Fall is in the air!

Yesterday announced the first day of Fall.

Fall is my favorite season.

Why?

I see the leaves tumbling gracefully down from the trees,

I hear the crackling of a roaring bonfire,

I smell the apple spice and pumpkin pie candles burning in my sister's apartment,

I taste a Starbucks pumpkin spice latte and Mom's amazing Thanksgiving feast,

and I feel the crispness of the air as I step outside for a morning walk.

There really are more practical reasons why I love Fall. 

Starbucks amazing Fall drinks.

I can pull out my scarves that I love oh so much.

Candles are so much more romantic.

Hot apple cider with cinammon sticks.  Mmmmm.

Apples start coming in at 

one of the most beautiful orchards in the United States:  

Sky Top Apple Orchard

I can pick out the biggest, roundest, most orange pumpkin.

The harvest is one of the most fascinating and beautiful things to watch.

I absolutely love decorating when Fall comes around.

Take a peek at some of these inspirational pictures.

 

 

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

Sigh.

Photo Credits:

Fiery Red Leaves

Fall Drive-Through

Starbucks Fall Drinks

Scarf

Glass Votive Candles

Apple Cider with Cinnamon Sticks

Sky Top Apple Orchard

Pumpkin Patch

Formal Fall Setting

Autumn Room with Mirrors

Sweater-Knit Pillow Cover

Leaf Lantern

Fall Table Setting

Fall Table Setting (2)

Fall Table Setting (3)

Glass Display Pillar Holder

Glittering Fall Table Setting

Glittering Fall Table Setting (2)

Glittering Fall Table Setting (3)

Glittering Fall Table Setting (4)

Country Pennsylvania Road

It was so magical...

A Road Trip

to Charlotte

Dubbed "The Queen City," 

after Queen Charlotte, wife of King George III 

(for you history buffs).

Beautiful no matter what time of day.

A charming Southern metropolis.

Beautiful buildings.

Tall buildings.

Intriguing artwork.

Cool sidewalks.

Serenely solitary places.

But as beautiful as the city is...

And as much as I admire its quiet strength and nobility...

It wasn't exactly why

Bethie (my incredible sister),

Joyce (my fantastic friend),

and I decided to visit.

What wondrous adventure brought us to this wondrous city?

I'm so glad you asked.

Well, after getting some fun and silly pictures 

and after getting our Starbuck's

We stepped into the building that we had be anticipating for a  l o n g  time.

 

This is what the outside looks like.

This is the inside--gorgeous.

Why were we visiting? 

Who can resist a broadway musical of one of history's most classic stories?

 

It was fantastic.

The footwork was unbelievable.

The music was charming in every way.

My mind was whirling the rest of the night.

But the day didn't end there.

Afterward, we went to the

!!!!!!!

Amazing atmosphere.

Incredible food.

Needless to say,

we left with smiles on our faces

and in our hearts.

Indie Craft Parade

This weekend has been inspirational.  Last night my sister, a friend of ours, and I enjoyed a wonderfully delicious dinner at an intriguingly artistic restaurant.  After dinner, we headed downtown.  One of these days I will remember to bring my camera along and post some pictures of this wondrous place.  It is one of the most culturally thriving, daringly artsy, marvelously delightful locations on earth.  Please visit! 
We didn't visit downtown for a regular stroll along the river, or to browse through the several art studios, or even to stop in one of our favorite places, Spill the Beans.  We went strictly to visit the

Boy.  was.  I.  inspired.

Here's the link if you want to find out what it was all about.  Basically, it was a festival of handmade art.  Over 75 chosen artists displayed their products: 2-D art, 3-D art, fiber art, to wear products, paper goods, and more.  Creativity abounded.  My top favorite was Illyria pottery.  Not only does Katie create incredibly beautiful and innovative products, but she is also my ceramics teacher.  Some of my other favorites were Carrie Creech, Heather Davenport, Fox to the Opera, and lightnest. 

I could have spent my whole summer's earnings at that place.  But I didn't.  I was content with one purchase:  An absolutely stunning ceramics mug crafted by Carrie Creech.  I've already used it twice.  Let me just say:  Vanilla chai tea tastes better when I use this mug.  I think the beauty of the mug heightens the taste of any drink that enters it. 

Next weekend my sister, friend, and I will be taking a fun trip to Charlotte.  The Blumenthal Performing Arts Center is featuring a new Broadway musical production of Mary Poppins.  After the delightful performance we are going to eat at the Cheesecake Factory.  Expect lots of fun pictures!

Get ready...get set...GO!!!

I’m officially on the record as a Junior Bob Jones University student.  Love the school.  Love the people.  It’s a great place.  If you’re considering where to go to college, you should definitely check it out (here). 

This semester is going to be wonderful.  Not that any other semester hasn’t.  I should probably rephrase that:  This semester is going to be phenomenal.  I love my roommates.  I love my classes.  I love my teachers.  I love my job.  I love that my sister is a graduate student living on campus with an adorable little apartment.  No one appreciates adorable little apartments more than a female college student.  It has 1) privacy, 2) lovely smelling candles, and 3) an atmosphere for inspirational expression—all three of which are aggressively desired, desperately sought after conditions. 

Yes, it will be great.  If I can just get everything done and leave room for some fun…