Welcome, dear friends!
I am so happy that you've decided to spend a few moments with me today...
we are diving headfirst into this October series and, my, I am enjoying every minute of it!
I wanted to mark Saturdays as something special in this series, and so I am thrilled to share with you that each Saturday in October I will be sharing some ramblings and adventures that my family have taken over the last few years.
Every autumn, my family purposes to seek out adventure and beauty of the season. You see, we are not hot weather people...summer travelling is not our cup of tea unless we are going somewhere nice and cool. Other than that, we prefer reserving our travels for other times of year. And autumn is one of our favorite seasons to seek out adventure and go exploring and look for seasonal beauty and bliss.
Last October, we took a long weekend roadtrip to Chicago. Oh, we have such fun whenever we go to the Windy City! We had only been once before and that was in the middle of winter...and our trip was complete with a snowfall, too! (We were elated!) Last year, though, was our first time to explore the city in autumn. And goodness me! There was far more seasonal beauty than I expected!
We ventured out into the city for our first day's activities, including eating at our favorite Polish restaurant in a quaint little Polish neighborhood. But after a long day in the middle of such hustle and bustle and traffic and chaos and horns honking and loud trains and bookoos of people, we declared that the following day we wanted to make our way towards the suburbs. So that's just what we did...
When we walk on the earth with reverence, beauty will decide to trust us.
The rushed heart and arrogant mind lack the gentleness and patience to enter that embrace.
-John O'Donohue-
We followed a long road that went parallel with Lake Michigan...not knowing at all where we were going. Oh the unexpected surprises that awaited us along that long, windy road. Pulling into a small parking lot, we discovered a quiet and peaceful park. the ground was laden with fallen leaves of autumnal colors. The air was crisp and there was a chill that went right through us, but how invigorating it felt! Along the far side of the park, we walked along a path that was lined with huge, textured rocks...and right behind there was Lake Michigan. We could hear the waves crashing harshly against the rocks and could even feel a light mist against our faces.
I can't get enough of wandering. Or the earth. Some of us carry an inherent need to explore.
Textures. Fragrance. Sounds. Air. Shadows. Movement. Patterns. Light.
-Victoria Erickson-
Leaves of vivid gold, bright orange, and fiery reds lay beneath our feet, crunching as we rambled along. The glories of autumn right underfoot...little tastes of God's goodness gracing earth's carpet.
I swear to you, there are divine things more beautiful than words can tell.
-Walt Whitman-
The peacefulness and serenity of this out-of-the-way place was soul-filling. There were only a few other folks...taking a walk or playing with their dogs. You could hear the breeze in the trees and even the thoughts in your own mind were crystal clear. You could tell that everyone around was there for the same reason...to have solitude and quiet and just be with nature and breathe in some life and goodness and beauty. One common goal among total strangers.
Allow nature's peace to flow into you as sunshine flows into trees.
-John Muir-
Back into the car, we drove along the same windy road...
and what did we find?
A hidden little beach tucked behind a gathering of trees and next to the beach was an old house...a mansion of sorts and a lighthouse and tremendous beauty.
We rambled around this house and its yard for the longest time...it was beyond interesting!
I loved the ivy growing all over the walls and the conservatory and bird room and stone details...
it was glorious!
Well, I hope you enjoyed this little Chicago rambling, my friends!
Be sure to come back next week for another autumn rambling!
May your day be lovely and blessed!
♥