Back to Black

Not much has happened around here in the past few weeks. Summer is winding down and I can feel myself winding down a bit with it.  As the days get shorter, and colder and darker I always find the changes a bit hard to take.  I'm a sunshine girl and getting less always drains me a bit.  So it was time for a little bit of a change around here.  I had been considering painting this teeny little wall in my kitchen for a few weeks. First, I had to think it to death.  Do you do that? Second guess, hmmm and haw, wonder if you'll like it?  I do that and then I always come to the conclusion that it's a small wall and I can always paint over it.  I would waste a lot less brain power if I could just jump straight to that conclusion and get to it.  I like it, a lot...for now.  For this season it just feels cozy. It makes that wall pop and doesn't really seem to darken the whole kitchen into a cave, which was another one of my fears.  In the Spring I may decide it's too dark. The only thing that stays the same is that everything changes.

 Within a few days I had decided to go full out Fall on this wall.  Something about the black, and then I got these brilliant sunflowers at the Farmers Market and found that old graphic I did several years ago in the basement, (must clean basement), and it all kind of came together.  One of the things I like is how the black wall ties in with the black on the stove, and see that sweet mosaic heart holding my aprons? It has a black and white checkerboard trim around the outside and that goes with the black too. That little peg is from my sweet friend Penny at Enjoying the Simple Things and I think of her each time I see it. It's something I will never tire of. :)

 I also refilled the front door basket with some Mackenzie Child inspired goodies.  It was fun going to the new Hobby Lobby in town with a friend and finding all the elements.  I think the basket may need painting though.....hmmmm.

 The garden is winding down, much to my sorrow. I am babying it along but as the nights get cooler and the days get shorter I am afraid my dear garden's days are numbered.  I had a fabulous basil harvest so far and have frozen about 10 cups of pesto for those cold winter days when I need a shot of something that smells like summer.  Some will go to my daughter for her freezer. There is more than enough to share.

The zinnias are spectacular this year too.  I purchased some called thumbelina that were supposed to get 6" tall, they are more like 18 inches, but I'm not complaining. I love zinnias so much, I don't even care that they crowded out the zucchini.

Nights have been in the 40's and highs have been in the 60's here for the past week, Fall is definitely here!  Is it creeping where you are too?   Praying for those who are not enjoying the best of Autumn, Dallas, the fires out west and now hurricane Irma bearing down on Florida. So many friends and family in these areas.  My heart goes out to them and I will keep praying for safety and help.