Take an adventure with me to the countryside, visiting the local apple orchard and country store.
I remember when our family took an adventure into the farmlands of the countryside, with the hopes of creating warm memories filled with all that the Autumn season has to offer.
Traveling the backroads, taking in the beauty of God’s colorful landscape, the kids were so excited for the journey.
Families were out and about, enjoying the crisp sunny day. There were adults raking their yards, skillfully putting leaves into colorful abstract piles as the children giggled, running and jumping into them, sending the earth’s beauty into the air, only to have it all gently float back down covering the green grass and pine cones beneath them.
A mother and daughter graciously put their creative touches to their farmhouse and front yard with the vibrant colors of mums and Autumn themed wreaths. Cornstalks adorned their porch pillars as a little boy proudly placed a brightly orange pumpkin on the wooden porch steps.
As we approached the orchard, I remember we passed by fenced in fields, home to the many breeds of majestic horses. As they galloped gracefully, jumping over a rolling brook that carried the fallen leaves from the trees, I noticed the landscape behind them in the distance, filled with Mother Nature in all her glory of reds, oranges, golden yellows and browns.
The kids pointed out the rows of apple trees, watching the families, couples and friends enjoying picking their bountiful apples and filling up their wooden crates. Seeing the flannel shirts and sweaters poking out from the tree branches brought the comfort of Autumn to the forefront, reminding me of the childhood memories I hold close to my heart.
Strolling into the orchard’s country store, the sights and smells of freshly baked pies, muffins and apple cider donuts embraced visitors with the warmth, feeling of belonging and happiness that only Autumn can do.
Looking out one of the windows behind the bakery counter, you could see a bonfire by the pumpkin patch, burning brightly with its red and orange flames, dancing with the orange and red leaves on the trees in unison. You could smell the burning wood of the fire, filling one with a sense of coziness, as people passed out cinnamon sticks for the abundance of hot apple cider being consumed.
Watching this reminded me that this alone is a grounding of one’s being, connecting each soul and spirit together as one creating the heartbeat of the Autumn season.
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