Traditions

Holiday season is upon us, ready or not it is time to get busy and celebrate Veteran's Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas to name a few major events of the season. How do you prepare?
Do you decorate for each of the celebrations or does your decor blend the best of each? When do you begin decorating for Christmas? Before or after Thanksgiving?

Each year the struggle between tradition and new ideas grows at our house. The traditionalist states, decoration have set times, colors and themes. Apples in September, Columbus Day, the World Series and Pumpkins in October, Fall leaves, Veteran's Day, Turkeys, Pilgrims and Harvest in November, and Red, Green and Gold command December as the decorations and lights go up on the 1st day of the month. The traditionalist goes yet further with the same meals, foods and activities. The one with new ideas and alternative possibilities asks why not this, why do we do that. Or even proclaims we are doing something different this year, using different colors instead of red, green and gold.

Neither is right or wrong. Traditions have a place, marking the passing of time, and even building a rich memory bank for each one present. I feel there is room for both schools of thought as we prepare for the holidays.

Holidays are to be celebrated and filled with joy, not silent stressed filled rooms. Be open to new ideas, be flexible to new possibilities, create memories but more importantly share love, spread peace, and express joy. Enjoy the feasts!

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© 2018 Carol Lane Fleming

Hurricane Michael

We survived Hurricane Michael's fury! We never lost power which was a blessing! We had tons of rain and wind yet, No Damage which was a miracle!!! So many individuals and families have lost so much in the Hurricanes this Fall, it is difficult to comprehend the destruction and the enormous task of recovery efforts ahead.

Praying for all may your recovery multiply your losses 100 fold! You shall rise from these storms and be stronger and better than before.

God Bless each and every individual throughout this recovery and restoration.

https://whatboxacreativelife.blogspot.com/
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© 2018 Carol Lane Fleming

Tree Frogs

I have been busy in the backyard the last few days preparing the flower beds, transplanting and enjoying the Fall weather as I plan and consider possible changes to include a fire pit and patio. In all of the cleaning and preparations I stumbled upon a visitor, thankfully it was not a snake! Tucked down between the leaves of my Banana Tree was a very large green tree frog, about the size of a small chicken egg. I see green tree frogs occasionally but never this late in the year. Which has me thinking, what other wildlife is lingering and hanging on to the last warm days of the year? It won't be long before we have our first frost and the garden and flowerbeds will have their longer winter's nap.

https://whatboxacreativelife.blogspot.com/
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© 2018 Carol Lane Fleming

Fall is in the Air

The changing of the seasons always brings a rush of creativity in my studio. No matter the season, once the shift begins seemingly out of no where inspiration comes rushing in like a flood. I was prepared for Fall or so I thought. I had cleaned, scrubbed, tossed items that I no longer needed, a deep Spring Cleaning in preparation for Fall, the studio was ready! Boy was I surprised when my seasonal inspiration hit and it wasn't with paint or canvas. It wasn't with fabric and thread. It wasn't in the kitchen creating new Gluten Free recipes.

There I was gathering fresh Apples in the orchard when it hit! Inspired by the shadows dancing in the leaves, by the Goldenrod waving in the wind. I wasn't expecting to be inspired in the garden this Fall, usually late winter or early spring is when I plot and plan new creative adventures for the garden.

This Fall, I will be creating new flowerbeds, planting bulbs, flowering shrubs and some trees. Placing bird feeders and new birdbaths along the trails so that in winter I will be able to enjoy the flight of color in a cold barren winter garden. Checking my supply list and soon headed out to the Garden Center. I will be the one digging and transplanting, adding bulbs enjoying the lingering days of Fall. Bonfires, football and all things pumpkin. Happy Fall Y'all!

https://whatboxacreativelife.blogspot.com/
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© 2017 Carol Lane Fleming

The Return of Football

By now many school districts have been in session, the daily school routines set in place and the journey into the Academic year is underway. Labor Day has marked the end of summer and the time has come to turn or attention to all things Fall. Quickly list your Fall traditions, the moments you cherish and celebrations you look forward to each year.

My Fall list in random order: tracking hurricanes, Columbus Day, back to school, candy apples, pumpkins, Pilgrims, raking leaves, goldenrod, cooler temperatures, bonfires, planting a fall garden, scarecrows, family reunions, fishing trips, Veteran's Day, reading late into the night, World Series, the first frost, woolly worms, migrating birds, homecoming parades, Thanksgiving, bulky sweaters, hearty stews and bowls of soup. And then there is Football.

Friday night community gatherings to cheer on the local high school teams! Saturday game days between college rivals. Cheers and tears shared between players and fans. Tailgating, team colors,  touchdowns, the makings of memories. Football.

What are your team's colors?

https://whatboxacreativelife.blogspot.com/
#HiddenInYourheART
© 2017 Carol Lane Fleming