by Sharon | Aug 28, 2016
Why on earth would I be thinking of fall when it is August and HOT HOT HOT!
Yes, September is on the horizon.
It is so very comfortable in the house. Perfect for reading a good book with a friend.
It’s just when I go outside that I realize how hot it truly is. And it seems we’re quite a ways away from fall . . . but I love fall and it is always good to plan ahead.
Some areas have already started a new school year while others have a bit more summer vacation.
Whatever the season, it’s always good to appreciate what you have and doesn’t hurt to look ahead. I have enjoyed this summer. Even with the triple digit temperatures. Some crafters are still working on Christmas items, others have jumped into Halloween . . . and I’m caught a bit in between. I do want to look at nature and see what kind of cute boxes I can make to give to family and friends who stop by to visit.
I was looking at some fall clip art and got a little motivated to decorate some fry boxes. Then I realized that I like to make boxes that will be saved and cherished by others . . . Yes, I’m a dreamer.
Ray Keim of Haunted Dimensions has a PDF Entry Column box you can make and give to friends and family. I think this would be something they would hang on to . . . Why? Just look at the picture . . . does anything stand out?
Did you read the sign?
Everyone loves having a box that tells everyone to keep out.
Click the image and you’ll be taken to the PDF file. Make up quite a few of these. They are compliments of Ray Keim. He did add some moss to his finished column. You can do the same with some leaves or whatever else you think appropriate to add.
I think a few pumpkins would look nice on top or some miniature books, maybe a skeleton or a pirate’s hat . . . it may be nice to make several “tops” and decorate them for different seasons or holidays. Keeping, basically, with the seasonal weather. A bit of snow and snow flakes on top for winter, maybe some flowers for spring, some seashells for summer . . . or whatever strikes your fancy.
What I like about this box is that you can lift up the top, but no one will know the column is hollow, unless you make a half circle thump hole on the top or the side for easy opening of the “box lid” . . . I would not glue it down . . .
You can fill it with goodies . . . and the person you give this to may want to keep some goodies of their own inside or some treasure of their own. I think teens and the tweens in your household would love this Entry Column. It would look lovely on a desk or on a book shelf . . . even hidden away in a drawer . . . but I would like to display it throughout the year just for fun!
Enjoy!
Sharon
by Sharon | Aug 1, 2016
With the August heat, thinking about fall is refreshing.
I enjoy thinking ahead for fall decorating and I’m even open to Christmas decorating. Now is the perfect time to be looking ahead.
I enjoy the different seasons of the year . . . fall being my absolute favorite. I love thinking about the falling leaves and the pumpkins and that slight nip in the air. The transition from summer to fall is always exciting for me.
When I saw this fall tree, I thought it was perfect. A great project to get started thinking about. Gathering up all kinds of goodies that represent the season to me. Pumpkins, candy corn, ghosts, jack-o-lanterns . . . witches, scarecrows . . . muffin tins, pie tins . . .
I’m sure your tree would be unique. Just as mine may be, too. I don’t think “gingerbread” men cookies, but I’m not one to criticize. I might want more cooking utensils and maybe an old hat and boots . . . a few of my favorite books that represent the season . . .
Such a fall tree could go through the process of the kids starting back to school and then moving into Halloween and moving into Thanksgiving. I wonder if this tree would make the transition into Christmas . . . something worth thinking about.
Fall is a process. It’s a time of harvest . . . so there would be corn and pumpkins along with other fruits and vegetables. There may be scarecrows and black crows . . . maybe a raven . . . skeletons and who knows what represents fall to you.
Fall is an interesting transition period. It seems to be as colorful as spring . . yet in a different way. It offers two celebrations . . . Halloween and Thanksgiving. Both times of pumpkin pie and other sweet treats. Caramel corn, caramel apples . . . dressing up in costumes to run around the neighborhood . . . maybe getting scared by someone coming out of the darkness . . .
We do see school buses and children walking to school carrying books or wearing backpacks. It’s a new school year . . . trying out new recipes of pumpkin bread and pumpkin muffins and apples — baked and put in pies and cakes and cookies.
The trip to the pumpkin farm is always delightful . . . picking out the right pumpkins to carve for Halloween . . . Then picking out your costume . . . and the planning of your own Halloween party . . . or one for the kids . . .
Fall is definitely an exciting time of year.
And during this latter part of summer we’re preparing for the children to get ready for a new school year. Some of you may be planning the last vacation of the summer. Hopefully, you’ll be visiting family and they will be visiting you. It’s fun when all the cousins get together.
Family is wonderful. It’s great to spend time with them . . . Taking a bit of a break from all our busy routine to relax and enjoy the company of family we haven’t seen in awhile. This is usually great for all concerned.
It’s a time to discover that you do have more in common than you once thought. That’s why these times between holidays are important to get together. It can be much more relaxing and casual.
This would also be a great opportunity to collect items for your fall tree . . . things from your summer vacations and things you learned from loved ones. It is all part of you and what these seasons and holidays represent for you and your family. We are definitely a product of our ancestry.
