I’m completely over Halloween, however I’m still loving the all of the autumn hues.  I’m not quite ready to say goodbye to the warm spice colors of fall, yet I confess I’m definitely getting in the mood for Christmas.  I find myself in a flux, and somewhat in transition.  

It feels wrong to cheat Thanksgiving and jump right into Christmas. Here in America, Thanksgiving deserves its place in the spotlight.  The history, the traditions, the family gatherings, the feast !  Thanksgiving is so heartfelt, so family focused, and so patriotic. 

But I can’t help but be influenced by the beauty of Christmas that is everywhere, especially in magazines and in retail stores.  After all, Christmas is my absolute favorite time of year.  I object to the holiday’s decor coming out in September – that is ridiculous.  However, I do enjoy the glimpse of sparkle of the Christmas season, even in early November.   

When I spied a crimson wreath in the Crate and Barrel holiday catalog, I wanted to make my own version, just not with crimson colors.  Rather, I wanted a wreath in green tones that I could confidently display in November, but also one that would also carry me through until mid December.  So I came up with my own version of a transitional wreath.  Acceptable for November, yet festive enough for December. 

This hydrangea wreath was extremely easy to make.  And mine (hush hush) was less expensive than the Crate + Barrel crimson version. 

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We’re carving up some pumpkins for Halloween and I can’t decide which ones to mimic – these are all so inspirational. 

From Country Living From Martha Stewart

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“Mom?  I found these acorns outside.  Can we pleeeeeeeaase make a squirrel house today ?”

Me: The squirrels don’t really need a house for their acorns.

Mini CG:  “Well, can we make something pretty ?  Today ?  Right now ?  Pleeeeeease ?”

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It’s not often I have the opportunity to get away for a few days, but whenever I do, I am so grateful.  This weekend gave me a chance to breath some mountain air in beautiful Lake Tahoe, on the border of Northern California and Nevada.  There is something about being in the mountains that forces one to appreciate the absolute beauty of nature.  Mountain air can’t help but clear the mind, lift the spirits, and fill the soul. 

Last year, the holidays were hectic for me.  My older brother was serving four months of military duty in Iraq.  So I invited my sister-in-law and her three young children to stay with us in order to distract from the absence felt from a husband overseas serving our country.  It was a very full house, filled with constant activity, but we did happen to make great memories.  This year, I want to approach the holidays in a different way.  I want these next months to be filled with quiet moments and simple pleasures.  This year, I want to slow down. 

The holidays are rapidly approaching, and so is the frenzied pace that seems to accompany the season.  Today, I decided to focus on what I want the holidays to be this year.  I began to create my ‘To Do’ list.  Not a list of mundane tasks, but a list filled with activities that live in the beauty of the moment.  So far, my List includes the following:  Bake something that is mouth-watering delicious.  Carve a fantastic pumpkin with my children.  Set an inviting Thanksgiving table.  Start a new tradition.  Create something stunningly beautiful for the season.  Remember Christmases past.  Have a truly magical moment. 

Today, I was able to check off one of the items from My Seasonal To Do List.

Seasonal Goal #1 – Take a Long Autumn Walk with Family

Our country has so many scenic lakes, and Lake Tahoe is one of them.  We usually visit the lake in winter during the ski season, but this time we enjoyed the beauty of fall.  We had a great hike on Sunday, beginning at the vista of Emerald Bay.   

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