Pause a Moment.

by Carol

from the Field Gallery, Martha's Vineyard

We have all acknowledged it. The world is getting smaller, the years are going by faster, far away places are getting more similar. You can go to McDonald's in Shanghai, and eat Thai food in Hoboken. 

I'm OK with all that. We are more a part of "the globe" everyday and that helps us appreciate our similarities.(or it should). It helps us to find common purpose.(or it should.) But we do lose a little individuality, a little ethnicity. I hate to see that go.

And now the seasons are shortening. We take down the New Year's decorations and put up hearts for Valentine's Day. We advertise bathing suits in the midst of the March snow. It's to give us more time to shop for things we don't really need. And this time of year, my least favorite thing happens. Christmas decorations are in the stores, our local streets are decorated. I heard a woman interviewed on Election day in North Carolina. She was waiting for the polls to close so that she could transform the town square into Santa's village for the town's Christmas parade and celebration, complete with eggnog.

Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday. No presents to buy, no fancy color-themed clothes (unless you want them.) Just good food, family time and gratitude. So join me, won't you? Put your shopping list aside at least until Black Friday. Help your Mom makes some leaf wreaths. Rip up the bread to stuff the turkey. Make an apple pie. Take a walk outside.

But most of all, make your gratitude list. Make it in your head if not on paper. Look around your table, whether it seats 3 or 40, and think about the souls who share your life. Consider your own traditions. Take in your surroundings. Treasure your time with those you don't see often. And say a little prayer of thank you for all you have been given. Wilferd A. Peterson calls it "Thanksliving" It's a verb. What follows is his list of how to do it. It's a good list.

                                -By living your life triumphantly
                                -By being grateful to all who have helped you
                                -By you doing things for others
                                -By striving to make others happy
                                -By helping to be an inspiration to others
                                -By living each day to the fullest
                                -By using your talents and obligations to be invested for the common good
                                -By facing the challenges of life as a challenge for achievement
                                -By enjoying what you have and sharing it with others

Happy Thanksliving Everyone!

Focus on You

by Terri

So much beauty in the Flicker gallery that it is almost impossible to choose one to feature! But beyond beauty, this photo tells a story. To me it represents the holding on of fall to the very last second before winter sets in, something I’m sure many of us are feeling right now. This image is by Sandra (zinnia2012) from Lausanne, Switzerland. You can see more of her beautiful work on her Photostream here.  Thanks so much, Sandra, for sharing your art with us here at FOL! 

Focus on You

While I was trolling through our Flickr gallery, I noticed that we have over 16,000 photos that have been shared here! I think that deserves a hearty "thank you" to all of you who have so generously shared your treasured photos with us.

Of course, with all the beauty in our gallery, it gets harder each week to pick a featured photo for Focus on You. I believe I could have posted at least a dozen but I finally settled on this one by Daryl Luk. The brilliant fall colors with that pathway leading further into the gorgeous copse of trees drew me in. I wanted to jump right into the photo and take a walk. Be sure to check out Daryl's photostream, it's brilliant!

Thank you, Daryl, for sharing with us at Focusing on Life!

The Front Bumper (with gratefulness)

by Deanna

This is our month where we turn to gratitude for our monthly theme. And since I recently had a minor accident with major costs to my car I am trying very hard to count my blessings instead of counting the dollars and frustrations that go along with dealing with an accident. Honestly it was quite silly, the accident I mean. I was at the Morton Arboretum, camera in hand, where I have spent many hours loving this season with all of its beauty and captivating colors, I had parked my car in a mini parking lot and walked for awhile. When I returned to my car, instead of backing out I decided to just use the parking space as a turnaround. Unfortunately I forgot about those little 3 ft high guard posts shaped like tree stumps, steady, strong, and no give. I proceeded to run right smack into one, hearing a crunch that didn't sound good. I backed up, hearing another more painful crunch, got out of the car to check the front of the car and yup, completely ruined the front bumper with something else hanging down behind the bumper. Not a good look for a car.

