Hey There, Fall!

I had hoped to have some pictures for you today, but those will have to wait until tomorrow. I ran out of natural light today for decent pictures to take place.

Yesterday, while Sean and Sarah were there to cover the building for us, Ryan and I ducked out for a bit to get a little work done on our car. We decided to make a date of it, which was all well and good until the coffee shop closed way early in the day. (Guessing they ran out of staff. There was no sign saying they were closing early.) We wandered around for a bit and ended up back in the car shop playing word crush on Ryan's phone until the car was done.

But while we were out, I noticed the trees have started to turn already. It probably isn't early, but it feels early. The beans in the fields are morphing into yellow and the cornstalks are turning brown. The temps still scream summer, but the breezes, smells, and colors promise fall is lurking around the corner. 

I enjoy fall (as long as I don't think about the winter to follow) so I don't hate its arrival. 

And yesterday, I officially decorated our home for fall. I really haven't had time to seasonally decorate since Christmas, so there was something very soothing about pulling out tubs of things I haven't seen for a year and scattering them around our home. I shared with the building, too, and Sarah worked her magic in the Community Room and foyer to create a beautiful and welcoming display. 

So last night, while a storm blew through outside, I sat on the couch with Phoebe nuzzling next to me, watching the (granted, fake) fire flickering in our little stove. 

I glanced over at the little handmade pumpkin that was gifted to me a few years ago by some creative ladies at a retreat where I spoke. I think often and fondly of that group. They were the first group that ever experienced Ryan serving alongside me, and they made the weekend such a joy for both of us. They arranged for us to have our own private cottage so we could have a getaway of our own. They welcomed us warmly and shared meals with us throughout the weekend. (That place still wins the prize for hands-down best cinnamon roll I've ever had IN MY LIFE.) I remember the women so specifically and always enjoy unpacking that little pumpkin they gave me. 

I strung leaf garlands through our little lighted tree that sits in the corner behind the curve in the couch. I love adding the leaves to it. Makes it seem extra cozy and colorful in here.

I know we still have a while until Thanksgiving, but it's never an inappropriate time to be thankful, so I went ahead and scattered little gratitude signs around the house. I probably could use the reminders more than I want to admit. 

Oh! And we got some mums for outside the building, too. I can't wait until they are in full bloom. I think the yellow will really pop against the blue building. 

So yes, fall is here in full swing, at least in decor. 

Fall coffee drinks to follow - and maybe some pumpkin bread, too. 

Any of you excited about anything in particular this fall?