Ahhh...

The arrival of Fall is such a relief in East Texas. Summers here are brutally hot and usually very dry. The leaves won't change for a while yet but...

a little rain + cooler temps = happy me

For I will pour out water on the thirsty land and streams on the dry ground;
 I will pour out My Spirit on your offspring and My blessing on your descendants.
Isaiah 44:3

Also heralding the arrival of Fall... 

Afternoon shadows are longer on the lawn. 

The color orange puts a smile on my face.

Soup and cinnamon-y things are on the menu.
The urge to simplify and get organized is irresistible.

I feel that I simply must knit something.
Outside is the place to be.

What heralds the arrival of Fall in your life?  What makes you say "ahhh..."?

Nesting

My son brought this butterfly to me yesterday.  It's wings were a little tattered and it moved very little as he held it on his hand.  I'm sure we were witnessing this marvelous creature's last few moments of existence.  What a privilege.

A little later he brought this flower to me...It was the last spider lily left blooming.  I'm glad he brought it in.  A big rainstorm moved through last night and this exquisite bloom would have been pummeled.

I sense a theme emerging.  The fading butterfly...The last lily...The world around me is in transition.  Fall is settling in and nature is preparing for winter.  I notice my own thoughts are turning toward my nest, wanting to create a warm and inviting environment where my family will take refuge from the chill of winter.  Time to pull out some soft blankets and make soup!

What do you like to do when the weather turns cool?

The Sun is Shining! The Sun is Shining!

After several (eight, to be exact) days of sopping-wet weather, the sun is finally shining!  I am finding all sorts of unusual things growing in the woods.  (That sounds a little creepy, doesn't it?)  These newly sprouted beauties probably won't last long.  They are already starting to deteriorate.

How about this...whatever it is?  Such gorgeous color and texture.  Look quick before it's gone :)

A few fall leaves are showing up here and there.  In East Texas we tend to have a lot of false starts to Fall.  I'm sure we're still in for some very warm days.

I hope you're enjoying the beauty and color that surrounds you today.  What seasonal changes are you seeing?