Summer's Lingering Conclusion

"Live in each season as it passes; breathe the air, drink the drink, taste the fruit, and resign yourself to the influences of each. Let them be your only diet drink and your botanical medicine." -- Henry David Thoreau

While taking a walk with Mom tonight, I couldn't deny the fact that the seasons are changing (and despite what the calendar says). In the Pacific Northwest, trees are slightly changing colors, there's a new cool in the air in the morning and evening, and there's that golden light that is cast over everything. Sounds tell me that the seasons are changing too -- just the same every year: I have been hearing sports practice, cheerleaders cheering and the band marching to its own tune. That's one of the joys of living right near a high school all your life; you know when school is out and when it is starting again soon. 

Maybe it's just due to the school year that this change of season is so prominent. There is so much emphasis on the introduction and conclusion of those 9 busy months. There's that sigh of relief and grasp of freedom when its all over and then the butterflies in your stomach when it is about to begin. Summer to Fall is a monumental change in that regard. The start of something new, different and potentially exciting. 

I don't think that the other seasonal changes are any less important. For me, I have a deep love of summer. I am always excited for its arrival. I love it simply for what it is (and what I hope for, being in the PNW doesn't guarantee an ideal summer anymore) -- sunshine, blue sky, fresh produce, farmer's markets, and various outdoor activities. Summer is a big hug and I can't get enough!

I'm trying to appreciate Summer's end and as one wise blogger mentioned last year, this in between period is almost a season to itself. There really is beauty in seeing the earth in a transformative state. Right now we are all on the edge...With that said, here are some pictures I took today:

Beautiful Double Delight roses - my favorite

My happy boy enjoying his catnip! He just loooooves the sunshine. I tell him to soak it up for the winter.

Some of the sounds we hear at home -- football games & practices

Wish the apples on our tree were edible but they sure are pretty to see

My mini pumpkins are quite prolific!

There are some changes in the land and sky as summer is nearing its end. Activities are changing and soon boys and girls will be gathering together in the hallways and classrooms.

Each season has its own joys and beauty but I'll always carry Summer in my heart. Truthfully, I am a bit sad about it ending this year. There was so much going on and lots of heavy emotional situations that I didn't get to appreciate summer as much. Perhaps its my own fault for not taking the time ;-) In any case, I will be more than happy to greet Summer again when she rolls around!

Here's to the seasons ahead -- let's drink them in as Thoreau tell us :)

Lunch Date with a Dear Friend

This afternoon I drove down south a little ways to have lunch at Applebees (our usual spot) with my dear friend, Andrea, from college. We used to meet every month for lunch, but unfortunately haven't been able to be as consistent in the last year or so. I am thankful for any time that we get together especially since they are far and few between these days. Andrea and I had quite a bit to catch up on to say the least! We had so much fun talking and venting about various struggles in the past few months. I'm so glad that Andrea is one of my "bookmark friends" -- you can go for long periods without seeing each other but it is like nothing has changed. Thank you Andrea for being such a wonderful friend! Can't wait to see you again! (also -- I do hope the waitress won't spill dressing on me next time -- crossing my fingers it comes out of my blazer that I haven't ever washed before. What an afternoon!)

The road getting to Applebees was interesting! I got stuck behind a caravan of 6 large tractors moving at snail's pace.  There aren't many places to pass on part of this drive so I just had to deal with it. This is what I get for taking the backroads during the beginning of harvest season! Oh well! On the plus side I got to enjoy the scenery and listen to some good tunes. 

I couldn't pass up the Apple Pie on the dessert menu. Couldn't finish it though -- very sweet.

On the drive back...  The Willamette Valley is beautiful!

So pretty! Also confirms an odd occurrence while driving. See that  SUV (it has a U of O sticker on it)? At one point it turned off near an orchard then I was able to go a bit faster. I happily jugged along with no one in my way and then I caught up with a car.... pretty much the same darn car with the same darn sticker. I am SURE it was a different driver but it made me question my conscious brain. haha Strange coincidence!

Good friends help us to learn how to be like this... :) As always, good advice from Yogi Tea!

Happy Wednesday folks! (go figure it is Wednesday with some Wackiness)

Slowly Coming Back

This has been probably the longest blog breaks I have had in awhile. Unintentional, yes. Ever since the middle of last month until now life has been way up and way down. I have been pretty stressed out, tired and lacking much interest in being on my computer. I feel like I am starting to get things back in order ever so slowly and my desire to blog is resurfacing.

First step today -- checking in with my naturopath. My doctor is wonderful! She looks at an individual holistically and gives good direct advice. The main issue we are working on is my anxiety. It has been something I have struggled with for years -- sometimes it isn't very present and other times it is absolutely miserable. Currently, it is manageable (okay 85% -ish of the time). Anyhow, I asked her about teas that may help to relax me and she gave me a list of herbs to get at an herbal medicine store. I didn't venture over to it this afternoon though (will do it another day). Instead, I went to New Seasons and found some Yogi Tea that might do the trick until I go to the other place.

Mmmm mmmm... I love tea. I think this will help me quite a bit. I enjoy breathing in deeply and smelling all of the delicious herbs. Even better -- taking a sip and savoring it... mmm which herb do I taste now? Tea is such a good way to activate the senses :)

So with that said, I will be back with posts in the near future. I am trying to get organized and get back to me. I plan on doing some catch up -- with garden posts and one or two more life updates. Hope that you are all doing well!