Waiting

I've been waiting and waiting.

Peering through the blinds.

Drumming my fingers on the kitchen table.

Waiting.

Wishing.

Wondering.

When will it get here?  When will Autumn arrive?  I'm starting to feel a bit like Charlie Brown, ever anticipating the illusive Great Pumpkin.  We're well into October and sweater season has failed to show.  I've been stood up!  Where is Fall?!  Where are leggings and scarves and cups of hot apple cider? Where are misty mornings and crisp, cuddly evenings?
_________________________________________________

Resigned to take matters into my own hands, I attempt to coax the harvest season out of hiding.

A visit to a well-known pumpkin farm seemed to be a grand idea. Alas, I saw farm equipment and decorative gourds aplenty - but no true Autumn.  I abandoned my scarf and peeled off my sweater in a sign of protest.  It must have been near 80 degrees! In October! 

I did, however, enjoy the bounty of colors, the cornfields, the delightful aroma of hay...

I got the feeling that Fall was really trying to greet me.  But I needed more convincing.



I made the above sweet treats for my co-workers (idea via pinterest) to put me in the holiday mood.

And this yummy caramel apple dip is next on my to-do list.  To keep or give away, I'm not sure yet.  But I'm starting to get that cozy warm Autumn feeling...

Ahhh...Eureka! I think I've finally found it!  October 31st and Fall has just arrived in my glass - in the form of an apple cider margarita!  Now this...sip sip sip...was worth waiting for!

Warm holiday and harvest wishes,

Apple Cider Margarita:

1 ounce Grand Marnier

1 ounce gold tequila

5-6 ounces sweet apple cider

orange segments and apple slices

cinnamon + cane sugar + coarse sugar for glass rimming

Add a few spoonfuls of cane sugar, coarse sugar and cinnamon to a plate. Run an orange segment around the edge of the glass, then press into the cinnamon sugar mixture to coat the rim. Add a few orange slices in the bottom of the glass, fill with ice, then add the Grand Marnier, tequila and apple cider and stir to mix. Enjoy!

Every Day Grateful

In my everlasting quest to practice the notion of positive thinking, I have developed a lovely morning ritual.  Before I get out of bed, sometimes even before the alarm goes off, the coffee begins to brew downstairs, or Molly Kittenclaws begins to wail for her breakfast (those often happen simultaneously), I pull the soft covers up to my chin, inhale deeply the scent of daybreak and lavender linen spray, and begin to enumerate my mental list. 

"What will be good about today?" 

I challenge myself to name at least three things -  three positive things about THIS day, three things to look forward to or be grateful for in advance.  Three things that will motivate me to greet the day with optimism. 

Yesterday was Friday and the list was easy:

1) It's Friday.
2) It's payday.
3) It's a minimum day for the students, which means I will have the afternoon to get some papers graded.
4) It's finally cool enough for me to wear my stylish new boots to work.
5) I just had new tires put on my car so I know my commute will be safer.

This morning the list was simple as well:

1) It's Saturday!
2) My sister is coming to visit.
3) The house is already clean.

Granted, the Monday lists are usually a little bit more difficult to formulate, but the process of thinking - from the moment I wake up - of good things, certainly helps to frame my days in a more positive light.  By the time my feet hit the carpet, I have already chosen to be optimistic. And when I take the time to notice, there really IS something good in every day.

Many smiles,