Leaf Piles & 30 Little Things

I love waking up to crisp Autumn mornings- the sun shining and the birds chirping melodically. They are  welcomed abundantly with the lovely variety of over ripened fruit from our neighbors neglected trees.We are always blessed this time of year because our window faces the treetops of one Asian pear and one pomegranate tree. Both are the Mecca for little squirrels, the most vibrantly hued blue birds, and pedestrians. The treetops make a rather captivating set for those little blue birds to dance around on. Leaves, still the deepest shades of green, each surrounded by yellows, reds and browns. Autumn strangulation at its best! And whether it be passer-by-ers whacking aimlessly at a teasing pomegranate or the little creatures eating excitedly, I stand by my window and smile!

Something about this weather makes me want to be outdoors. It is in the air. It's briskness revitalizes my lungs with each breath, energizing my spirit. As we arrive to our park, we are greeted by perfectly raked piles of leaves surrounding big oak, evergreen, magnolia, and maple trees. The playground is empty, not a child in sight, but is full of the  sweet scent of moist wood chips. My little chicken takes off to explore the uninhabited terrain.

 

Seeing her explore on her own reminded me of this post, written five months ago. It is wonderful to see how much her features have changed and how much she has grown. She is just as independent as ever and still loves trying to stick the wood chips through the little holes of the playground.

Seeing Lola stomp through her first pile of leaves was magical. She made it halfway in before realizing she was in knee-deep. But the uncrunched leaves in the center of the pile were worth it. She sorted through to find a couple she could really explore.

Being a mother in Fall is something special. It offers new opportunities to create lasting memories. I want to challenge myself to really zone in on what gives value to my life, the little things, the things that make me rich. I am challenging myself for the thirty days of November to make one picture post a day. Short and sweet, full of these little things.

Expressive

Little Steps

Fall is finally here, and it is wonderful seeing this little one come to life! I'm really enjoying the way she is recognizing sounds, the light rail, birds chirping outside our window, dogs barking, and sirens driving by. She likes her highchair facing outside now so she can bird watch while she eats. Occasionally when one flutters by she shouts, "Bir!" How cute is that?!!

Our short walks to the corner store have turned into not-so-short walks because she is fascinated by crunchy leaves and the rewarding sound they make when stepped on. If you see this little one pacing back and forth outside your window, do not be alarmed. She is not lost nor is she nervously plotting how to convince her mom to make dessert for dinner. She is simply enjoying the sweet melodies of Autumn!

And if you happen to see this little one sitting on your front porch, front step, or stairs, don't worry. Yours is not the only one she's been sitting on. She is simply enjoying the weather, taking it all in!

Happy Fall!

Bring it on, paint!

I always feel like I don't know what I can and can't do with Lola as far as art projects go. I was reading Kelle Hampton's, "October" post and was inspired!

Something beautiful happens when Lola paints. It could be how animated she becomes or the eardrum busting sounds of excitement that come spewing out of her little mouth. Or it could be all of the above, embraced by the sweet arms of innocence.

 Painting with Lola is a hassle, I'm not going to lie. She gets paint everywhere and I have to keep an extra careful eye on Miss Sneaky because she always, always, always tries to eat the paint. It is a challenge for me to let go of the reins and get in the back seat when art time rolls around. But allowing Lola to go wild and explore her  independence with the medium is the only way she will truly grow with confidence. Her painting skills and control with the brush have really improved and she is showing promising signs of being the next Georgia O'Keefe! And in setting her free, something truly magical is bound to happened every time.

 Like I said, Miss Sneaky! 
Yes, I decided to snap the photo rather than stop her.

These are the same big browns she gives me every time it's time to clean up.

After a good coat of varnish and the twist of some green pipe cleaners...the finished product!