Welcome Fall! It is a "little" cooler here in Texas but still not cool enough to actually officially feel like fall. Because I'm having foot surgery and have to be off my feet for a couple weeks, I figured I better get busy decorating for fall so we can enjoy the next few weeks.

I always dread climbing in the attic to bring everything down to decorate. This year I just rummaged through the items and chose my favorite things, making it simpler and less overwhelming. Life around here has been a bit crazy with my husband having surgery a few weeks ago. Trying to make things simpler this year with all "my home" decorating so I have time to spend with my family which is most important.

I placed my favorite "natural" pumpkin on top of my column in my entryway and it always makes me smile each time I walk by it.

I hung my favorite wreath on my newly painted black door!

I had all these wonderful fall colored florals that I purchased last year "on sale" at the end of the season. I placed them around my little fur trees and it really made the front look festive and colorful.

Mr. Scarecrow is in the front yard guarding the house instead of by the pool like last year.

He used to scare me too much while walking by at night, I decided he would be better off in the front where I don't see him regularly.

I adore white pumpkins and am still loving my black and white one that I painted last year.

I had about 3 wreaths that I no longer LOVED so I took them all apart and made this arrangement on my dining room table. I actually like it!

I added the driftwood that we found here, there and everywhere on different camping trips we have taken.

Another 2 pumpkins on top of my fridge paired with my little lamp that I just love.

I added a crow to Mr. Scarecrow!

I had a planter that cracked so I kept the base and it is now makes a great pumpkin stand!

These two mercury glass pumpkins are on top of my new cabinet in my kitchen.

So if you haven't even started decorating for fall, that's okay. Start by stepping out on your front porch and pretend you are a guest visiting your home. Does it look clean (free of cobwebs, etc.) and fresh? If not, give it a good makeover and add a few pumpkins or mums and you will be set.

Now I'm in the mood to make pumpkin bundt cake!

I'll be out for 2 weeks resting up my foot after surgery. I'll be stylin' a large boot for a while!

Ruthie

I know it's not quite fall yet but this Texas weather the last few days has been a reminder that fall is coming!

I absolutely love fall! Maybe it's because I love change or maybe it's because I love the colors, smells and sounds of fall. Everything feels crisp and new. I think God created season's to remind us all that change is good and there is always a new day to start something fresh!

My challenge to you all this fall is to decorate your front door and porch. All it takes is a fresh wreath or some beautiful pumpkins and you transform your house into something inviting for your guests. It's amazing what the small things do to people's spirits. If you are feeling discouraged or overwhelmed this year, try doing something "simple" like changing out your wreath on your front door. (One tip.....if you take it out of the attic, fluff it first and make sure it looks presentable before you just hang it on the door. I've been to many houses where their wreath looks like it's been flattened by an Elephant.) By hanging a wreath, when you check the mail, you will get to enjoy it too. You'll see that it's sometimes the simple things in life that give us joy and lift our spirits.

After you've decorated your front porch, invite a friend over for coffee, light a pumkin or cinnamon candle and enjoy another simple thing......friends. We are all so busy these days we've forgotten that our homes can be our refuge and our friends can be our encouragers.

Just typing from my heart today.

Ruth