Snail mail exchange: fall edition.

/

Fall is officially here, and it's time for another snail mail exchange!  Snail mail exchanges #1 and #2 went great ~ I've absolutely loved seeing women across the country {who sometimes don't even know each other} connect through something real and tangible.  And who doesn't love to receive snail mail?!

Here's how it works...

If you decide to participate, I will randomly assign you a snail mail exchange buddy to whom you will send a small, fun snail mail package.  Think handmade, simple, thoughtful.  The point is just sending someone something to make them smile, not spending a ton of money.  And you certainly don't have to make something if you don't feel comfortable with that.  Just think of something YOU would enjoy receiving. 

Ideas:

  • Handwritten notes/cards or encouraging quotes/verses
  • Items from nature
  • Bookmarks
  • Something handmade/sewn/knitted
  • Tea/coffee
  • Simple jewelry
  • Lotion/soaps
  • School supplies :)

We're all unique, so we'll all include different items in our packages. Obviously.   

**But to be fair, just make sure you send MORE than just a note - include at least a few other things.  Put some effort and thought into it - just don't throw it together the day before the deadline, OK?

So, are you in?

Post a comment below and I'll contact you with details (if you don't know me personally, be sure to include your email address).

** UPDATE AS OF 10/24/13: The snail mail exchange is full for this time around, but please post a comment if you'd like to be contacted when we do the next one.  Thanks!

Fall is here. (30 days of thankfulness - day 15)

/

So thankful fall has finally, really come to Dallas.  We're soaking it up!

~ ~ ~

During the month of November, I'm practicing "30 days of thankfulness" - will you join me?  Use your blog, Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram to voice your thankfulness for something every day in November.  My hope is that this daily routine will create in me a heart of thankfulness and gratitude, no matter the day or month or situation.

Free downloads: autumn desktop wallpaper.

/

I had so much fun with the spring desktop wallpaper that I decided to make a few autumn versions.  I took all the color photos at the peak of autumn at Ken Lockwood Gorge in Clinton, NJ.  The last photo is one of my favorites from autumn in New York City - it's a curb in Central Park.

Just click the link below each one for your screen size to download. Enjoy!

1280 x 960 | 1024 x 768 | 800 x 600

1280 x 960 | 1024 x 768 | 800 x 600

1280 x 960 | 1024 x 768 | 800 x 600

1280 x 960 | 1024 x 768 | 800 x 600

Autumn has finally found us!

/

Yesterday we experienced the very first bit of cool air since May. As one of my Facebook friends said so well, "This cool air is like Prozac." 

To start the day, Instagram helped me capture the beginnings of autumn on our walk - oh, how we've missed our daily walks!  But they're back, folks, they back.

A home for all seasons.

/

Here is my home sweet home in Madison, New Jersey, dressed in winter white.  Dad laments that it's T-H-R-E-E degrees there now {the clock at the bank downtown said so}, snow is packed tight, lawns piled high, driveways frozen over.  They're expecting another big storm on Tuesday and likely won't see a tip of grass until spring. 

I do love this little cottage home where I no longer abide but still consider "mine."  It's beautiful in all seasons.  How I miss the azaleas blooming in spring, the deep vibrant green of summer, the kaleidoscoped landscape of fall, and yes, even the blustery winter when the starkness and lack of color expresses its own kind of beauty.