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After what it felt like a very, very long time away from home, we have finally arrived.  Up the hill it waited for us the little white cottage... like a pearl in a sea of cinnamon leaves, basking under the autumnal sun. 

If you look at the little white cottage from the top of the hill to where its foundations rest you may think that the maple trees, oaks and bald cypresses have swallowed it up in a great big gulp, and everywhere you look you'd be surprised and your eyes gifted with the colors of pumpkins, cinnamon and clove...

I am looking forward to the upcoming days ahead... days of gatherings, and small acts of kindness, apple pies, a hug, a kiss, an invitation to talk... and every single rose growing in my garden to lift up my heart into praises of thanksgivings and gratitude...

Ah yes, down below the trees in a glowing cloud of burning leaves, grow these November roses... 

This astonishes me... it is like a little miracle of sorts, and although it is true that bushes won't grow as profusely as they'd do in June, the fact is that I'm still bringing in roses from the garden this late in the year.

When the sunny days of summer pass, and flowering plants lose their leaves and cease to bloom and gardens up north become dull and colorless, my little garden is still producing blossoms throughout the fall, despite seasonal changes.  In fact, now that insects, humidity and summer plagues are behind, my roses are looking healthier than ever... love this suppleness of green, perfect leaves.   

And while roses bloom, other plants glow in yellow leaves that are tinged pink.  

Our little world has been lit with all the autumn blaze of goldenrod.  Showers of leaves have been pouring down while in our absence, and now every inch of ground in our front yard where the big trees are closest is covered.  

I wanted to just let leaves stay where they fall, but we're expecting more loved ones over for the holidays, so this afternoon mom, dad and the Fisherman helped me rake and move away all that thick layer of leaves that was covering up the front yard. My heart is overflowing with thanksgivings and celebration of divine goodness... for roses in November and health that still allows us the making of memories and good moments among the not so goods.  Thankful for dear ones and togetherness that unites us, gives us security, much-needed support, and that sense of belonging that encourages us to love one another.  My mother's illness has started claiming more of her and more of us all... there's no light at the end of the tunnel. I don't want to think about bad things or dwell on the negative, but my heart dances around those thoughts and feelings like moths to a flame.  I'm frightened.  To watch her decline in her ability to take care of herself it is heartbreaking.

I hope you all have a blessed thanksgiving.  Be thankful for what you have, and let those around you know how very special they are to you.  See you soon.