Salutations is my fancy way of saying hello

“The means to gain happiness is to throw out from oneself like a spider in all directions an adhesive web of love, and to catch in it all that comes" Leo Tolstoy







Chin up, chin up / Everybody loves a happy face / Wear it, share it / It'll brighten up the darkest place / Twinkle, sparkle / Let a little sunshine in / You'll be on the right side, looking at the bright side / Up with your chinny-chin-chin. Charlotte "Charlotte's Web" 1973

As I climbed from my car I noticed this spider wrapping some food storage. I leaned in as close as I dared, hoping not to disturb it...which brought quite a smile to my face...it seems only a few years ago that my brothers could back me into a corner shrieking whilst holding the smallest spider in their hands.

I love Autumn. It is a time for reflection and quietness. A time before the barrage of holiday activities begins...it is also a time of great melancholy as it signals a season of loss...remembrance of those that have left this life...try as I might I am unable to shake the "blues" at this time of year. My feelings go into hyper sensitive drive and I find I must have time alone to brood and sort myself out. I spent the greater part of a weekend wrapped in a quilt not feeling "well"
And sort myself out I did indeed. During a period of "unrest" I must strive extra diligently to express gratitude and appreciation...

so today I am extremely grateful for

• loving family and friends
• the beauty of all I see around me
• yummy homemade broccoli soup for lunch
• the slight chill in the air
• the anticipation of cooler weather
• a very special wedding in a few weeks
• baby toes
• haircuts and restoration of my natural color
• the weight of Moe kitty sleeping on our feet
• Duncan shivering with anticipation over a doggie treat
• sweaters and jeans and scarves
• riding with the top down (the car's top)
• HONEYCRISP APPLES - the tart sweetness and the sound of the crunch
• soon to be started major art project
• knitting
• the satisfaction of canning some holiday pepper jelly
• the smell from bread baking

and I must express sincerest thanks to Robin at Bird Tweets for the most beautiful "gift of jewels" card...it made my day!