I started listing off my weekend in paragraph form, but then, this seemed better to capture the feeling of abundance in this season and this weekend in particular:

Saturday
solitude
a short walk down a
leaf-littered sidewalk
crisp underfoot
to a sunny picnic table
an open bible
a half-filled journal
a stack of questions
and a breeze that tumbled
vibrant red leaves
around the slide and
across the lawn

Back home
Applesauce making
juicy hands (and sore wrists)
stirring a simmering pot of
sweetness and spice
and a shiny new pressure canner
(a birthday gift)
hissing and steaming
And while it cooks

Lesson planning and letter writing
twisting long strings of words
around the frame of a full life
folding them into an envelope
to send over seven hundred miles
to my sister sister

That evening
a mini van to a rodeo
and a top row of bleachers
dust churning below us
at the edge of our seat in appreciation
for the majestic strides of the galloping horses
the powerful kicks of the bulls
and the fine art of lassoing a cow
(perhaps less appreciation for
sequins, drawls, and presidential jokes)

Sunday
early morning drizzle
coffee, prayer, worship
then song singing
playdough making and
treasure hunting with kiddos
with the treasure of Jesus in their hearts

Afternoon drive with the girls
to a pumpkin patch
hillbilly golf and cornhole
(and “tic tac toilet seat for those who dared)
bleating goats and laughing kids
the rumble of a hayride
and chatting in the afternoon sun

Home again
to roast vegetables and
talk homeschooling
then

Potluck
collaborative gathering
bearing a savory celebration of fall
pumpkin, chard, cheese, turnips, bread, wine
and laughter
more laughter
rolling deep and often
into the darkness of evening
with the smell of fall through the window
and finally
goodbyes on the porch
bags of pumpkins, pears, apples
(genuine Wisconsin gown)
swinging in hand

And home
to talk of our house and
chat with Abba
about His plans for this family
and finally
reading time with my husband
snuggled under the covers
Harry Potter and hobbits until bedtime

(Normally this is where I would end with an artsy fall photo –  or, more likely, a whole string of photos – but alas, my camera died a couple weeks ago :-( so for now the word pictures will have to do)