Blessing Galore!

This weekend my grandson invited me to join he and his partner at the Saskatoon Farm near Okotoks, Alberta for their Fall Festival celebration.  What resulted was one of the most beautiful days that one could wish for.

I have been thinking about how I could encourage you to brighter up your life by finding a way to incorporate at least one of these lovely elements into your upcoming autumn days:

1. Weather – The sun shone, and the weather was just perfect. We were able to take our time to wander through the different exhibits without threat of interruption by rain or wind.
2. Wares – The booths offered a variety of unique kitchen items, clothing, toys and treats as well as homemade items to be purchased for reasonable amounts.
3. Produce – Filling a large, netted bag with each shopper’s choice of vegetables from numerous bins cost only twenty dollars. You knew that the harvest had just occurred as evidenced by small, damp clumps of dirt that were still present.  Now that is fresh!
4. Music – Buskers were interspersed throughout the farm and their sound systems were set at the ideal level. You could enjoy the tunes but still visit while listening.
5. Baking – Do you like saskatoon pie, freshly-baked scones and monster cookies? Lots of choices.
6. Photos – An old farm truck loaded with pumpkins and gourds provided an interesting background for those who wanted to pose in front while sitting on hay bales. (I probably could have set up a small business by just offering to take shots that would include all family members rather than having one of them serve as photographer).
7. Fellowship – No matter who I spoke with, I received a smile and comment in response. One woman who was selling wooden bowls laughed as she explained that she and her husband escaped a divorce during the pandemic as he invested his time pursuing this hobby!   Another lady from England expressed her grief about the recent death of her Queen.
8. Fun – Alexander and Mason are not only kind men but also enjoy sharing laughs. It is a double blessing when you have family members who are so compatible.
9. Lunch – Pulled pork sandwiches and onion rings on a picnic table with strangers is such a unique way to enjoy a noon meal.
10. Home – How lovely to review the memories and plan the meu for days ahead just by unpacking the purchases.

Now you don’t have to live near Okotoks or attend a fall fair to have a good day.  All you need to do is watch for good weather and head outside.  Maybe you could pull out one of your favourite CDS (I didn’t say eight-tracks, did I?).  You could invite a family member, friend or neighbour to share a simple lunch, bake a few cookies or visit a greenhouse in your area.  Remember to take some photos and share your adventures with others (like I am with you).

You see, self-care is really about the simple things in life - looking for and finding joy.

What will you do this week to make your soul sing?