OK, what did I get out of this ordeal...bringing gratefulness into this scene? Sometimes I have to stretch to find the good, but 1) no one was hurt (except the car ofcourse) 2) I have paid up insurance (I say "paid up" because one time I actually went 6 months without car insurance simply because I forgot to pay the bill, remember there is no judging here) 3) Everyone I have dealt with ie: insurance company, car repair shop, car rental place has been so kind and considerate and 4) it has compelled me to be more diligent in paying attention to my driving instead of gawking at everything around me and 5) last but certainly not the least I captured beautiful images of this bountiful season thru the lens of my camera.

Sometimes these little bumps in the road (literally) come into your life, but if we stop and think, there is always always something to be grateful for.

My Favorite Season

by Carol

Alright Ms. Hubman - you have inspired me to join you in making lists. And the first one just has to be:

 WHY I LOVE FALL.....

1.  No more New Jersey humidity - Oh my gosh, I can breath again!

2.  Sleeping with the windows open and the blankets piled on.

3.  Complimentary colors in my back yard that literally change every day

4.  Halloween Memories - My daughter was born Nov. 2 - lots of Halloween parties at our house!

5.  Crunchy walks, red fox sightings, leaves moving around me.

6.  Sweaters, sweatpants, warm socks, flannel

7.  Slippers

8.  The first fire of the year - no better smell.

9.  Thanksgiving - no pressure, no presents, just good food, good football, and a family in sweatpants.

10. Boots, Duck shoes and Uggs

11. Stew and soup

12. Wreaths

13. Berries

14. Apple Crumble, Turkey and stuffing

15. Pumpkin Bread, pumpkin doughnuts, pumpkin lattes, pumpkin carving, PUMPKINS!

16. New TV season (and the end of election coverage!)

17. Afghans on the couches.

18. Geese flying in formation-  honk honking as they pass

19. My golden retriever looks even more beautiful in the fall. (It helps human redheads too)

20. The light in my kitchen.

21. Hot apple cider

22. Candles that smell like cinnamon

23. Apple picking, eating, baking

24. Roasted cashews on NYC streets

25. The photography is off-the-charts gorgeous and abundant

I could keep this up all night......

How about you?

Focus On You

by Judy

 'The Golden Days of Fall' theme has given us so many beautiful photos to oooh and ahhh over in our flickr group! Thank you all for sharing your favorite golden photos of fall with us.

Today's Focus On You photo is from Brenda England (BMME on flickr).  She has so much dreamy golden goodness in this photo, I just couldn't resist it!  Brenda, we are so glad that you are sharing your beautiful photos with us! Please be sure to visit her flickr stream where you will see many more glorious photos, and in just a couple of days, be sure to check our Monthly Focus tab at the top of the blog to see what next month's focus will be.  

Politically Correct

by Linda

Let me apologize in advance, sorry to mention the unmentionable. Also I need to apologize because I seem to have had a change of heart regarding all the current chaos that is surrounding the political environment we are now embroiled in.

For most of the past year, I have been, honestly, disgusted with the media, the candidates and all the chatter that this year has placed on social media. It seems this years battle has been especially nasty and too many people are following suit. I tried to look away from things that did not align with my own thinking. But then I asked myself, why was I really doing that? Because this past year has been politically amazing.

what?

(she's crazy!)

I began to think that this year has been unprecedented. I asked myself why was this the case. Well, we have a woman candidate for starters, we have a businessman candidate that defeated every career politician along the way to the nomination which goes to say "anyone can be president". But honestly, no matter who the top 2 candidates were, social media played a huge factor in pretty much every facet of the campaigns of these two. And don't forget about the other candidates that are not prominently featured. There are several.

