Slowing Down


This morning I'm thinking about how the first week of October is over and I wish for time to slow down, so I can savor this color packed month.  When I was in the kitchen cooking, I glanced out my window and took in the the falling leaves and the sky line that is brighter by each day.  Last weekend was the end of traveling and busy plans which is good because I'm tired!

After catching up on necessary tasks around the house, paperwork that was begging for attention, I have carved out some much needed slowing down time to do whatever my little heart desires. My priorities are knitting, reading and taking the camera outside for some nature observations.  I've written a list of outings that are local that would be fun to do, but aren't critical.

Our meals have shifted slowly this past week.  Gone are the massive salads and we've herald in the first chili of the season.  My mind is spinning with slow cooked warm meals to add to the menu rotation.  Of course there's a list for that :) We've turned on the heat (yay) and Frodo is in a snuggly mood each morning-now I know autumn is upon us.

The pumpkins in the above photo were made by my mom many many years ago.  Beginning in September I decorate the house for fall and pull these out and I'm reminded of her and her creative spirit.

Have a wonderful weekend?  Any plans?

Comments

  1. AnonymousOctober 11, 2013 at 7:29 AM

    I love settling in for fall weather - the coziness of a house in fall - the gorgeous colors. I too am cooking more comfort food - and chili is on the list for this weekend!

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  2. Tracey ~ CloverOctober 11, 2013 at 7:58 AM

    I'm taking it slow here too Karen and trying to notice each and every moment that makes up my day.
    How nice that you have your heat on; I have the windows open this morning, it's cool outside.
    Chili sounds nice for dinner and while we will be 85 today I think I will still make some for the cooler evening.

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  3. DiannaOctober 11, 2013 at 8:00 AM

    I so agree with you about needing the time to slow down. We've had a busy couple of months and this weekend will be the end of needing to do anything out of the ordinary. We are traveling a few hours to visit our daughter, son-in-law and grandson. Once we are back from that I plan to take my time and do a bit of deep cleaning every day (I'm working on the list ~ wink) but there will also be a part of each day to pick up the yarn and the hook, put on some relaxing music and enjoy making the Christmas gifts I'm making! You inspire, my friend!

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  4. Kim October 11, 2013 at 9:12 AM

    Slowing down is so good for the soul. We are celebrating Canadian Thanksgiving this weekend. No big plans as both our families are away. The three of us will spend some time hiking, crafting, gardening and just enjoying our little family.

    Have the most wonderful weekend Karen :)

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  5. Lisa UotinenOctober 11, 2013 at 9:15 AM

    Your plans for slowing down are also my plans, exactly. I need to settle into nature....I wonder why I feel that need more strongly as the season gets cooler and the leaves go away, to be even more aware of nature...

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  6. BonnyOctober 11, 2013 at 9:41 AM

    I'm making our first chili of the season in my crockpot right now, but haven't turned on the heat yet. I like to hold out as long as I can every year, so I'm glad I've got several snuggly Hitchhikers. Maybe I can make it to Nov. 1st!

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  7. debby emadianOctober 11, 2013 at 10:31 AM

    I hope to take it slower too as we've had lots of busy weekends recently. Having said that, weather permitting we have some cutting down of branches and creepers that are threatening to creep up onto the roof tiles...Shades of The Little Shop of Horrors. But the temperature has dropped and the wind is howling so I'm not sure if it'll get done. I want to slow down, finish reading my book and knit my Annabel. I've just made Persian black eyed bean rice with cajun chicken for supper with lots of extra chilli. The days are getting shorter and darker and it's very cosy to be at home in the kitchen.
    Have a lovely cosy weekend with your lovely pumpkin memories.
    debx

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  8. AndeeOctober 11, 2013 at 10:46 AM

    I love your priorities. I think I am going to steal that and make a sign and hang it over my desk "Mommy's Priorities Knitting, Reading & Taking My Camera Outside for Some Nature Observations". Oh if only I didn't work 7 days a week and that was how I could live my life. For the case of bloggerland I am going to pretend that is my real life :)

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  9. Shirley-AnnOctober 11, 2013 at 12:28 PM

    Beautiful post Karen! A real sense of peace came through in your writing. Our heat went last night :o) (yay snugly weather!). This week-end I am taking a page out of your book and tending to the creative desires of my heart! Have a lovely weekend.

