Our Fall Nature Table

While her brothers were sleeping, Norah and I set up our Autumnal Nature Table this afternoon. Along with some "pretty natural things," like acorns and pine cones, we gathered the beautiful items that we got from Kelly, a couple candles (a beeswax one that we bought at the farmer's market this year and one that Norah decorated last year), a framed picture of a tree in autumn, and our growing collection of seasonal books. Our table is rather sparse--it needs a pumpkin and perhaps some brightly colored leaves to finish it off but in the meantime, it is still giving us a lot of pleasure

Nature Table Exchange

This year Kyrie started the Seasons Round Exchange for the exchange of fall nature table gifts. Exchanges always make me nervous--I have only ever actually participated in one--because I fear that I will be completely incapable of fulfilling my part of the bargain. Considering that we have a newborn and two other children under four, I was probably a bit brazen for signing up for this one, but, alas, I am so glad that I did. My partner was Kelly.

I knew that Kelly needed a knit squirrel for her table--I mean, who doesn't need a knit squirrel?! I used a pattern from Knitted Animals and some scrap yarn for this little guy. He didn't take long and was a whole lot of fun to make. He came with his own "tree" which can double as a play block, made from a branch that Brian cut into pieces for the kids. Along with some other small items, I included a book and some knitted leaves in autumn colors. The whole package was so much fun to make and give. I can't wait for next season's exchange. More tomorrow on the beautiful items we received and what we have made of our own nature table.

Quotable Sunday

When I find myself in times of trouble, mother Mary comes to me,
speaking words of wisdom, let it be.
And in my hour of darkness she is standing right in front of me,
speaking words of wisdom, let it be.

Let it be, let it be, let it be, let it be.
Whisper words of wisdom, let it be.

The Beatles