Decorating with Nature

Have I mentioned yet that fall is my favorite season?  I love bringing nature into the house this time of year.  The rich, deep colors are soothing on the heart.  We have a small, but beautiful oak tree out front and the leaves are on fire.  I cut a few branches for the mantle to savor the color a little longer. 

These pumpkins were a gift from a friend.  An artist in Kansas City stuffed velvet and sewed an actual pumpkin stem to the top of them.  They are the perfect gift.

How do you decorate for fall?  Do you bring nature in?

Gratitude Party

Doesn't a party sound fun?  I think so.  Next week I'll be joining Michelle in her gratitude party project. Check out all the details over on her blog. 

I met Michelle at Squam this year and she is such a kind person.  Her smile radiates the room and I've been enjoying getting to know her since I've returned home.

I hope you'll join in.  The dates are November 12-18.

November 4(for) Green Acres Challenge

These monthly challenges are your opportunity to cultivate your own acres. They are designed to challenge your creativity, test your will power, and pull your awareness to the footstep you are leaving behind.

By participating in these challenges and sharing them with others you are spreading the message. Over time, those around us will be making better choices as well. The goal is not to change how you live your life, but rather think about the implications of those choices and tweek them for the best outcome.

NOVEMBER CHALLENGE: GIVE BACK || VOLUNTEER

This entire month is dedicated to gratitude and Thanksgiving. Especially in light of recent events on the east coast, it is more important than ever to be thankful for what we have and give back what we can. Cultivating an community of thanksgiving brings living a 4(for) green acres life full circle. We cannot live on this earth without the love and support of those around us. Family and strangers alike.

This month's challenge has to come from your heart. Find a need in your community, or venture out beyond your boundaries to offer help. Think about adopting a family for the holiday season or volunteer your time at food pantry. During the holidays they get swamped with food for needy families. Consider adopting an elderly person in your neighborhood and spend time with them. Start a community garden by developing an organization team now to start in the spring. There are many ideas that come to mind, but it comes down to what feels right for you and your family.

Have fun with it and post back here what you have planned. It's fun to share with others and it's great to share ideas.

October Chronicle + Thoughts On Why I Blog

WOW. October is already over.  Somehow that doesn't seem possible.  The days are flying by so fast.  Does time only speed up as you age?

This post almost didn't make it, but after much thought I'm going with my gut and posting it.  Recently my blog has come into some controversy. Without going into detail, let's just say it has put me on the fence of continuing to post in this space or giving it up all together.  I struggle with this decision.  For starters, this space is my creative outlet.  I find I'm a healthier and happier person when I can be creative and this blog platform is my accountability partner.  I enjoy sharing with those of you I've met or have yet to meet, and by giving I receive so much insight and inspiration back.  I don't blog to offend anyone.  I don't blog to be negative or complain, although life has certainly thrown it's curve balls and I could be ranting about the injustices, but what would be the point?

Secondly, I truly believe in the power of tribe.  And slowly, I'm coming around to finding mine.  This online space is where we gather, share stories, ideas, and ultimately build relationships with those kindred souls that do not live just down the street.  I feel that ceasing all posting on indigo 26 would stifle the one thing I've been trying so hard to find: friendship.  My heart says that no matter what you do someone will find issue with it, but does that make it worth giving up?  And right now, today, I have to say no.

So here is my chronicle for October.  The events that happened in my life this month that I like to document.  The list that shows you a small glimpse into my world, and showcases my gratitude for the good in my life.  If it offends you, well, that's just not my problem.

• I started the month in Nebraska celebrating with my sister.  She opened her own salon, and she hosted an open house. 
• While there, we attended the Nebraska/Wisconsin game.  It's been YEARS since I've been to a Husker game.  I know if I stated how I really feel about the experience they might revoke my statehood.  
• The driving gods were not with me because I was awarded a speeding ticket in BFE Kansas.  Another first in YEARS.
•  Annie graduated, with honors, from puppy training class.  I finally understand humans' obsessions with dogs.  I get it.  I'm smitten, and this proud mama was very proud of her pup! 
• I started Eileen's {eye} wonder class and have been inspired all month. 
• My mama came for a visit.  It was her annual visit, and this year we decided to keep it low key, which was perfect. 
• We took her to play Top Golf and we went to the Cottonwood Art Festival.  
• cc traveled to Tennessee for a workshop.  While part of me was excited to have a weekend alone without chores or an agenda, I realized how much I would rather have her around.  She fills my life with joy. 
• I finished the Mary Oliver quote I painted that is been in the works for a couple of months.  
• My sister made a major life change, and I've been barreling through the change with her.  On a good note, she purchased a cute little cottage near her salon. 
• Watched a few 5 year old soccer games.  My favorite girls and a few of the neighbor boys.  They have an immense amount of energy.  There has to be a way to tap into that. 
• I've been tapping into fall fare and cooking up pumpkin cinnamon bread, pork roast with apple chutney, and yellow split pea soup.
• My dad was suddenly hospitalized.  While he is ok, it puts life into perspective. 
• I've been sticking to the October 4(for) green acres challenge and I had my yearly physical.  
• I have also been using the energy mists I purchased from Lotus Wei and I'm loving them.  
• The weather has been gorgeous and we've been taking Annie on a lot of walks.  We have a dirt road behind our subdivision that parallels a field and we are able to unleash her and let her run.  
• I played with crayons and made an art project.
• We attended an adult party in our neighborhood.  It was nice getting to know other adult neighbors.  We know so many of the kids, but not adults. 
• We traveled to Topeka, Kansas and then to Kansas City to watch our friend's daughter play in her high school state volleyball tournament.  
• We took Annie with us and in the hotel we were staying at they had a Great Dane convention.  When I told my sister she said Annie could herd all the Clydesdales if they got out of hand.  I laughed so hard. 
• We've been nesting by decorating and rearranging furniture.  We've been here a year now, and we are finally getting a feel for the place.
• We went to see the movie Argo and loved it.  Ben Affleck knows how to pick movies. 
• We watched Moonrise Kingdom at the hotel in Topeka and I can't say that I was impressed. 
• Halloween is huge in our neighborhood so we handed out a lot of candy and seasonal goodies, and had a little campfire in our yard to visit with neighbors.  cc's mom came over and celebrated with us.  
• Finally, my thoughts go out to all those on the East coast affected by Superstorm Sandy.  As it has left NY and NJ devastated in its wake, I cannot fathom the grief so many families must be feeling by having their lives upended and destroyed. 

Happy November!