    ReplyDelete
  10. stephOctober 11, 2013 at 1:36 PM

    when that first cold snap hits....chili is always on our menu, too!! (it's 80 today, so not yet!!!) enjoy the slow-down!!!

    ReplyDelete
  11. AnkeOctober 11, 2013 at 1:42 PM

    I don't necessarily want to run the heater, but I would be happy if we didn't need the AC anymore. At least the mornings are nice and cool and so are the evenings. :-) We have family coming in for one night and tomorrow we've got volleyball practice for one daughter. Sunday the girls want to to birthday present shopping for Dad. ;-)

    ReplyDelete
  12. JanetOctober 11, 2013 at 5:30 PM

    Thanks for the reminder to breathe deeply and enjoy the season. We've had cool mornings this past week -- perfect for wrapping up in a knit shawl. We're heading to a Fall Craft Fair tomorrow. Enjoy your weekend.

    ReplyDelete
  13. AnonymousOctober 11, 2013 at 7:12 PM

    I try and hold out to the last minute for the heater, one year I made it to Christmas Eve. We have an old three story house and heating it gets expensive. The kids make fun of me because I am always telling them to put another layer on!

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  14. SueOctober 11, 2013 at 8:10 PM

    Those pumpkins caught my eye as soon as I clicked over here. How lovely to have something special made from your mother's hands.

    I hope you get a chance to wear your new cowl this weekend.

    I like your priorities: knitting, reading, nature, local outings, chili--it sounds positively perfect to me. : )

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  15. kathy bOctober 11, 2013 at 9:21 PM

    we played today. Kayaked on little Lake Como. Lots of work shifts ahead for me in the coming days; I got some knit time in on the car ride today. Planning a campfire in the yard sunday :)

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  16. TannaOctober 12, 2013 at 11:32 AM

    I love that you bring out your Mom's pumpkins each fall... there is something so special about her being a part of your life in this way... I deeply appreciate the ties that bind family... one generation to the next.

    Love the yarn and Nae pattern. I'm looking forward to seeing that one finished. blessings ~ tanna
    ps the alpaca cowl looks so soft!

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  17. Annie CholewaOctober 12, 2013 at 3:10 PM

    It's feeling like autumn here too now, but here in the UK we don't generally decorate the house for the season, maybe just a carved pumpkin in the window at Halloween.

    I have lots of lovely plans for this weekend, it's my birthday tomorrow :D

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  18. Mama Gone GreenOctober 13, 2013 at 1:14 PM

    I always want to stop time in October as well.... :)

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  19. Lady CordeliaOctober 13, 2013 at 8:23 PM

    Hi Karen!
    Yes, I feel it too. The shift and the move from salads to cooked greens and smoothies to soups. The Brad makes bean soup, and always enough to feed an army. I end up having to throw half of it away. MEN!
    This weekend is over, can't believe it!
    Hope you are having a great mellow Sunday eve.
    XO

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  20. AnonymousOctober 14, 2013 at 5:47 PM

    Slowing down is good...and yes! Autumn...mmmm...

    Loving your new header :) I love seeing your new blog header pics - they are so pretty and bring a smile to my face :)

    ReplyDelete
  21. flyingjenOctober 14, 2013 at 7:28 PM

    We turned the heat on a few weeks ago. It's funny, in the summer, the big black dog hugs the AC vent. We turned the heat on and the little black cat was practically glued to the same vent but only because it was heated.

    ReplyDelete
  22. UnknownOctober 16, 2013 at 12:09 AM

    Slowing down time sounds so perfect. I love traveling, and this has been a banner year for that, but by the end of the trip I am always ready to sleep in my own bed and always ready to play with with my art supplies again. I am also wondering that October seems to be flying right on by. It has been lovely, though, and I look forward to the more fall-like weather I hope we'll get in November.

    ReplyDelete

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