Hello, Autumn

It's officially fall!

It's finally cooling down in these last few days. 

I am so ready for fall weather, treats, decor, patterns, colors, and holidays. 

Is autumn knocking on your door?

~Jess

Sheri's Thoughts - Compassion

I was talking with a friend recently, and we both agreed that people in the world today are lacking compassion.  We talked about it, and she told me what she thought and I told her what I thought, and it was good to share my insight with a like-minded spirit.  I don't know why some people don't have compassion.  The only two reasons I can come up with is that they are suffering in their own way, and have had so many difficulties that they are just too weary and broken to have a lot of compassion for others.  Or, maybe they haven't had difficult times at all, and compassion is just unfamiliar to them.  I simply don't understand it cause I've had many many (did I say many?) crushing moments, but still find compassion for those that are hurting.  I'm not saying everyone lacks compassion - there are people at my church who I see every week who have warm and caring hearts.  But it's just that I see a lot more out there in the world without mercy.  If I see someone treating another without compassion who is hurting and in pain, it is a disgrace to me.  I even get angry about it.  So, please tell me, dear friends, why do you think the world is lacking compassion?  I'd love to learn from you.   

Here are a few pictures of
this and that.

 

Not sure what cactus this is,
maybe prickly pear?

Mia's first time at Disneyland.

This one loves books now.

 

So many changes lately,
and I think the biggest one is Nel went blonde!
 

 
~Sheri

Old Rolling Pin

I don't know what it is about this time of year that makes me want to bake more goodies.  I think Jess and Nel feel the same way.  Jess recently made some chocolate cupcakes, and Francesca had the best time helping her.

 

I came across this old rolling pin in one of my cupboards.  Remember these?  It belonged to a dear relative who gave it to me many years ago.  I want to eventually pass it along to one of the girls, as they enjoy baking as well.

 

These cookies cutters are so old, and the gingerbread one belonged to my mom.  I've kept it all these years.  They used to have the handle on top to make it easier to cut the cookie dough.

 

 

Speaking of baking, here is Francesca getting into the baking spirit.

 

 

 

 

 

And here she is making pancakes

one morning with Papa.

 

Cookies are made with butter and love.
~Norwegian Proverb

 

 

Have a gentle week.
Have you baked anything lately?

~Sheri

Home

Autumn is coming, and there's nothing like spices filling the air in the kitchen while baking or cooking.

 

 

 

The pot in which I brew my tea

is dented and more than a bit tarnished,

But I still enjoy the tea.

The house I live in

needs a coat of paint and several shingles,

But I sleep well at night.

The body I use to live my life

is wrinkled and slowing down,

But I am alive and I rejoice.

I am not the body in which I live,

I am the life itself.

 

~Mark Otter

 

Oh Yes, I like white pumpkins,
 

 

 

but the orange ones make my heart sing.

 

 

I've always loved lanterns.

Not sure how I will decorate this for Autumn.

 

 

Home is the one place in all this world where hearts are sure of each other.  It is the place of confidence.  It is the place where we tear off that mask of guarded and suspicious coldness which the world forces us to wear in self-defense, and where we pour out the unreserved communications of full and confiding hearts.  It is the spot where expressions of tenderness gush out without any sensation of awkwardness and without any dread of ridicule.

 

~Frederick W. Robertson

 

 

I love home....

especially when little hands are here

coloring with uncle.

 

~Sheri

End Of Summer's Song

Have you ever been pulled in so many directions, that you just wanted to run away and hide?  Well, that's what I did.  I've had so many different things going on lately, and much stuff to take care of, that I just wanted to be in the stillness of nature.  I was missing nature, and nature was missing me.  ; )

 

Sometimes critters can blend in with
 the colors of nature.

 

 

 

 

When I was at the park drinking my coffee, I noticed something high up in the tree next to me.

 

 

I took a closer look,

 

 

and saw this!

I wondered what it was....maybe a caterpillar?  Well, who says a rainbow has to come from the sky?  It made me smile just the same. 

 

 

  I think this is a Black Phoebe.
  She came to visit with me one day.

 

Angel clouds

 

 

These were so pretty, and I thought they were real,
but they're not.
 

 

Cute lawn stake.

 

 

Most of the blossoms have fallen, as Autumn is approaching.

 

 

 

Best honey ever.

 

 

I found this fairy/doll house furniture for the granddaughters.  I think they'll love it.

 

 

 

Yellow love

 

 

I sure won't miss these.  They only come around in the Summers, and they creep me out.

 

 

I liked these wine labels

at Trader Joes.

 

 

This was a cool mural at Starbuck's.
 

 

I went to a wedding recently, and me and Jess wore the same color and didn't know it.  I'm wearing the earrings Francesca gave me.  I do think I will keep these earrings forever.

 

 

I've been seeing signs of Fall already.

 

 

 

 

Window shopping,
and a message for you.
 

 

~Sheri