(GIVEAWAY! for real.) and --->Fall is here. I've been trying to tell everyone as if it is completely MY responsibility.

This is real life. 





I think it is my job to alert the world that it is fall.

So I've been rushing around trying to take care of all my duties.


Like documenting every tree that has changed.

and sending pictures to people who care. or should care.




There are leaves all over the sidewalk.

and today.

in puddles.

There is this one tree that's ahead of the game. and I want to give him a personal shout out here.

You know who you are.

_____________________________________

But,

First thing.


I am blown away by the response to my last post.

The one about my invincible dad.

If you haven't read it, look below.


It took a lot out of me and when I hit publish I wasn't sure if I had done him justice.


There is this need to represent his entire life in one single post. and that is crazy.

That can't happen.



So each comment and each private note or message I have received... those have filled my heart.

Thank you.

I mean it.


In October 2005, I sat at the dining room table while people ate ham biscuits, snagged pieces of cake, threw cheese on crackers, and filled their cups with soda and lemonade.
I wore a gold skirt and a white top in defiance.

I was not going to have my dad go out in a parade of darkness.

But I sat at the table while people spun around me. and I bawled because he wasn't there.

And cried a lot because I realized the new people in my life would not meet him.


HOWEVER.

The published post below is a reminder that
yes they will.


You can, in fact, meet someone who is no longer walking around in their navy blue suit.

You can know someone even though you did not shake their hand.

and I am thrilled that I can be a part of keeping his spirit alive.

But of course, all of his children are a part of that. his entire family. and his friends.

I am so glad.


So there is my great big thank you. and I am sure there will be more of that.



_______________________________


Back to fall. and October.

I could not have said it better.

The picture above is what my insides look like.

________________________

And. because I saw it- you have to too.

I present- the scariest thing ever.

_______________


And, yes. Yes. she has a lightsaber.
(Wikipedia told me it was one word. So I listened.)

_______________________________________________

This is the second scariest thing ever. 

These pictures are not jokes.

They are sincere portraits. and pardon my terrible flash but I had to take this picture quickly.

And

We literally watched this for about 20 minutes silently.

And. I think this art entry by a student was really a shout out to me.

Please note the perspective on the flute-player!

Additionally,

I have no explanation for this food entry.

But, I really need to know why 3rd from the left is sad.

It is baffling.

And finally.

The artist is in the bottom left corner.

Say no more.

 God Bless America.

________________________________

And, because I feel the need for a blast from the past:

remember last October? what I made for my nephew? Oh you don't?  We should all relive this.

See HERE.

for last October's project of the month.

_________________________________

and now. the promised 


!giveaway!






Focus now.

In the spirit of this blog:

1.What  do you LOVE? What are you running after, dreaming of, or hungry for? _______________

I'm very serious.

ALL ANSWERS ACCEPTABLE.


AND

2. Do you know someone else who is hungry, running, dreaming, wishing, trying?________________

Do you?

THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX. can be anything. someone trying to have a fantastic life. someone that is an amazing friend. someone who wants to raise incredible children. or works hard every day and comes home to write a novel. or someone that gives wonderful eye opening advice. or someone who is looking to love more. like themselves. be healthy. finish school. care for their parents. fight for justice. fight for their LIFE. etc.

What about someone who is struggling, but you know they can do it.

Do you ever say - "psssst- You are a big deal."
because you should Tell them.

Yeah. I know a billion. a billion.

OK. I have a plan. 

If you tell me

1. your big LOVE / big DREAM.
(could be one of many. could seem little too. but if it is a dream at all. it is big)

and 

2. one other person who makes you proud to be a human being. someone you want to encourage.

then I will give these away.

From the comments below, I will randomly select a winner who will get these two babies.

ONE is from me. to YOU. 

the other. 

Is to give to that person you told me about. So it will be blank. for YOU to fill in.

Seriously. do it.

Don't be shy. 

Shy is ok sometimes. 

But today, don't be. 

Let the party start.

Spread the love.

Comment below.

(Happy Fall)