Octoberfest is Here!

Our lovely hostess Rita of Toltec Jewels is yet again hosting another fun event. This one is the Third Annual Autumn Splendor Blog Hop. We gather and celebrate the "bounty of our harvests" so to speak. 

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Enjoying the great outdoors at Kelly's Island Reserve in Missoula, Montana. 

   

A lovely day spent in Trout Creek Montana.

My Pumpkins...

Andi, My Love-bug 

Donavin, My Monkey

Some of my autumn inspired creations...

 

Hope you enjoyed the visit. Thanks for stopping by. Be sure to see what the other artists have to celebrate. Be good to yourselves. Blessings!

Participating Artisan List

Day 12 of 31 - Switched Out and Turned About

I just realized tonight that probably due to my impending and then swoop down and engulfing illness, my blog entries, though written weren't all submitted and some now would be ridiculous to be published. I published two more yesterday, last night-ish. I will resume in numerical order today being day 12 not 22 of 31. I want to do this and will try and get things back on track. I didn't even notice I had no comments coming in. I am so sick with this pneumonia. Be good to yourselves! 

Day 11 of 31 - The Simple Things

What are the simple things?

To me they are activities that...

feed your soul... 
revitalize your spirit...
give clarity to the mind...
bring joy to the heart...

What are they to you? 

These are some of my simple things, what are yours?

Gleaning Sapphires from Gravel

Cleaning and Admiring Huge Quartz Sample

Slabbing, Cabbing, and Tumbling Rocks 

Beautiful Amethyst Gifted Me

My Flourite Sculpture

                          

Day 10 of 31 - The Pleasure of an Autumn Day in Montana

                 

My hubby treated me to a lovely afternoon hike at the Kelly's Island Reserve, right here in Missoula, Montana. I really consider myself spoiled to live in such a rich land. So full of wonderful beautiful varieties of terrains even here in Missoula. We have woodlands, mountains, marshlands, meadows, the rivers, and oh the wildlife. I consider myself blessed to be able to be so close to untouched lands while still in the midst of modern conveniences. Today we took the afternoon to forget about the modern world and I took pictures, to share with you the beauty still out here.

 

As you see it was a beautiful day. I enjoyed it immensely. It was a day well spent recharging my batteries and gaining inspiration. Best of all I got to to spend time with my best friend.

Day 9 of 31 - Establishing Routine When Life is Everything But...

      

     

Living with chronic illnesses and physical limitations can at times be daunting at best. I plug away at it daily anyway, giving it my best effort. For years now I have been telling myself, "you're above ground taking in air - it's a good day". Some days are better than others in efforts and outcomes but I give my all.

All that aside, setting a routine when life isn't ordinary or conducive to routines can be a challenge to say the least. Routines especially those established for bodily exercise, emotional replenishment, or revitalization of self and spirit are vital, yet at times difficult to maintain. 

We need to take the time to routinely maintain these components of our makeup if we are to function properly. These are things to look for when adding activities to help us with this

•  activities that serve these purposes
•  activities that are inspiring
•  activities that leave us feeling invigorated and wanting more

There is a reason for the last one. We as humans tend to not want to do what is good for us, unless there's something in it for us. Well that feel good feeling, is our reward, our incentive to go back and do it again. 

So take care of yourselves and if nothing else at least maintain a routine for these core things to take care of your greatest assets.

Day 8 of 31 - Working With What You Have...

When you hear working with what you have, what does that mean to you? 

Does it mean working within one's means?  

Frugality is an art form well worth learning

Or is it all about utilizing items in one's surroundings?

 Using household items on hand can save a trip out


Or perhaps it's all about realizing and capitalizing on one's own skill sets?

 




Creating for your own needs and perhaps generating an income as well, it can be fulfilling living and working with what you have. Play around with it, not saying it isn't a challenge. All things worth doing or having usually are. Just suggesting if you haven't given it a thought to give it a try. It is just one small way we can make a difference. 

Whatever it means to you do it and do it well! Be good to yourselves! 
Blessings!

Day 7 of 31 - A Day to Reflect...

I was thinking about what it means 

to reflect, to be a reflection on 

someone. I actually consulted the 

dictionary for differing definitions. 

One that struck me was; to have a 

bearing or influence.


Being a grandmother, Nana, as my 

grandchildren lovingly refer to me,  

I want to be mindful of how I present

myself. Yet, I want my reflection 

to be true to the inner self.


My goal - to have my reflection show 

an unfailing, honest and true image 

of who I am inside. I may not win 

many friends. Those I gain will 

be true. 


Be good to yourselves!

Blessings!