Changing of the Seasons

Life is ever evolving, this is something that we each know as a fact. There are two ways to look at this concept first we can ignore it and continue to try to live as though we don't notice the subtle changes.  A second choice could be that we recognize change and we embrace it as a new opportunity to expand our thinking as we develop new creative energy.

The changing of the seasons is also part of life's evolution. I live in Utah, a state that usually seems to embrace the change of season.  Leaves on trees change colors, then wither and die,  Having fulfilled their cycle of life the leave usually drop to the ground while the tree itself begins it's winter's rest. This year, it seems the trees and shrubs are resisting the change.  A neighbor nearby has beautiful salmon colored roses in full bloom on it's bush and new buds are on my fuschia colored geraniums on the porch.  We have an unusually warm weather for mid November our temperatures have been in the high 60"s and low 70"s.  We are still running the air conditioner everyday.

Mother Nature is usually a good calendar, marking the changes of the year.  I think someone forgot to inform her that this is November after all.

Halloween is my favorite time of year!  I love the colors that I see on trees and shrubs. I also love the decorations that I put in my home every year.  One of the things I love about this time of year are all of the parties, craft shows, decorating, Halloween and little Trick of Treaters that that approach my porch so timidly.

I want to thank those of you who have visited my blog today with a little treat from me to you.  This is a sheet of planner stickers that you can glue into your planner for this upcoming holiday.  Please enjoy this free
printable planner stickers.  

Paper Crafting for Fall

I like living in Utah for the changing of the seasons.  As unbelievable as it may seem, we actually had snow on the mountains around us a couple of weeks ago (Mid July).  It has been a cooler summer for us in Northern Utah.  Three times this last week, we woke up to a house that was very cool.  The temperature in the house has been between 65-68 degrees.  I even wore my sweater all day today.

So, as the weather changes so does my art work.  I made something to share with everyone.  It is a paper cutting project.  If you are interested in this paper cutting file let me know in my comments and I will send you a copy.  For now enjoy the changing of the seasons wherever you are.

Halloween Party Food, Wacky Cake

Here are some easy to make, delicious to eat chocolate cupcakes.  My mom gave this recipe to me almost 45 years ago.  It is still a favorite.  I really like the cake the second day.  I always double the batch so it will fit into a 9" X 13" baking pan.  No eggs, No butter, No milk, so easy and yummy! Here is a link from the internet for the recipe. The link I have had on my blog got changed, so I have been sending you to a cake with eggs, butter and milk. Not to take any more chances. A quick search on the internet will yield a recipe for Wacky Cake.

Halloween Party Ideas

I have had so much fun designing new projects for Halloween.  I found these little rubber squeaker rats at the Dollar Tree here in Utah.  I loved them.  When it came time to put the party together, it just didn't seem right that they did not have an outfit.  So with paper and scissors, party hats and costumes were designed.  They look great, now they just want to dive into all of the treats.

This Trick or Treat Mini banner printable is available in my Etsy shop.

Halloween Party Banner

Okay it is official October is here!  I love October, I love the changing colors, the pumpkins, hay bales, fall leaves and anticipation.  I can hardly wait for Halloween.  I have been busy all last month getting ready to add my new designs to my blog and my Etsy shop.  Deb's Cottage Etsy Shop

Vintage Fall Clip Art

I love it when coincidences happen!  I was cleaning through some boxes in my work area today when I found an envelope that had a booklet in it for vintage paper flowers.  A little piece of paper dropped out of the booklet and onto the floor.  I picked up the aged, fragile, folded piece of paper. It was a news paper clipping.  I looked for a date but could not find one (I am always one to wonder about all of the what ifs?).  The clipping had a few poems on it, many of them about fall. Talk about timing!  Next, my phone rings, it's my husband on his way to Park City, Utah to sell apples at Park Silly. He tells me that the leaves in the canyons are turning colors and wants to know if I want to go on a fall drive to take pictures of the beautiful scenery.  He has been helping a friend on the weekends who owns a fruit orchard.  He tells me that the fruit from that orchard in unique in that it sits over a natural underground aquifir, which provides consistent mineral rich water to the trees.

It's official, fall is in the air, temperatures are dropping.  Time to bake a fresh apple pie.