pumpkins + flowers+ imagination= centerpiece

 

My Pumpkin Centerpiece

There’s something about the changing of seasons that awakens my senses. Suddenly I see the crispy orange leaves and the drooping trees as a reminder of the passage of Time, and preciousness of the present moment.

Do you feel this way too?

It’s a revitalizing jolt to my busy mind.

Somehow the rich, vivid colors of Fall seem to sharpen my eyesight and I see that change is a constant companion in our lives, it’s always there despite all our clinging and holding on. And it’s this tender realization, that nothing stays the same, that makes me slow down and look up at the sky. It makes me relish the simple stuff of life. It causes me to pause mid-sentence and notice my friend’s worried face or the sound of my son’s laughter ringing in my ears. Because it’s these real-life moments that become emotional snapshots in my mind, the ones that deepen my relationships, make me smile and feel thankful for my life.

via: pabloluistumblr.com

This past week there were no flashy celebrations or special occasions, but I did have lots of random moments to be grateful.  As I’ve gotten older, I’ve noticed this. I’ve realized that sparkling gems of contentment are found nestled in-between those loud, crowded celebrations that we await so eagerly. Only there’s joy in the mundane.

Have you discovered this too?

This past week it was the softer shades of life that made me happy.

There was an impromptu bike ride I took with Mr. Moss on a warm, hazy evening where we stopped and stood gazing at the shimmering surface of the lake at sunset.

I was grateful for our thoughtful conversation that turned suddenly peaceful over the meandering miles of our bike ride. And I felt lucky to be in love.

I was grateful for the lunch date with my parents where we ate soup and apple cake and talked about grandkids and life.

I was happy to run into my dear friend on a sunny bike trail where we had a unexpected chat about precious things.

And I was delighted by a funny dance moment I had with my son Michael as we rehearsed for the Christmas show.   

And oh yes, I had so much fun when I brought home a few pumpkins from Trader Joes, piled them on to the table and decided to make a Fall centerpiece.

In case you’re interested, here’s what I did:

 

I already had these items from my parent’s anniversary party a few years back. I had bought fake pumpkins from Wal-mart, dug out the center for the vases, and sprayed them white. I’ve seen these vases at the Dollar Tree.

It’s very inexpensive and easy to do.

I used whatever I had on hand. Although I prefer to bring in items from outside, I used a few fakes here.

• leaf garland
• gourds and a few small pumpkins
• one large pumpkin
• 3 corn husks
• flowers inside fake pumpkins
• bead garland

Here’s a shot after I added corn and wound a bead garland around the arrangement. Very simple. I also tucked green Spanish moss into the space between the vase and pumpkin.

Here I added ribbon around the pumpkins. Do you like this look?

Here’s one view

Here’s another view.

I didn’t have time to put a runner down because I wanted to get the photos before it got too dark outside, but can you imagine this centerpiece with a pretty runner? You can also change the flowers inside the vases to accent your dinnerware.

Well, what do you think?

I hope you’re enjoying the season…

xoxo

Leslie

I’m linking up at these fun places:

• http://linda-coastalcharm.blogspot.com/2012/10/nifty-thrifty-tuesday-no134.html
• http://betweennapsontheporch.net/make-a-crow-tree-centerpiece-or-table-decoration-for-halloween-the-194th-metamorphosis-monday/
• http://boogieboardcottage.blogspot.com/2012/10/welcome-to-93rd-masterpiece-monday.html
• http://myuncommonsliceofsuburbia.com/octoberfest-of-fun-tablescapes/
• http://elizabethandco.blogspot.com/2012/10/be-inspired-features-and-link-party-40.html
• http://farmhouseporch.blogspot.com/2012/10/welcome-to-week-36-at-cowgirl-up-link.html
• http://www.stonegableblog.com/2012/10/tutorials-tips-and-tidbits-week-17.html

 

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