Summer Says Good-Bye...

As August keeps its steady march toward September, I, like the leaves that turn colors to usher in the autumn, am experiencing the shift of the seasons in multiple ways. Since I have been involved in education (learning, teaching, or both) most of my life, my internal clock runs with the ebbs and flows of the school year. It means a shift from outdoor and personal activities to indoor and work-related responsibilities. It means putting away the lightweight linen and cotton clothing and beginning to think in layers and warm cuddly sweaters. Open-toed sandals and flip-flops are exchanged for heels and shoes that protect feet from cool northern winds. It means putting away the bright summery decor and bringing out the earthy reds, rusts, golds, and bronzes that eloquently echo the retiring leaves.

As I prepare to say good-bye to a beloved summer, I thought I'd share with you a vignette in our home that was inspired by our summer trip to Hawaii, my passion for airy coastal cottage decor, and the love of family...

The glass pieces represent the freshness of the tropical tradewinds, the clarity of the Hawaiian waters, and the ease of summertime living. Each piece holds a pairing of seashells and white vintage linens from my grandmother. The vintage linens, the grand mirror, the Amish harvest table, the cake stand, the parson's chairs, the candle holders, the angel ornaments hanging from the chandelier, the chandelier itself, the wall color, the baseboard... Each item instantaneously takes me to a moment in my life when some family member openly gave of their time, their effort, their generosity, and their love. As this summer season passes, I am ever so grateful for the love of family and the special ways that we help each other through life and its transitions. Grateful, indeed.