Au-tum-nal [aw-tuhm-nl]

Produced or gathered in Autumn


One thing you won't find in Palm Springs, Ca. ~ Autumn! I'm lovin' the change of seasons in NC, (and, well, the 365 days of SUNSHINE in PS were not too hard to take either...) where it's all about huggy sweaters on crisp fall days. Oh, and pumpkin muffins, and apple cake maybe a little butternut risotto...

Fresh Apple Cake

Whisk 3 eggs until foamy, then add:
1/2 cup canola oil
1 C sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
-Stir, then combine:
2 C flour
2 tsp saigon cinnamon- it's the best!
1/4 tsp kosher salt
1 tsp baking soda
add mixed dry ingredients to egg mixture.
stir just untill mixed, then add 3 cups of diced apple, no skin and 1 cup chopped walnuts. Bake in a bundt pan for 40 - 50 minutes at 350. Cool completely and sprinkle with powdered sugar.

Buon Giorno!

Good Day; Hello!

If you've never tried french press coffee, I highly recommend it. The coffee is smooth, even if you like it strong. And perhaps a side of chocolate croissant...or cupcakes....yummy!

Co-pi-ous [koh-pee-uhs]

"Exhibiting abundance or fullness, as of thoughts or words... Large in quantity or number"

I had to stop and help myself to a few snaps of this beautiful, copious crop of Sunflowers popping up along side the road. Farmer drove by and stopped to tell me to 'go on and take as many of them flowers as you'd like'. Yeah, me! So I did, and even returned a week later for a few more.

Instant sunshine!

Hospitalitizer

You won't find this one on Dictionary.com. Meaning: host/hostess.

As in "you are an excellent hospitalitizer." I think this is too cute, and quite a nice compliment at that! I ran across another word, "possibilitarian", on Kellyraeroberts.blogspot.com. Another fantastic suggestion. Be a possibilitarian. I am afraid I am too optimistic and see all of the possibilities and become stymied by the options available.

But its got to be better than being a pessimissitarian...

Radiant [rey-dee-unat]

"Emitting rays of light; bright with joy/hope"Hubby spotted this beauty fluttering about the garden this morning, enjoying a refreshing little sip from a peppermint blossom. Flitting through the day, doing what needs to be done and apparently very happy to do so.

We should all live in such absolute radiance; wouldn't you agree?!

Abracadabra

Aramaic, meaning: "I will create, as I say"

I learned something new today. This silly-sounding phrase is actually a real word, with a terrific meaning. If we want something to pass, say it out loud and add "Abracadabra"! Who knew?

What could be easier.

Love it!

Per.fec.tion [per-fec-shuh n]

"The highest degree of proficiency, skill or excellence, as in some art."

I adore how some people will just jump into something without knowing much about it. Not me. Nope. He is my approach:


1) think about it.

2) read up on it.

3) think about it some more.

4) ask around.

5) google it.

6) gather all the necessary elements.

7) become bored by it all.

8) move on to another idea.

Just open the door and step outside already!

I've encountered people that I thought were less than perfect at their chosen vocation, but they didn't think so. They just know that they love it! so that is what they do. I am envious of them for just jumping in, stepping outside of their usual reality. I am interested in so many different things that it would be impossible to know everything about everything, to be perfect at each one. So I dabble, a lot. and still, I'm no closer to perfection.

I 've decided to lose perfection, too limiting.

Trust

"Confidence in and reliance on good qualities, especially fairness, truth, honor and ability."

(Click on the photo for a close up. This is on a building in San Francisco, California. Oh, and the bird, its real. Yeah, in the second pic, no bird. Fits in pretty well, don't ya think?)

April 15th...a good day to practice TRUST. It will cost a few bucks to live in the land of the free, (is that an oxymoron?) and I am happy to pay my fair share, as long as I have a little leftover for marshmellows!

Chiv.al.ry [shiv.uh l-ree]

"The sum ideal qualifications of a knight, including courtesy, generosity, valor and dexterity of arms..." I adore the casual chivalry in this pic; that all is right with the world. Sometimes we need to just be and not worry about what the rest of the world is up to...and that is just what the lazy days of summer are all about. It's just around the corner and I can't wait!

Friend [frend]

"Someone attached to another by feelings of affection or personal regard".


During an early morning stroll through my garden I happened upon these two cozy friends, cheek to cheek, basking in the early morning sunshine. Friends, diverse and yet the same in many ways are what make the journey extra special.