drinking in the surroundings:

air so crisp you could snap it with your fingers and

greens in every lush shade imaginable offset

by autumnal flashes of red and yellow."

WENDY DELSOL, Stork

TWO

"Two sounds of autumn are unmistakable...the hurrying 

rustle of crisp leaves blown along the street...by a gusty wind,

and the gabble of a flock of migrating geese."

HAL BORLAND

THREE

"The tints of autumn...a mighty flower garden blossoming

under the spell of the enchanter, frost."

JOHN GREENLEAF WHITTIER

FOUR

"We all grow tired eventually;

it happens to everyone.

Even the sun, at the close of the year,

is no longer a morning person."

JOYCE RACHELLE

FIVE

"...I cannot endure to waste anything so precious

as autumnal sunshine by staying in the house. So I have

spent almost all the daylight hours in the open air."

NATHANIEL HAWTHORNE 

BONUS

"Anyone who thinks fallen leaves are dead

has never watched them dancing on a windy day."

SHIRA TAMIR

* * *

Wishing you a beautiful weekend. Be well, stay safe.

Brenda

Today's photos: from Pixabay

The Daybook: Autumn and Pockets of Time

" Autumn is bold bursts of colour that leap from every

corner of the landscape;  . . .  Autumn is a time for textured

treasure; run your fingers through its landscape. "

LOUISE BAKER, Autumn, An anthology for the changing seasons 

We were away from home for only a few days. When we left it was still green and summery, and when we returned Autumn had taken over the neighbourhood. A few trees were brilliant yellow, and a colourful confetti of leaves scattered across lawns and green spaces. Spared frost thus far, the garden continues to bloom. The Rudbeckia (below) brightens the corners where it stands, and Miss Peace Rose (below) pours out her energy into opening the last of the buds. It is sad to see her season come to an end, but I take solace burying my nose in the petals which are more fragrant now than they were in summer.

from the side yard coming round to the front

It's been a while since I wrote a Daybook post—it seems a perfect time to shake out the insides of one's pockets as we wrap up Summer and let Autumn have her way. I do hope you enjoy September's edition of The Simple Woman's Daybook which is loosely cobbled around the autumn theme and pockets of time, with a gallery of garden photos as it now looks.

  

FOR TODAY

" Build pockets of stillness into your life. "

MARIA POPOVA

Outside my window. . . As I sit at my desk, a blustery wind blows. The Mountain Ash branches, heavy with clusters of red berries, rhythmically bend and weave, toss and sway—my thoughts swirl as I watch.

I've been thinking. . . about pockets. Not pockets on a jacket or a pair of jeans but rather pockets of time and opportunity. It all started a few weeks ago when lovely Facebook friend Sharon mentioned opening her window one early morning to enjoy the air that was still sweet and fresh. It would only be a little while before heat and smoke took over, making it needful for her to firmly close the window. But Sharon reveled in the moment, however short. Her vignette grabbed my heart that day for I completely understood her aesthetic sensitivity—I aim for the same—where we learn to grab hold of those pockets of time, no matter how tiny, and savour what we can of its beauty or pleasantness. A grateful heart won't waste the moment, fretting for something more perfect; it just leans in and appreciates what is.

This leads me in a round about way to the next prompt. My mind starts humming a bit of a tune 𝅘𝅥𝅮 along with just a snatch of words: 'la la la la something-something in your poc-ket'. Eventually the braincells break through cobwebs and I have enough words to do a reasonable google search. Does anyone of a certain age remember this old song by Perry Como. 🠛

I've been listening to. . . Catch A Falling Star which Perry Como recorded in 1957. A catchy tune, I've been humming it ever since I found the lyrics—these are the stanzas I was trying to remember:  

Catch a falling star and put it in your pocket

Never let it fade away

Catch a falling star and put it in your pocket

Save it for a rainy day . . .

For when your troubles start multiplyin' and they just might

It's easy to forget them without tryin'

With just a pocketful of starlight

I am thankful. . . for the lovely day I spent with my mom earlier this week. The day dawned sunny and warm. We shared a simple lunch of sandwiches, a small bag of Lays Classic potato chips, and bread and butter pickles. It was my dad's birthday, he would have turned 92, and together we visited his earthly resting place. We took red roses, his favourite, and then wandered through the quiet rows, sat on a bench in the sunshine, while cows grazed calmly in a field nearby. It was so pleasant and peaceful, our conversation was the same. We wound up the afternoon stopping at Dairy Queen—Dad would have been keen—for chocolate dipped ice cream cones, a treat neither of us have enjoyed for a long time. We savoured every lick as we sat on the sunny patio. It was one of those days that will shimmer in our memory pockets for a long time.