These are just some thoughts.
It’s important to take a moment out of our daily schedules and think about fall and other seasons. It’s also good to observe how others view the season and what the stores stock up on and what may be missing . . .
I’m always looking for things that aren’t usually stocked . . . but they have plenty of other stuff I have no interest in at all. Do you find that, too.
Enjoy your remaining days of summer . . . and recognize how fall is creeping up on us . . .
Thanks for stopping by!
Sharon
by Sharon | Jul 8, 2016
Haddonfield 78
A Ray Keim paper craft free printable from Haunted Dimensions.
I noticed there was a new 3-D building on the website . . . but I wasn’t prepared for: “It is Halloween Night, 1978, in the quiet town of Haddonfield. Trick or Treaters eagerly run from house to house. Until they reach THIS house. HIS house. No treats here!”
Did you get a chill? I certainly did. I couldn’t believe how creeped out I got . . . Maybe I should stop writing my blog during the wee hours of the morning.
This model is 6-3/4 inches in height, 6-3/4 inches wide and 4-1/4 inches deep. For all of you Halloween fans, this may be right up your alley — the Michael Myers house . . .
It is much too creepy for me . . . maybe not for you . . .
I do love Ray Keim’s 3-D Haunted Dimensions paper crafts . . . this one bothers me. I doubt I’ll build it and display it in my house. I do hope you enjoy it and will visit Ray’s website and give him a generous donation.
I’m truly sorry . . . this usually doesn’t affect me like this . . .
Thanks for stopping by!
Sharon
by Sharon | Nov 5, 2015
Isn’t It Wonderful To Wake Up In The Morning Feeling Great!!!
I was cold this morning. Even Lil’ Diva was snuggled in her blanket.
Temps dipped in the night and my temperature outside was 48° F. It was warmer in the house, but time to turn on the heat.
In an earlier blog post I mentioned how the warm weather was tampering with my enthusiasm of the fall holidays. Well, I can now officially say that I feel all full of Thanksgiving. Unless the temperature drops again in the 80’s or 90’s. Our local mountains have received their dusting of snow.
Weather And How We Feel
I don’t know if it’s the media or movies or books or even music that tell us what to expect during certain seasons.
Do we buy into this or is there some internal barometer that is a factor? I suppose it works in different countries who experience different climates. It could be the “norm” of our personal experiences.
I know there will be no snow on the ground in my yard, but I do like seeing it on the mountains. I do like wearing sweaters and sweatshirts or long-sleeved blouses.
I enjoy the warmth and fragrance of a hot cup of coffee or tea in the morning. Also a hot breakfast.
A bowl of soup and a sandwich is a wonderful lunch.
Interesting how weather and food seem to go together.
Hot Beverages To Warm The Soul
Many people throughout the year have to have their morning cup of coffee or tea to start their day.
I find it much more enjoyable during the fall and winter to warm me up. It’s always nice to have something warm before going to bed at night.
I need to buy some coffee and my favorite creamer to go with it.
I’ll continue drinking a lot of water. I’ve heard that hot water without coffee or tea is good for your skin. That’s a little tid bit that’s good to know.
I Hear The Ring-Ting-Jingle of Bells
This may be entirely imaginary, but with the cold temperatures, I’m thinking of Thanksgiving and the ride to Grandmother’s house.
It’s a traditional song that I thoroughly love. Some sing it at Christmas, but I believe it was written for Thanksgiving. Especially the line of “Hurrah for the pumpkin pie!” This I associate with Thanksgiving moreso than Christmas, but we’ve had pumpkin pie for Christmas, too. I think Rockin’ Around The Christmas Tree mentions pumpkin pie in the lyrics.
I can definitely declare I’m thankful for the colder temperatures I’m experiencing this beautiful fall day! And the thoughts of Thanksgiving just around the corner.
My Mood Is Much More Favorable When The Weather Corresponds With The Season
It’s lovely to be in a festive mood.
I love the change of seasons, but when they don’t correspond with the upcoming holiday celebrations, I get in a bit of a funk. I don’t know if this affects you in a similar way — some of you may enjoy to have one season all year round.
I’m not into the extremes of the seasons, but I do appreciate the slight changes. It is invigorating. Makes me want to bake.
I do hope whatever climate you’re experiencing and whatever holiday you’re anticipating brings joy and laughter into your life this glorious day!
Sharon
by Sharon | Nov 2, 2015
Feeling A Bit Lost After Halloween
It’s interesting how the let down of one holiday event drives one forward to another holiday.
I have been anticipating Thanksgiving prior to the Halloween celebration. Then, once Halloween arrived, I was at a loss to proceed forward to Thanksgiving.
I believe the weather has a lot to do with it. We’ve been experiencing warm days — still summer, early fall type of forecasts. The rain, then the wind and the heat . . . now the forecast of rain . . .
I can get into the rain. It seems appropriate for the onset of the Thanksgiving season.
Strange How Thanksgiving Is A Transition Holiday
We’re bombarded with Christmas ads . . . Thanksgiving seems to be the forgotten holiday.
