Picture Fall: Day 4

"The more you praise and celebrate your life, the more there is in life to celebrate."

-Oprah Winfrey

 

How fitting that yesterday's theme was "early morning"! Although not our usual routine, Rob and I certainly had an early morning. We woke up at 3 am for the opening celebration of the new Greenville REI. We sat in line in front of the store in the cold and the rain, waiting for the 10:00 opening.

It was worth it though because I won a doorprize (free Vibram FiveFingers shoes!), and we each got a free CamelBak waterbottle and $5 REI giftcard.

Although I decided not worth it to go again this morning. Rob and Thomas, however, did.

Picture Fall: Day 3

"Each day comes bearing its own gifts.  Untie the ribbons."

-Ruth Ann Schabacker

Usually we're captivated by what's inside the packaging, today I took a second look at the organic forms of the discarded bubble wrap. [The present from my sister-in-law wasn't bad either :) ]

Picture Fall: Day 2

"O bed! O bed! delicious bed! That heaven upon earth to the weary head."
-Thomas Hood

When I read the Picture Fall prompt first thing this morning, I grieved over all of my comfy and stylish furniture that's still sitting in my house in Georgia. How could I take a photo of our ugly futon couch or our ghetto air mattresses on the floor? I spent two minutes in a pity party for myself and our makeshift living situation. Then I knew it was time to get out of bed... and, I argued with myself... can't I just stay here for a few more minutes?

Whack! I got walloped on my head with a big dose of gratitude... wrapped in the blankets with my head on the pillow, I always feel so cozy, so warm, so safe. Even in the midst of the chaotic and less-than-perfect, I am surrounded by blessings.

What's the last time you realized you were given blessings in disguise?

Picture Fall: Day 1

"Autumn is a second spring when every leaf is a flower."

-Albert Camus

My mom and I are taking the Picture Fall class from Big Picture Classes. I'm looking forward to appreciating this season to the fullest. 

I love the sound of crunchy leaves. Do you also go out of the way to step on the fallen ones?

Almost camping...

"Camping: nature's way of promoting the motel industry."

-Dave Barry

Friday night, Rob got off work early so that we could head up to North Carolina to go camping. After packing up the car (gosh... it takes a lot of gear to go camping!), we were on the road with plenty of time to arrive before the gates closed at 8.

We arrived at the given address about 7:20, only to find a dark and completely empty parking lot. Apparently we were not in the right place. Luckily I had printed out the park maps, so I could direct us to the other campsite. The estimated time of arrival on the GPS was 7:59 pm. However, in the dark and fog, it was not easy to drive fast. We breathed a sigh of relief when we drove through the open gates.

However, due to car trouble (luckily not ours!) and scary weather reports (roads were already being closed due to ice!), we decided to take our camping trip back to Ricky and Heather's house in Hickory. We put up our tents in their basement. With a heater, real bathrooms, and a TV to watch college football, we had ourselves a much more comfortable camping trip.

On Saturday we made the executive decision to play outside, so we headed to a local corn maze. After our lengthy orientation to the maze, it was our turn to get "corn-fused." This was quite a difficult maze, and we were proud of ourselves for making it out in just over an hour and thirty minutes.