a thrill of hope, the weary world rejoices.

Hey friends, 

I was walking to work yesterday and I saw a pumpkin laying in the middle of a parking spot on a busy street. Undoubtedly, it was put there by an unruly teenager who was certainly nearby watching with much anticipation for the next car to park and smash it. Kids these days, sheesh. If you know me at all, you know that I love pumpkins and can imagine that seeing this abandoned guy made me a little sad. As I was getting over the sight of the forgotten October mascot I started to think about how quickly things change. 

Just a little while ago the world couldn't have been more excited about fall and pumpkin in its many forms; in muffins, in coffee, in oatmeal, in ice-cream, in pie, in butter, and in mac & cheese (that one was just me). The time came and went just like that and in a few short weeks, the pumpkin frenzy was quickly forgotten and it was all "Christmas is here! Tell your friends." The orange gourds were soon replaced with twinkling lights, decorated trees and sweet songs being sung.  

You see, as much as I love pumpkins and I really, really do, there is something undeniably wonderful about the Christmas season. I wasn't happy to see that pumpkin laying in the road but it reminded me that there is a reason we get excited about giving gifts, decorating our homes, and gathering with our families and he came in the form of a baby. Jesus being born is a pretty big deal. And by pretty big, I mean the biggest. deal. ever. So when we say it's the most wonderful time of the year...really, isn't it? 

Have a great Tuesday! 

Fondly from Portlandia, 

Emily 

time is on a bike.

Hello Monday and hello friends, 

I hope you all found lots of things that made you appreciate the fall season this weekend! Can you believe it is almost the end of October? I feel like time is riding a bike downhill! Pretty soon pilgrims, turkeys and stretchy pants are going to be coming our way and then we'll blink our eyes and have pear trees...with partridges in them!!! My oh my, the holidays are indeed approaching. Swiftly. 

Ok, ok, ok, I'm getting ahead of myself. In an attempt to appreciate the here and now, lets just continue to think of the joyous October season we find ourselves in and let these little orange babies brighten our day. 

Fondly from Portland, 

Emily

ps. If you think all the hype about pumpkins is overrated, I think you are mistaken but you might want to check out this hysterical article about a man who decides that he is going to eat all of the pumpkin things Trader Joe's has to offer...in one day. He is less than impressed. And to think, I suggested doing something like this! 

the happiest season of all.

Is autumn here? Could it be true? Crisp fall air, hot beverages, sweaters, scarves, boots, chili, cornbread, flannel...holy moly, this is great. (!!!) It's possible that I get a little too excited about fall or more specifically, pumpkins. I'm saying it's possible. But I would like to suggest that perhaps it is exactly the right amount of excitement. There will be no judgement here for your lack of enthusiasm during this time of the year but just know that I think you are missing out on something particularly great. 

There are so many reasons to love pumpkins but one reason is because they are orange! On the whole, I think orange is an extremely underrated color. This thought may stem from my aversion to it in college. You see, it was the primary color of the Florida Gators and since they are the opposite of awesome, I guess I figured orange was too. But since college, I have found a new fondness towards the pop of color. Maybe pumpkins are to thank, maybe. Another fabulous reason to fall in love (see what I did there) with this time of year is because of all things you can make with pumpkin. You could most certainly have pumpkin in every meal if your little heart wanted to. (This little heart has considered it). I would suggest this shake for breakfast, this soup for lunch, this mac & cheese for dinner and these delicious little cookies for dessert. Pumpkin all. day. long. Just once, just do it. 

Everybody has their favorite little things about life that they think are totally worth celebrating and for me, one of those things happens to be a round gourd-like character. So my friends, consider this  your warning, there will probably definitely be a surplus of pumpkin pictures around these parts in the next month or so. 

Enjoy this season, buy a pumpkin. 

Fondly from Portland,
Emily

p.s. go seminoles!