I do enjoy Thanksgiving. It’s a time of reflection for me. A time to get together with family and be very grateful for the love, caring and sharing the holiday provides.
I reflect on all holidays, actually. Thanksgiving seems to have this quality built-in. Yet, it seems to have become a “transition” holiday. A prelude of sorts for Christmas.
In my family, Thanksgiving was celebrated as a major holiday. We would get together for either Thanksgiving or Christmas, rarely both. It seemed to always coincide with work schedules.
This may be true today and also flight schedules and various other factors. The media puts much more focus upon Christmas . . . and all the songs associated with the holiday . . . and the sense that one must be home for Christmas.
For me, the weather makes a big difference in how I feel about the holiday season.
If we can get some rain and maintain colder temperatures, then I’m good to go.
I remember having a warm Thanksgiving and Christmas . . . it just didn’t seem the same. I feel myself with this lackluster feeling.
We did celebrate as usual, but something was entirely different within me. It may have been better for us to celebrate in another location where the temperature was a bit or quite a bit colder.
I don’t know if this is common for most people. Perhaps they just flow with it. I’m happy for them. I need a complete package to completely the embrace the holiday.
My Local Market Has A Sign On The Door “The Turkeys Are Coming”.
It’s our notice to reserve our Thanksgiving turkey.
But, the sign doesn’t amuse me as it once did. Maybe it’s no big deal. Or the weather has me in a funk.
I dislike it when I get this way. I ran an errand and stopped at the park to reflect for awhile. I thought the change of scenery would give me a more positive perspective.
I thought it would be good to get out in nature and perhaps among the population and see if I could catch some of that holiday enthusiasm.
Nope, not there.
Even the clerks in the various stores don’t have that holiday spirit.
Weather Has Much To Do With How We Feel
There has been scientific research that has proven this fact.
I don’t know if they’ve studied weather we’re experiencing with the specific anticipation of a holiday season. I’m doing my own unofficial research and I’ve found sales were down for Halloween and during this transition period before Christmas the stores are relatively empty.
Unofficially, in my area, others are feeling the same lack of enthusiasm as I am.
People involved in various sports and the fans are into their team games. This seems to bridge the gap.
For me when the weather becomes a bit cooler, I’ll get into my stride and get the holiday spirit going full steam ahead.
Thanks for stopping by. Please leave me a comment to let me know your thoughts about the weather and the holidays and whether it affects you or not.
Until next time,
Sharon
by Sharon | Oct 30, 2015
A Windy Night With Gusts Of Wind Banging, Clanging And Going Bump In The Night
Windy days have never been my favorite.
It has been blowing steadily for a couple of days and nights. I hear the train whistle off in the distance. Always a calming sound to me.
Our senses pick up more than we’re completely aware of on a daily basis. We may depend upon one more than the others.
You’ve heard how people with vision problems have a keen sense of hearing. Or those with hearing problems develop better visual acuity.
So do we depend primarily upon sight and hearing? What about the other senses of smell, taste and feel?
Which Of The 5 Senses Do We Need More Than The Others?
Sight and sound seem to be the main ones we’re aware of on a daily basis.
But a great chef depends upon taste and smell and then making their masterpiece pleasing to the eye.
Someone working with clay, wood or other medium may depend upon the feel of it as well as the look of it.
I was thinking our sense of touch is the least used, but as a child we were told repeatedly, “Don’t Touch!!” And many stores have a sign stated the same. So we see something we like and we have to touch it, hold it, and turn it about to examine it thoroughly. We can freely look and hear . . . hummm, what about tasting it?
Do We Taste A Brisk Autumn Day?
We definitely feel it.
We smell it and see the many changes and hear the rustling of the leaves as they dance down the street in the wind. Are we aware of tasting it? Tasting what is in the breeze?
Is would appear that we do . . . and does each season have a taste?
I mean the season itself. Not the food we associate with it . . . but just thinking of it brings to mind tastes. I can taste pumpkin pie without having a piece in front of me. Can you?
The memory works on our senses . . . We associate different people by certain fragrances . . . a fresh mowed lawn, the brink of a rain storm . . . a trip to the mountains, the desert or the beach . . . each plays on our senses in different ways.
Yes, So Many Questions
With answers only you can provide.
It’s all subjective.
We may share some similar feelings, sights, sounds, smells and tastes . . . but they are unique to our likes and experiences. And the triggered memories may be unique as well.
I love the smell of a wood burning fireplace. Another may dislike it. The same as oil burning stoves.
The wind brings many aromas with it . . . some good and some, not too appealing.
And the sound of the wind . . . could be interesting to some and frightening to others. The same with rain, thunder and lightning.
Certain music is appealing to many as well as appalling to many others. The same is true regarding different food. Our senses do play a role in many of our decisions of what to listen to, what to watch, what to eat and even where to live.
It does make me wonder if we’re using primarily only our five senses . . . or is a sixth sense at play as well . . . ever so slightly . . .
Thanks for stopping by! Hopefully, I’ve given you some food for thought.
Sharon