This has been the most contentious election year I have witnessed in my lifetime. I don't think this was the case in previous elections, at least it was not played out for all to see. Social media has allowed many private details that we would probably not be aware of, to become front and center. I'm sure there have been contentious elections in the past but there was never a way to broadcast that to the entire population before. There was social media for the past few elections but it was still in it's infancy. Not too many on Twitter, no live Tweeting and no Facebook live. I have followed all the current and potential candidates on Twitter and, I must tell you, even when I had to hold my nose and plug my ears, it's been fascinating.   

So, I have reversed my thinking about this whole mess of an election and have to admit, I'm gonna miss it when it's over. I believe many things will change other than who lives in the White House. There is a groundswell coming from the people on both sides of the election, this is going to be the root of change. I also believe that one of the greatest things about this country is we have the power to vote. No matter who you like, get out and vote. Don't think your vote doesn't matter because "well, my candidate's gonna win/lose anyway" because that doesn't matter. You're voice matters and that is what will be heard on November 8. Do it. It's a privilege a lot of people around the world don't have. It's an honor to select the people we want to represent us. It's the Politically Correct thing to do!

And BTW, I early voted! Now I'm going to sit back and watch the final act!

 Did you?

...

Happy Halloween!

Don't get scared! Go vote!

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Fall in the Midwest

by Deanna

I live in the midwest, that can be good news or bad news depending on the time of year, day of the week, or time of day. I am referring to our broad range of weather that can bless us or curse us with its ability to change from hour to hour. Right now we are in that golden time of the year when the leaves begin to turn into their breath-taking colors showing off their reds, golds, yellows, oranges, and purples.  Me and my camera are happy campers right now, but believe me in a couple of weeks we will probably be barren of colors until spring. And, yeah, don't ask me when that is. It's part of the curse of the midwest, sometimes it comes, sometimes not. But right now I am totally enjoying these golden moments.

I am truly blessed with the places very close to my home where I can wander to my heart's content. The Morton Arboretum is but a 10 minute drive and with my membership I can go anytime, The Spring and the Fall are my favorite seasons, each with their own assests. Spring with the fields of daffodils, blue bells, and magnolias and Fall with its glorious colors and late blooming anemones and hydrangeas.

The birds are gathering to begin their flight south and soon we will be void of the colorful robins that grace my yard in the spring and summer. Some (?) winter here, but most migrate south and return in the early spring.

Even the squirrels have been busy gathering and foraging in preparation for winter. The squirrels around here do not hibernate, but stay and live off their reserves with an occasional trip to the bird-feeders that neighbors provide.

My other favorite place to wander is our city's riverwalk. Situated in downtown Naperville, it provides a pleasant gathering place to stroll along the DuPage River enjoying the sights and sounds that surround the area. When I walked there yesterday I ran into an old friend, witnessed an engaged couple having their portraits taken, many dog walkers, and those just taking a leisurely stroll both young and old.

Last week at the arboretum the yellows and golds were coming into their prime, this week along the Riverwalk, the reds are making their appearance.

Even the junipers are producing their red fruit...

Along with all these golds, yellows and reds there is an occasional purple that stands alone. Not your typical fall color but beautiful on its own.

Since we had such a warm September the colors this year are later than normal which is fine with me, just that much more time to enjoy. I hope you are having a colorful fall, if not please enjoy mine.

PS - Go Cubs!!  (the Chicago Cubs have not won the World Series in 108 years) Time for a win!

Autumn Reflections

by Leigh

What comes to mind when you think of Fall?  changing leaves, cooler days, and pumpkin spice everything! There's a cozy feeling and it's not just my oversized sweater and uggs.  As the days get shorter we put on our layers, grab a warm drink and curl up with our loved ones.  Fall always seems to go by quickly.  It seems like a week after we see Halloween costumes in the stores we start seeing Christmas decorations.  This always frustrates me because the rush?  I want to savor fall...enjoy fall...mull around with it for awhile.  

