Three Things For Your (Solo) Autumn Picnic

 I am grateful for 

the lessons in this season...

new opportunities to

learn

grow

heal

by

slowing down

being mindful

being present

and

taking in the beauty 

of where I am

(while I am there)

And no matter how mindful I feel I am becoming, 

I am constantly reminded of how much I still miss...

because although I've passed this way many times

it was not until more recently that I discovered

a resting place that I had never noticed

    

so...

I've slowed down

considerably

(again)

grateful

to just sit

and sip

my warm morning beverage

      

I found joy in the simple packing

of only three things...

-a Blanket

-a Beverage

-a Book

What's in your Autumn

picnic basket?

(sharing here today)

Maintaining a "Socially Distant" Mindset

One of the greatest revelations
during the COVID-19 pandemic

(and subsequent quarantine)

was

"You cannot control

other people"

and although

their lifestyles
their practices
their belief systems

may adversely affect you
those things are independently theirs

and even if you are the most careful
some things are beyond your control

so

(unless you are planning to

go completely "off the grid")

you must learn to navigate this world
with the people living in it with you

--------------------------------

Here are some things to consider:

Minimize contact

"If you don't need

to go out, don't!"

1. Find joy in the simple pleasures

found right at home, instead...

-Prepare home cooked meals

-Backyard BBQ's

-Indoor picnics

2. Enjoy time together with...

-Family Game Night

-Movie Night

-Spa Day

3. Stay connected with...

-Virtual meetings/ gatherings

-Drive by and wave parties/parades

-Text, calls, social media platforms

--------------------

Healthy practices

and lifestyle choices

-Wash your hands

and

WEAR YOUR MASK!

-Exercise and take control

of your eating habits

-Pray and meditate, 

and read your Bible

--------------------

Maintain Social

"Distancing"

(and tighten your circle)

because

now is a good time to practice

what you've always known...

Everyone doesn't warrant 

personal physical contact 

(or "access" to you)

Sorry, not sorry!

What is your Fall/Winter mindset?

Exploring Art and Culture (Native American Heritage)

Our exploration of art and culture
has provided the amazing opportunity

to... 

learn about

celebrate

share

our similarities

our differences

our cultures

and November gives us pause
to acknowledge how it all began...

Native American Heritage Month

"Certain things may catch your eye, but

pursue only those that capture the heart"

-Native Proverb

Follow the link to find more

books and resources

Children's books and hands-on activities

will engage even your youngest learners

The Gathering Drum

The leader sounds the gathering drum

strong and steady

to 

summons the tribe

lead the ritual preparation

and initiate storytelling for oral tradition

"Throw me to the wolves and

I will return leading the pack"

-Native Proverb

(find more Art and Culture here)