November at the Garden Gate...

How can it be,

that November is knocking at the garden gate,

so soon?

So far we have only had a touch of frost,

but it is chilly...

but it wouldn't be Autumn,

without deliciously fresh weather

and bright blue skies...

Grab a sweater (or coat)

and a scarf...

I'll show you around...

November comes
And November goes,
With the last red berries
And the first white snows.

With night coming early,
And dawn coming late,
And ice in the bucket
And frost by the gate.

The fires burn
And the kettles sing,
And earth sinks to rest
Until next spring.

-  Elizabeth Coatsworth

Lots of leaves are still hanging on,

but the garden is bathed in a soft glow,

a golden light...

(the stewartia tree in it's fall glory)

don't you love the clear blue skies of a cold day,

and the night skies so full of stars?

The Beauty Berries are abundant...

colorful leaves and berries are to be expected,

but there are also roses to be found,

random blooms to be sought out....

Some tattered...

some are bruised,

but still holding their heads high and proud...

knowing they are still beautiful...

then there are the surprise finds,

a perfect little bit of Eden...

others are as fresh and tender

as a rainy spring morn...

glorious in the Autumn sun...

enough to gather a small bundle...

to lovingly arrange

on the sideboard shelf...

November Roses,

can brighten the coldest day...

Today I am joining,

A Return to Loveliness

Bloomin' Tuesday

&

Outdoor Wednesday

Thanks for strolling with me today...

Halloween Fate...

Are you ready for a night

of Halloween thrills?

(click photos to enlarge)

or maybe a night of scary movies

 and candlelight,

with a loved one to cling to

for safety?

As I girl I loved to dress up as a gypsy,

layers of ruffled skirts,

a borrowed wig with long long hair,

and piles of jewelery...

I have always

been intrigued by Gypsies

and fortune tellers,

the seers...

I don't know that I would truly like to "see" my future

I like surprises too much...

but it is fun to imagine....

I am enchanted by Vintage Halloween postcards,

their simple verses,

foretelling your fate...

the secret of my life's destiny

lies hidden in this beets root,

if only I knew...

perhaps tonight,

I will stumble upon a clever gypsy,

who will share the secret,

or perhaps YOU know?

Night falls soon,

let the fun begin,

stay safe...

Trick or Treat?

The Softer Side of Fall...

After dressing up my mantle

for Fall-O-Ween,

I still craved something a little softer...

(click photos to enlarge)

something a little girlie,

something with a little lace...

something in softer shades...

I spent this morning cleaning out the veggie garden,

gathering...

a few last carrots,

a small pile of acorn squash,

more cucumbers than I know what to do with...

and while I was gathering

I plucked some floral goodies too

for a new centerpiece...

a white pumpkin was set in the middle of the bounty...

Peegee Hydrangea,

a few Endless Summer Hydrangea

and the vivid purple berries

of the Beauty Berry...

It's a centerpiece with staying power,

since the Hydrangea are already almost dry...

we'll see how the berries hold up...

and

a curly bow on top,

just 'cause :-)

Today I am joining,

Show Off Your Cottage Monday

and

Metamorphosis Monday

Thanks for stopping by today....