Autumn is a time to become your best self.  There are many things the fall equinox symbolizes...balance, preparation and reflection.  As we leave the warm days of summer behind and head into darker, colder days we will need these three things to get us through until spring returns. 

BALANCE

Balance is a state in which different things occur in equal or proper amounts or have an equal or propers amount of importance.  Balance eases the mind and creates a sense of control.  Balance is comforting.

PREPARATION

Preparation is the action of making ready or being made ready for use or consideration.  In this case, we must mentally prepare ourselves for the darker and shorter days ahead.  Creating positive routines now will help to keep us healthy, strong and happy.

REFLECTION

Reflection is serious thought of consideration. As the hustle and bustle of the holidays is upon us, it's easy to fall into a trap of superficial things.  Now is a time to look back over the year and be proud of what we've accomplished and how we can better ourselves.  It's not a time to focus on what we lack, but build on what we have and be grateful.

Enjoy this beautiful season of Autumn and see how it affects you.

Focus on You!

This weeks fantastic Focus on You find is this beautiful picture by Janice Johnson. (stop by her photo stream and share a little love!)

I think this image not only conveys the beauty of fall but also send the message that it's ok to be different. As a matter of fact, it's not only ok, it's beautiful!

Thank you Janice for including this lovely image in our gallery!

Thank you to everyone who is sharing such golden colors of the season in our gallery!

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Fall Containers

by Leigh

One of my favorite things to do in the fall is to plant containers.  There aren't nearly as many choices in the fall as there are in the spring which can make it a challenge.  But my favorite go to plants are Boxwood, Spruces or Yews as a nice evergreen with colorful Mums, Asters, Dianthus and Pansies for a pop of color.  I also like to add in ornamental Kale or Cabbage for some texture and some English Ivy to spill over the side.

A good rule of thumb when planting containers is to have a thriller, a filler and a spiller.  In this case the Dwarf Alberta Spruce is the tall thriller, the flowers & Kale are the fillers and the Ivy is the spiller.

One of my best tips is to use hanging baskets when available.  They are usually very full and an instant WOW factor! And when you plant your containers be sure to pack them in tight...you don't want to wait until the end of the season for them to grow in and look full.  Be sure to feed them with a good multipurpose fertilizer and keep them watered in well. The goal is instant gratification when it comes to pots!  

Wandering

by Leigh

I stumbled across an unfamiliar word the other day....solivagant.  Have you ever heard it before?  I don't remember how I came across it, but as soon as I saw the meaning I knew that this was a word to add to my vocabulary.

Solivagant: rambling alone; marked by solitary wandering

It really resonated with me.  About once a week I find a need to escape the hustle and bustle of my day and wander alone.  Sometimes I stop at a local nature preserve located in the middle of the city off a busy turnpike.  As soon as my feet hit that trail I feel protected by the tree canopies.  It's just me....by myself...well not quite alone, nature is there with me.  

Sometimes my wanderings are just quick trips....enough time to de-stress and unwind for a moment. Other days I get lost in my wanderings and time slips away.  Before I know it I have wandered for hours.  

The first day of fall was last week and I felt like it was an occasion that needed to be marked in some way.  I ventured downtown to the Myriad Botanical Gardens.  It's still been pretty hot in Oklahoma, but this particular morning there was a cool breeze and low humidity.  Even though downtown was busy during the rush hour of morning, the gardens were calm and still.  As I wandered alone through the gardens I realized that I was in the middle of a very concentrated area of people in downtown OKC, yet I felt alone.  Just me, my thoughts, the monarchs and bees buzzing past me and the sounds of cars in the distance.  It was extremely peaceful.  

I took time to engage all my senses fully.  I stopped and sat by a small pond and felt like I was in a trance watching the ripples on the water.  This solitary wandering is what I need to connect to myself.

Do you find yourself wandering alone sometimes?  Is there a place that you go to where you can be alone and just feel lost in nature?  Now you know there is a word for that...solivagant.