Before you search frantically for the “unsubscribe” option, let me explain.
For those of you that don’t know, I live in Oregon. About 4 hours from Portland. In a sleepy little town along the coast.
We have long, loooong wet Spring seasons here.
Day upon day of grey, dreary, wet, mournfulness.
The kind that you can only endure because you know if you can just hold out, you’ll be rewarded with blissful, blue skies and mild sunny days. Not too hot, not too cool… but just right.
Like, Goldilocks approved weather that is near perfection.
When you have endured rain, rain and a little more rain… and Summer finally arrives.
A perfect, “just-right” Summer.
You dry out, slough-off the mold and mushrooms, and make a mental note that it’s a good thing you didn’t build that ark after all.
- Since #1, you didn’t end up needing it.
- And #2, it would have really cut into your reclaimed lumber stash!
The “F” word I eluded to would be FALL.
Oh Fall… or “Autumn”, if you prefer.
Autumn. The year’s last, loveliest smile. Indeed.
I struggle with letting go and want to cling to Summer like a kid with a piece of candy. Most especially this Summer. This last Summer before Austin becomes a senior in High School.
The last Summer before the life I have lived since he was born is changed, forever.
Though we have much to look forward to. I’d just like to pause and live this Summer for a little bit longer.
And then maybe pause again.
But I’ll console myself that it’s going to be be an amazing Fall
… with an extra exciting back to school season… my beloved Halloween
and our treasured family Turkey day, Thanksgiving, to look forward to.
So while you may see me starting to share the leaves turning, or even an F-word inspired craft…
know that my heart will be clinging to Summer.
My Love Hate Relationship With The F Word
Shannon says
Oh, I thought you were going to say Facebook! This will be a special Fall–bittersweet, for sure. Sounds like the life milestones get to you the same way they get to me!
Shannon at Fox Hollow Cottage says
Ha! Yeah well… that too!!!! You know I miss the old facebook days for sure. Tomorrow is the big day, Senior year begins.
I’m excited for him, and a little sad too at how fast it all goes.
kirby carespodi says
I personally LOVE the eff word. Oh. Wait. Fall is my favorite, though!!
Shannon at Fox Hollow Cottage says
Oh Kirby!!
You make me laugh :)))))
debbiedoos says
Well I love the F word myself..can’t wait for it! Nicely written Shannon!
Shannon at Fox Hollow Cottage says
I know you do, you are a F word lover for sure 😉
Judith Bush Polcari says
Hello Shannon, First a good year to Austin. I live in the North East and I love the “F” word……So much color…….I don’t like the cleaning up in the flower beds though.. My husband just pulls everything out of the ground, so the perennials don’t come back. We have dreary days here also, but I try to have a jammie day……Have a nice FALL and I know it is hard when they grow up, I feel it now in mt grandsons..
Carol Calhoun says
I too have been thinking about the F word and feel the same way- kinda of bittersweet- We are enjoying 100 degree days at the moment and I am a hot weather girl, lady, old broad.whatever………….and I am not ready to let loose of the wonderful summer days yet- we live just 2 minutes from Kentucky Lake and this is the perfect time -where going down to the Lake with the dog is such a joy- sliding in to the very warm lake is also a joy- floating on toasty water just feels too good to let go of it! BUT FALL is so pretty and invigorating in its own way- smells wonderful- the trees light up with color- the sweaters come out of hiding and the boots and makes u want to take nice long walks and soak it all up………………….But this ecstasy is followed by 2 more 4 letter words!!! COLD and SNOW which can just go past us and not stop in my opinion……………………Can we not just PLEASE scoot over that and go straight to spring which is NOT a 4 letter word! BTW- so love your blog and your style and your sass- suits me to a T- its like visiting with a very good old friend! THANK U FIR THAT!
Elizabeth Wright says
Shannon, I’ll bet the problem Sandy is having, is with her computer settings and not your blog website….just a thought….she might look at blocking ad pop ups (I personally always need tech support to do anything but post comments and shop on line! )Love your blog, btw. My son lives in Forest Grove-we love your neck of the woods!
Shannon at Fox Hollow Cottage says
Thanks so much for the advice, I’ll make sure and pass it along 🙂 I’ve been to Forest Grove! We used to live in McMinnville.
laura@top this top that says
ahh. my heart is feeling for you right now sweet friend and you enjoy every last minute with your baby before his senior year starts. PS- catching title.
Shannon at Fox Hollow Cottage says
Oh this one is bittersweet. I’m happy and excited for him… yet a wee bit melancholy as well.
Sandy says
Love your essays and pictures. But I have to say following the link from your email to website is a challenge. So many ads pop up that I can’t even see your web page much less read the articles. Closing the ads takes time and the little “x” don’t always respond and one even asked if I was sure I wanted to opt out.
I understand the need for ads but put them on the sides not over your content.
Shannon at Fox Hollow Cottage says
Hi Sandy! Thank you for the feedback. Are you getting the email delivery with MailChimp? And are you reading on a PC or a tablet or phone? Trying to find out where the ads might be in the way? Are they covering the post on the sides, top or bottom? Thanks so much!! I’ll let my girl know and see if we can tweak them. Sincerely, Shannon