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Mel Bjorgen's avatar

I’ve been spending a glorious weekend in IN and the leaves are gorgeous.

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Linda Stoll's avatar

Isn't it just the best time of year?!

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Paula's avatar

Linda, what a refreshing and charming welcome to Autumn in New England message. I felt like I was right there with you.

Thanks' bunches for sharing with Sweet Tea & Friend's this month.

xo

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Linda Stoll's avatar

Oh that's such a lovely compliment, Paula. To have you feeling right here makes me happy.

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Margie's avatar

I busted out my duvet and a winter jacket last week. I also flipped on my furnace.

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Linda Stoll's avatar

I hear ya, Margie. It's hard to believe that it's mid-October. But oh, those flannel sheets feel so warm and snuggly. I'm here for it.

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Donna Bucher's avatar

I love the slow easy transition to autumn, Linda. It feels like a welcome invitation to my soul to savor a slower pace.

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Linda Stoll's avatar

Yeah. We've been waiting for this invitation to arrive. Life is busy yet somehow calmer ...

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Cathy's avatar

I’m so thankful to live where there’s noticeable seasons. 🍂 Fall is a time for resting. Wrapping up loose ends and setting in to slow. I’m here for every bit 🙌🏾

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Linda Stoll's avatar

Setting in to slow. I love how you've put that, friend. And we so need this refueling because you know what is waiting 'round the corner. I saw a woman at TJ Maxx checking out a wreath made out of Christmas ornaments before putting it in her cart yesterday.

And I couldn't believe my eyes.

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Amy Johnson's avatar

It is still so hot here in Wisconsin, it's hard to enjoy fall. We always say we have only two seasons here: summer and winter. But I do love the colors, although we're still waiting for those to turn, and all the apple stuff! I can't wait to pick up some apples.

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Linda Stoll's avatar

I know, the apples, right?!

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Janet Caldwell's avatar

What a beautiful glimpse of life in NE. Here in the Deep South we are still tank tops, shorts and pretending it’s fall by lighting pumpkin candles, buying pumpkins to decorate with and those colorful fall mums. That fresh baked apple pie does sound like another good idea to add to our senses

Warm welcoming post to start my Saturday.

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Linda Stoll's avatar

'Pretending it's fall.'

You made me smile out loud this evening, Janet. I had to close all the windows earlier because it's so chilly out. I'm off to put flannel sheets on the bed for the first time.

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Lois Flowers's avatar

I love this, Linda. It gives me hope that perhaps soon we will be enjoying fall in Kansas? (It's supposed to be 90 tomorrow.) My daughter has been asking for chicken and gnocchi soup for supper, but it needs to at least be in the 50s for that!

As for coming out of seasons of transition ... we've had a lot of little changes lately that add up to a whole lot of adjustment. One of these days I want to write about it, but for some reason, just thinking about it still wears me out. Hugs, friend.

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Linda Stoll's avatar

'One of these days I want to write about it, but for some reason, just thinking about it still wears me out.'

Dear Lois, I love how you're listening to your body and what she's whispering to you. Writing is not always the be all and end all, even for those of us who love it. We may need to simply continue living life. Maybe journal a bit or sit down and pen a letter to God. Toss the laptop into the back of a closet. Whatever.

As fall in Kansas unfolds in her own sweet time, I hope that you'll find the golden days to be the best tonic in soothing your spirit, strengthening your body, and giving you grace and patience to allow the changes to settle in. All will be well.

You've taught me that.

ox

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Jean Wise's avatar

love how you gently invited us all to enter into the fall season. I feel welcomed! Yes the cooler weather and the coming colors and beauty. there is a peace about it isn't there? I have learned to like Fall and not worry about the depressing winter to follow. Stay present and take in its gifts.

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Linda Stoll's avatar

You've made me wonder if all fall's fabulous gifts can, in reality, somehow prepare us for all that winter has to offer ...

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Cheryl's avatar

I absolutely loved this post! It warmed my heart! I'm so thankful God allowed us to live to see my favorite season ushered in again. I feel so, so grateful for that and am doing my utmost to soak it all in and enjoy it to the full. We are celebrating and offering a giveaway at our blog, in case you or any of your readers are interested in entering. God bless you, sweet friend!

