It’s getting cooler and the leaves are starting to turn, this time of year is no doubt a favorite for many, myself included. I love the golden light early in the morning and at sunset, there’s just something breathtaking in the way the sunlight hits against a flaming red tree. It whispers softly to step outside.
I love the feel of crisp air, and scattered leaves crunching under my footsteps. I once again get a kick out of seeing pet costumes and decorations displayed in stores for the upcoming holidays.
There are quite a few activities that have become a must in my life that I try to incorporate into my routine every year. One of them is visiting our local pumpkin patch. I know it is supposed to be just for kids, but there is something about petting baby goats, playing a little bit of corn hole, sipping hot cider, and seeing a field of pumpkins that just makes me smile, not to mention walking through hay and just taking some time to reconnect with my community. We are often so busy with life that we do not realize that there is a whole other world out there, and slowing down just a bit puts us in touch with our more human side. If you have one in your area, I highly encourage you to plan a trip with your family or just go by yourself for an hour or so.
Another great escape is driving to a pumpkin patch and picking up some real pumpkins to carve for Halloween or set on your porch. You can roast the pumpkin seeds on a baking tray in the oven with some sea salt, and of course, make some delish pumpkin pies with the filling.
If you happen to have a nearby apple orchard, go and pick some apples, you will not regret it, extra points if you have a vineyard, harvest time is the best time of all to do a little wine tasting. This is the peak season for most labels out there. Hint- Try your apple pie with a scoop of ice cream, and top with sherry or bourbon drizzle for a little adult indulgence.
My last activity is one that the entire family can enjoy, how about making smores? If you don’t have an area where you can build a small fire or have an outdoor firepit available, you can even make them in the microwave, just grab graham crackers, marshmallows, and bits of chocolate, layer it up, and in about ten seconds later, enjoy the ooey-gooey goodness. Make some old-fashioned hot cocoa too for a perfect evening.
We stop to smell the roses in the summer, how about stopping to smell pinon and a little green chile stew? The best part of autumn is what you discover on your own and what you put into it. There’s magic in the simple pleasures of golden leaves that seems to calm the soul.
#SimplePleasures, #Lifestyle, #Joy, #WeeklyPrompt, #Autumn, #Change, #Mindset