Blissful Friday...

We went to the beautiful Minnesota Landscape Arboretum today and got lost in the bliss puffs of the dhalia's in full bloom. It was a wonderful end to a trying week. Seems like I've heard from so many people that this week was a rough one between parents and children. I'm sure it has a lot to do with the new school year starting, new schedules and all the adjusting that entails. I got into a major funk, which is absolutely no fun. However, it does always make me re-evaluate things and check in to see if I'm living my best life. There will be some adjustments made as we head into fall and that leads into the long winter that we have here in Minnesota. It's really only been a few months really since our last snow in May this year. Sigh. I plan to better my parenting, there's always room for improvement there. Hope to enjoy the harvest and get my kids eating better. I also hope to make a lot more art on a personal level. Try to document things a bit more deeply. With all that said, today I was truly able to stop and smell the flowers and discover the artistry of the plant world. Enjoy the plethora of pictures. Ahh......

Another year...more junk

This was my third year of going to the JunkMarket's annual Junk Bonanza. I am very lucky to have it held just down the street. It's full of treasures and inspiration. Here's a peek inside... This year Jennifer Murphy accompanied me and here she is oogling over this wee little bird cage that she purchased.

It was fun to run into some blogging pals like Stacy from Buttermilk Basin.

Lots of fall decor.

Some with a Halloween vibe.

Speaking of Halloween, it was fun to meet Country Home magazine's Matthew Mead and have him sign his new Halloween book. The book is full of really fun, fresh ideas.
Good-bye to Junk Bonanza for another year. It was fun!

Market time...

I love harvest time at the downtown farmer's market. What a feast for the senses. Such a riot of color this time of year.

Autumn Gathering Home Party announcement...

I did a few pages in my inspiration journal with a fall feel to them. It's been cool and crisp here, definitely feeling like Autumn weather coming on.
I get completely obsessed with home decor magazines this time of year. I love to look at the wonderful rich, rustic colors of Autumn. I was giddy when the new issues of Country Living and Mary Engelbreit Home Companion came in the mail today. They look fabulous! Here's a peek at an article from the Oct. issue of Country Living magazine. Look at these amazing metallic pumpkins. I'm really into bronze this season.This article in ME Home Companion on Sue Hadden's wonderful Halloween home got me thinking. Don't you think we're due for a party in blogland? On Sunday night the 21st of September, running through the Autumn Equinox on the 22nd I will be hosting an Autumn Gathering Home party. If you'd like to participate leave a comment on this post and on the 21st or 22nd post pictures on your blog of your Autumn home. If you're looking for some crafty project inspiration, check out the amazing things people are creating over on the Sweet and Sinister flickr group here.
Also feeling inspired by some new reading. True Vision: Authentic Art Journals by LK Ludwig, The Savvy Crafters Guide to Success by Sandra McCall and the latest issue of Somerset Studios with some fabulous vintage Halloween artwork.

What are you doing to get ready for the change of season?