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Linda Stoll's avatar

READERS - Head on over to Cheryl's for her generous giveaway!

https://www.homespundevotions.com/

I'm a huge fan of her books -

Biblical Minimalism: Following Jesus from a Life of Abundance to a More Abundant Life

https://amzn.to/4etlzmJ

Homespun Devotions, Volume 1

https://amzn.to/3XQ4TPg

Homespun Devotions, Volume 2

https://amzn.to/3XOMvGp

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Cheryl's avatar

Thank you so much, Linda! What a blessing you are to me!

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Linda Stoll's avatar

Your writing is life-changing on so many levels. I'm so happy to share your work, friend!

ox

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Cheryl's avatar

I am so blessed, encouraged, and humbled by these precious words of encouragement this morning! Thank you from the bottom of my heart, dear friend. I love and appreciate you!

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nancyaruegg.com's avatar

Love this review of how you experience autumn, LInda. In this moment I'm sitting on our deck, reveling in these last afternoons warm enough to do so. A sprinkle of leaves on the boards indicates the season. With you I've begun to light candles--in the early morning as I study my Bible and pray. In the evening (noticeably starting earlier now) I've been turning on the fairy lights atop the hutch. Smartwool socks are replacing cotton, and yes, I too am donning my fleece robe in the morning. Praise God for the circle of seasons; each one presenting fresh delights! Thank you for your inspiration to do so, Linda!

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Linda Stoll's avatar

Oh lovely. Sitting in the sunshine, falling leaves, early morning candles, evening fairy lights, cozy clothes. I'm loving it all, friend.

Wish we could sit on your deck together ...

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nancyaruegg.com's avatar

Oh, that sounds heavenly, Linda! So when we DO meet in heaven, that's definitely something we'll have to do! 😁 (That's NOT to say God couldn't bring us together sooner, but heaven is a certainty!)

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Linda Stoll's avatar

So ... our mansions on the streets of gold might have decks?!

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nancyaruegg.com's avatar

Surely so!!

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Cindy's Book Corner's avatar

As always, love the pictures! I need to do more posts like this ;) Have a great day!

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Linda Stoll's avatar

Yep, a picture paints a thousand words. Especially helpful when the words seem to be lacking ...

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Jennifer Smith's avatar

I think New England has to be the quintessential place to see and enjoy fall. (Maybe it is too many Hallmark movies on my part...) But thanks for sharing a glimpse of true autumn beauty. Soak it all in. I love the transition and am trying to lean into all that is so magical about the season. I tend to go into kicking and screaming abit as summer fades away - but I eventually come around. Trying not to take too long this year:)

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Linda Stoll's avatar

I hear ya, Jennifer. There's something so final about the end of August.

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Andrew Budek-Schmeisser's avatar

The night-time found me screaming,

and today I cannot walk.

There is for me no meaning

in what once was treasured talk

'bout the slow cadence of seasons,

so gentle to arrive.

All they are, are reasons,

now, days counted to survive.

And I will survive, no fail,

a monster rising from the dirt,

and this setback won't end my tale,

however bad the hurt,

and I'll be, like Winwood's bold refrain,

back in the high life once again.

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Linda Stoll's avatar

Here you go. You and Barb can dance the night away.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Adw772km7PQ

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Andrew Budek-Schmeisser's avatar

Linda, thank you so much for this!

If I may, here's a song from Quincy's own Dropkick Murphys that says what's in my heart, for Barb.

https://youtu.be/F8nwFeMj50I?si=mwbAFtCZFFa3Zu3q

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Linda Stoll's avatar

The woman is a gem. Forever.

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Pam Richardson's avatar

Linda, just the thoughts of Autumn in New England places me right there with you. Your images and the vividness of your words embrace my favorite season. I will be humming the Manilow tune all day 🍂🧡🍂

My heart is broken for all of my fellow Southerners experiencing the loss of loved ones, the devastation of homes and businesses. It is horrific and painful to watch. God is our peace and comfort. Where does one go in life’s great difficulties without Him?! 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

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Linda Stoll's avatar

'Where does one go in life’s great difficulties without Him?' I think that often, Pam. And when I think of who I might be, the choices I might have made without Him, I shudder.

Grace.

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Pam Richardson's avatar

Definitely, Grace!

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Debby Hudson's avatar

Sounds wonderful at your place by the ocean. Our time is coming for our version of fall but not yet.

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Linda Stoll's avatar

Are you guys ok after the storm?

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