Glorious foliage from a tree down the street

A favourite thing I love about Autumn. . . is the vast contrasts as seen in nature—rows of trees and grassy knolls still green alongside bushes, shrubs, and plants resplendent in brilliant shades of gold, orange, and russet.

I am wearing. . . capri pants with a delphinium blue tee-shirt, a spritz of fragrance, and a dab of coral glossy lipstick.

I am remembering. . . the old Hallmark movie Sarah, Plain and Tall. Sarah Wheaton arrives on the Witting farm for a one-month trial to see if she can make a difference to the widower and his young children. On a trip into town one day, six year old Caleb spies a harmonica in the general store. When Sarah buys and gives it to him, Caleb is thrilled because 'Now I can carry a little music in my pocket'.   

 

I've been watching. . . the Downton Abbey series off and on these past couple of weeks. I planned to watch episodes on my own when the weather got cooler, because I didn't think Rick would be interested. But he was—I think he's glad for a break from garden chores—and so together we've been enjoying the series all over again.

I kind of forgot how well written it is, how funny and wise Lady Violet is, and how full and intense the episodes are. I love the theme music and get a little thrill hearing those first notes. It's easy to get taken up in the lives of the Crawley family, including everyone below stairs. I find myself thinking of them and their problems, even when I'm off doing other things—cheering for Anna and Bates, happy when Lady Mary and Matthew finally get together, feeling sorry for poor dear Edith when she's jilted at the altar. Having visited Highclere Castle a few years ago, I watch the scenes closely to spot things I've seen in person, crowing that I, too, have walked down that grand staircase. 

Self seeded johnny jump ups

I am reading. . . Jann Arden's latest book If I Knew Then, Finding Wisdom in Failure and Power in Aging. She's entertaining and thoughtful as she shares her own discoveries about life and living and what really matters. One thing she mentions that caught my eye was the importance of creative endeavour in every stage of life. She happens to use the same phrase we used in our childhood: "making things". Such pleasant hours we spent making things: doll clothes, games, paper cutout dolls from the Eaton's catalogue, beaded necklaces, embroidered pillow slips, knitted ropes on old spools.

Jann says, "Making things is what childhood is all about. Making things is what life is all about. Making things for yourself is the most glorious d*mn thing on the planet." Oh yes! So I ask the question, what things are you making these days? The other day I made a peach galette (using Jacques Pepin's apple tart recipe), which was dee-licious, and I am making photo books to be given as gifts.

I am learning. . . that it's good to enjoy a moment, a scene, without feeling the need to always take a picture of it. Before our digital world took over, we lived our lives pretty much without taking photos at every turn. We stored our favourite memories in our mental pockets and only took photos on special occasions, like birthdays or Christmas or weddings. But, of course, it's so easy now with our digital cameras, and I do love that I can share daily life moments so easily on social media.

At the same time, after reading a story about a fellow who spent his whole river cruise holiday behind the lens of his video camera filming it, something about that made me stop short. Did he really experience the sights and sounds and flavours of his whole holiday through the tiny eye of his camera? Maybe I'll just relearn to once again be present in the present, live life's moments without always needing to take another photo. At least some of the time.  

In the garden. . . Some things are blooming like there is no tomorrow. Perhaps they know their time is short and are not wasting a moment. Here is a little tour of what it looks like these days:

One morning we came out to find this pretty hand-painted rock

nestled amongst the flowers. We don't know who left it there, or who

the painter is, but we have so enjoyed this sweet gift to us.

 This rose bush (the name slips my mind) struggled all summer, but

now she's blooming full gusto. Love her wedding pink petals.

When the peonies die back, the pink sedum begins to

take their place in the garden. They bloom till freeze-up.

Sharing a link. . . that my friend Sharon passed along to me The Cottage Fairy. These short videos are created by Paola, a young artist who lives with her dog and bunny in the quiet countryside of Washington State. She presents vignettes from her own gentle, creative life and posts them on YouTube. Usually around eight to ten minutes in length, the videos lend a restful, mindful ambiance—-they are well worth visiting!

