We were hanging out on the porch for awhile last night, listening to whatever was buzzing and chirping in the woods just a few feet away, the steady whir of weekend traffic in the distance as the sun made its lazy departure in the west while the summer folk poured onto the Lower Cape.
All was calm, our feet up, our eyes half closed as we reviewed the week coming to a close and started mapping out the week ahead.
I mentioned to my husband that there were FALL decorating posts coming out and I couldn't believe it! Because summer has been so wonky and strange, it seems like the season of shorts and flip flops and ice cream runs has just begun instead of beginning to head out the door.
Tell me I'm not the only one.
Truth be told, I have absolutely no interest in fall's arrival with all the churn about school logistics that most certainly affects our families in a myriad of serious ways. Not a week goes by without some sort of mandate or guideline change, assuring us again that much remains unknown and uncertain.
And wasn't summer was such a long time coming after an endless brutal winter and a non-existent spring? I'm still pulling together the vintage brick edging around the random gardens. Making iced tea by the gallon. The air conditioner churns away more days than not. And I haven't pulled on a pair of jeans in months.
But as I glanced at the posts in question, there was something about the warmth and homey-ness of inviting images and vignettes that caught my eye and captured my nesting heart.
Just a little bit.
Best Ideas for Fall Decorating
The Ponds Farmhouse
Midcounty Journal
Three Questions to Ask Every August
Myquillyn 'The Nester' Smith
Are you dreaming of autumn's glories? Or are you content right where you find yourself?
Meanwhile, bless your weekend, bless your family, bless your home sweet home ~
Linda
P.S. More On the Porch posts!
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I agree, it feels like summer has been really short this year. Schools started back here last week (a week earlier than normal) and I think all of us were hoping things would be a lot more certain than they are by this stage so it's hard to look ahead too far. I love the photos you shared here!
ReplyDeleteAnd I love that we can share a taste of the weekend even though we're an ocean apart.
DeleteYet our hearts beat close, don't they, friend ...
Thanks for all these pictures Linda! We never made it to the Cape this summer, and our Fall trip in October is looking pretty grim at the moment. Someone said to me, "oh well, you can go next year," and it was an arrow to my heart!
ReplyDeleteYou asked if we were content where we are right now... It is a discipline...in EVERY sense of the word...to turn my thoughts and bring them towards gratitude and captivity to Christ each day. My desire for the Cape is an ache that does not go away, but the Lord has me here in Kansas. So gratitude and trust are the name of the game!
And I include your blog and pics every time 😃!!!!
Allison
Oh Allison, I hear your longing. And yes, contentment can be a hard series of continuous choices we can only make by God's grace.
DeleteI'm glad you've found some comfort here this afternoon. Blessings to you in this sometimes fallow season.
Those watermelon sharks are creativity taken to the next level, Linda. Loved them, and your other photos, too.
ReplyDeleteYes, I always look forward to fall, mainly for the cooler temps and the brilliant colors of the leaves. But I'm also enjoying being in the moment, so I'll take life day by day.
Blessings!
'Day by day and with each passing moment...'
DeleteYour thoughts quickly reminded me of that old hymn, Martha.
Thanks for bring a song to my afternoon!
Autumn is my all-time favorite season, and I am trying to get into it this year, as normal. But, nothing in our world is normal anymore. Praise be to the One Who never changes, regardless what seasons come and go, He is ever the same. So thankful to be trusting in Him through it all! Blessings to you, dear friend.
ReplyDeleteIsn't that the truth, that God never changes like shifting shadows! For so long I have found the greatest assurance that all will be well because His character doesn't shift or get weary. And that He has written the end of the story.
Delete'Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine ...'
I hear you, my friend! And that is saying a lot because fall is my favorite season here in Ohio. We let go of the steamy humidity of the hottest summer days to enjoy sunshine and blue skies, but temps that allow for a great walk any time of the day without a jacket. I see pumpkin spice lattes advertised and I shake my head at that. Our summer (and spring) were so odd in so many ways that I am in no rush to set aside the lazy hazy days of summer.
ReplyDeleteExactly.
DeleteI knew I couldn't be the only one.
I'll occasionally enjoy looking at the inspiring homes, but my feet and heart are firmly planted right in the here and now. And I've learned not to look at more than a couple of days at a time.
He's got this.
I also feel caught in the in-between times. Of course, seasons here aren't that visible and the weather changes are subtle and slow coming. Our granddaugther started school this week - 3 days in the classroom and two virtual. Change has become a season of its own. We're thankful to be here to help them with the transitions as best we can. Thanks for prolonging the best of summer a little longer with your delightful photos.
ReplyDeleteI love that you can be with your family for such a time as this. I have no idea when we'll see our oldest 4 grandkiddos again. And 3 of them are doing 100% virtual learning til February.
DeleteAlmost a year out of school.
I'm not quite sure what to say about it.
God knows.
I am so ready for Autumn to come! It’s been beastly hot and humid this summer. I am back working at a Montessori school which has been open for a summer program since the beginning of July and will be hope for on campus learning in September. I’m ready to move into some kind of normal. I feel as if I already have. And....fall in New England is the best.
