Burning Leaves...

Vintage Autumn Print

November is filled with so many memories. One of my fondest is raking up piles of oak leaves. My sister and I would have fun jumping in the leaves, while grandpa continued to rake under the birch, the crab apple, and the willows, then he would take them, one wheelbarrow load at a time, and roll them out to the burn barrels. I still love the smell of burning leaves during autumn. That aroma is much more rare where I live now, as my little town has grown so large. The fields have been replaced with houses and shopping centers, and there are restrictions on burning in city limits. I may have to toss a couple leaves on the barbecue, and see if the smell still evokes the same feelings.

© 11NOV2014 ajj

Fairies and Imaginings...

The woods are full of fairies;

The sea is full of fish;

The trees are full of golden leaves;

Let's make an autumn wish.

~ Anonymous

Today, I'm thankful for imagination. From my earliest memories, my imagination protected me from some of the harsh realities of my life. It also enabled me to visit exotic locations and have amazing adventures! 

My imagination was, and still is, fueled by books, music, television, and movies. As a young child, books played the largest role. Nancy Drew, Mary Poppins, Lassie, Grimm's Fairy Tales, and a little book published in 1919 called History Stories for Primary Grades. That little history book was where I first read about Joan of Arc, who became one of my heroes. Grimm's Fairy Tales fueled the fantasy side of my daydreams. There were princesses, queens, fairies, and there were children in terrible danger from evil witches or a stepmother.  They managed to somehow overcome and survive the abuse. Imagination helped make me a survivor, and fueled my own creativity.  Spend some time today with your imagination, and delight in the places it can take you!

© 06NOV2014 ajj

November...

This lovely autumn picture is a Jane Berry Hudson illustration.
It was a shared image, courtesy of Bumble Button.

I'm thankful for this beautiful autumn day! November is one of my favorite months of the year, and not just because it's my birth month. It's the beginning of holiday time and brings back so many happy memories! It makes me long to get together with family and friends. There's the coziness of a warm house in contrast to the crisp, fresh air just outside the door. There's the smell of leaves, and sometimes rain. The vibrant colors. The shorter days. Planning for the holidays. I'm loving November!

Welcome November!

It is an absolutely beautiful November day here!  There are still gorgeous leaves on the trees, lovely days and cold nights.  Perfection! While I enjoy the blessings of such a start to November, my heart goes out to those on the East Coast, who have had such devastation in their lives.  So while I give thanks for my blessings, prayers go out to those who are not as fortunate today.

This is a photo of Camel's Back Park in Boise, Idaho, taken by my husband with his cell phone.

What does November mean to you?  For me, it reminds me of happy family times.  The bounty of harvest; the raking and burning of leaves, after jumping in the piles, of course; the coziness of a fire in a fireplace; practicing for the Christmas piano recitals and Sunday School Programs with my lil sis; Grandma's deep dish apple cobbler; my birthday celebrations, with Mom bringing me a Date Nut Cake from the Royal Restaurant... so good;  Thanksgiving meals complete with Turkey and all the trimmings, football, board games, laughter... family.  November is about family.