 A quote on my mind. . .           " There are pockets of time, she thinks,

where every sense rings like a bell,

where the world brims with fleeting grace. "

DOMINIC SMITH, The Last Painting of Sara de Vos

With such a quote within, I really must search out this book by Dominic Smith. I haven't read it, have you? Is the book as lovely as this quote? Standing in my garden or when I'm out for my walks, that's how I often feel. My senses come alive as I take time to smell, touch, hear, see. And, I feel my world brimming with that fleeting grace, making me glad to be alive. Pockets of time and opportunity, that's what we have, isn't it, as we live day by day.  

The scent from the sweet pea posy fills the whole house

Closing thought. . . take a moment to read aloud to yourself. Something you are reading right now. Maybe a line or two from this post that speaks to you. Feel the rhythm, listen to the cadence, roll the words over your tongue. Hold it a moment, tuck it in your memory pocket to savour later...

Perhaps in much the way British poet William Wordsworth once mused about the dancing daffodils he imagined as he lie on his couch of reverie. I understand he wrote his unforgettable poem some years after seeing that great host of yellow. Which means he carried the vision all that time in his memory, and one day he brought it out and found it so thrilling he wrote a poem. If we truly live in our own daffodil moments, the memory of them will return one day to us, and give us pick me up moments, just when we need them. In our upside down world that's filled with suffering and turmoil, I think we need them more than ever.

There, I've emptied my pockets of what I've been thinking about these days. I hope you found something, besides lint, that you can take away.

* * *

Wishing you plummy days filled with autumn's beauty

and big pockets to hold their sweet memories.

Brenda

All Images in this post are mine

September's Fresh Start

"Ah, September! You are the doorway to

the season that awakens my soul..."

PEGGY TONEY HORTON

Right on cue with the turning of the calendar page, the weather changed. The pleasant days of warm sunshine and blue skies turned cool with stirring winds, overcast heavens, and rain. And with it, all thoughts of BBQing and being outdoors fled. Instead we searched for recipes that would warm and comfort...and wrapped our fingers around steaming mugs of coffee or tea. This morning, however, dawned bright with sunshine and the blue skies returned. I thought of the ancient sacred text: 'This is the day the Lord has made, I will rejoice and be glad in it'. Some days when all sorts of pressures bear down, a person has to work harder to be glad for a new day, but this morning brought with it a gift where the joy bubbled easily and without effort. There is something consoling about those kinds of days when the livin' is easier.

I know it's not autumn in many places yet, but it has the feel of it around here. The light slants differently, and the air feels and smells differently too. As one who is eager for Autumn because it's my favourite season, I appreciate the quote by Peggy Horton (above). Perhaps you feel it too—that September is the doorway to the season that awakens your own soul. The hint of cooler mornings and leaves turning golden ignites a frisson of excitement within me—it's undoubtedly rooted in childhood memories of the start of a new school year.  

As a girl, I enjoyed heading off to school in my new clothes, armed with sharpened HB pencils, pristine Hilroy exercise scribblers, and a box filled with Laurentien pencil crayons, Peacock Blue and Hollywood Cerise being among my favourite colours. Sometimes I clutched a bouquet of dahlias to give to my new teacher. Although a little nervous those first days, I still vividly recall the thrill I'd feel when I learned which desk, among the neat rows, would be mine. Not to forget the shivery anticipation as the new readers were handed out and the blackboard stood at the ready for writing out spelling words (I loved spelling). There would also be the secret hope that maybe this new year my exercise scribblers would remain tidier and less dog-eared. Maybe it would be the year, too, when math wasn't so scary, and the boy I secretly liked would hand me the large Valentine's card come February.

" To feel creative, I need plenty of white space,

coffee, and good light. "

NICKI FRANKLIN

It's been decades since I headed off to school on a September morning, but my inner clock still tunes itself to it being the proper time to begin a new year. I celebrate the month by shopping for new notebooks and pens and calendars, and I round up those scattered routines and schedules that had been thrown to the wind in July. I once again begin to muse and dream, thinking about my 'new term' of creative work, feeling the exhilarating tug of renewed motivation, energy, and hopefulness.

" September ! I never tire of turning it over and over in my mind.

It has warmth, depth, and colour. It glows like warm amber. "

PATIENCE STRONG

* * *

Wishing you a beautiful September.

Brenda

 Top image by Brenda @ It's A Beautiful Life

Bottom image by drromie of pixabay