ReplyDeleteYep, fall right here in New England is the best!
DeleteAnd I hope your back to school plans work out really well, friend. I am concerned about the impact of our current life on our next generation ... educationally, emotionally, spiritually.
Since we don't have kids in school any longer, we don't have that kind of transitioning. The biggest change the school year brings for us is needing to avoid certain streets during drop-off and pick-up due to traffic jams.
ReplyDeleteBut even when the kids were home, getting ready for school was not the same thing as getting ready for fall since they started moving the start of school up earlier and earlier. Back when school started after Labor Day, it coincided with fall. Not so much any more.
It still feels like summer for any weeks here in TN, so I like to wait until mid-September or later to put up fall decorations. No need to rush summer out the door.
You said it all right here, Barbara--> 'No need to rush summer out the door.'
DeleteI am absolutely with you! Let's enjoy each day the best we are able.
My neighbor has her pumpkins out---IT IS 90 degrees here with 80% humidity. CANNOT quite get the fall feeling yet! Hope truly springs eternal, here in the deep south!
ReplyDeleteYour photos are beautiful! IT IS STILL SUMMER and I drink gallons of tea also!
Blessings!
PUMPKINS?
DeleteNo way!
I'm guessing they're rotting on her front steps in the heat and humidity.
This is Ellen
ReplyDeleteI moved to Florida 2 years ago through a god plan I hadn't planned on ... Though I've always wanted the summer the beach the sunshine ... So god answered that prayer hjs way ... I didn't like fall when it would come around cause I'm a summer girl ... I had luved the cape when I was a kid ... I am a teacher and it's so sad that we're in the predicament we're in ... Please know no teacher wants this ... But there is one law that exists in the education worlds and that is " there's an obligation to safety... We don't have it right now ... I pray every day that it'll return ... Thanks Linda for these posts
Ellen, hi. Every teacher I've spoken with has expressed such a wide variety of thoughts and emotions and deep concerns over where they find themselves, their schools, their students.
DeleteThis is a tough time all the way around. I hope that in the midst of all the educational uncertainty that God will grant you a deep peace.
It's so good to hear from you this weekend ...
Linda, I love your summer photos...creative watermelon, fresh blueberries, red geraniums, a sweet book, and my favorite summer veggie....fresh corn. I am ready for autumn, but I live in the South and by this time the heat and humidity have worn me down.
ReplyDeleteI hear you about the heat and humidity, Pam. We had a run of about 3 - 4 weeks and most of us around here ended up huddling in front of the nearest air conditioner.
DeleteInteresting that your photographs always look cool and crisp, bright and vibrant ... even in the summer weather.
Your work inspires me!
I DO love fall but it's hard to think about it when it's still so hot and humid out. By this time of the year, I'm always ready for a break from our heat and humidity (and it's been brutal this summer)! But I can't even think about fall decorating until late September. Hobby Lobby had their fall decorations out in June this year! That's just wrong! LOL!
ReplyDeleteJUNE?
DeleteNo way!
So strange, this merchandising schedule. Although I've yet to see Christmas stuff yet. But I'm guessing it won't be long ...
Because I get up so early (3:30), I go to bed between 9-9:30. I told Jo the other night (actually I faked crying) that I feel sad. It is dark when we go to bed now instead of us saying, "We are pitiful" because we are going to bed when it is still light out. :) The seasons are a changin'. But you are so right about the short summer and its wonkiness. Maybe Fall will be a bit more normal.
ReplyDeleteWouldn't a 'normal' fall be a refreshing treat?
DeleteOnly God knows ...
My husband is in a rush to place mums on the front porch. I'm still enjoying the Black-eyed Susans and zinnias in the garden! I've negotiated holding off until September 1. : ) Love your photographs! Savor summer as long as you can!
ReplyDeletemmm ... I hadn't even thought of mums yet. And I haven't even seen them around this neck of the woods.
DeleteI'm guessing you guys are marrying mums, the black-eyed susans, and zinnias in the most creative way. Enjoy gardening together!
Bless you and your family, sweet Linda! I'm content right where I am. I love summer but in Texas the bests blooms happen last! EnJOYing every moment. I know you are too!
ReplyDelete'the bests blooms happen last!'
DeleteJune, that's a keeper ... and you are, too.
;-)
I have to say that, although I do like summer, I much prefer spring ... and FALL is my fave! But if I lived so close to the shore as you, I'd probably want more summer days than fall ones too, Linda! Btw, you must be the most incredible grandma! I will have to remember the watermelon sharks when my grands get old enough (one is still incubating! Lol! Due in Nov.) to come visit! Might be a bit of work, but I know it would be a huge hit! Hugs to you, my friend!
ReplyDeleteI claim no culinary talent! My 15 year old granddaughter is an artistic genius with a watermelon ... and her chocolate chip cookies are second to none! Her older sister (who turns 17 today!) is no slouch in the kitchen, either.
DeleteUnfortunately, those state guidelines are keeping us apart and we had to abandon our plans to celebrate together.
But ...
Right now I'm excited about YOUR new little one's soon arrival! I just know you are a fabulous grandma, girl. Please keep me posted, ok?!
;-)