“There shall be eternal summer in the grateful heart.” ~ Celia Thaxter

TGSG Note:  As readers of this blog will know, I am a HUGE fan of summer. In fact, I love it so much that I truly struggle with the changing of the seasons. It’s not that I don’t like fall per say. I mean I get it —  it’s colorful and beautiful in its own right. But the coming of fall means that I have to say goodbye to summer for so long, and all the rich and wonderful bits of magic and play that only summer can bring. Heavy sigh. 

I originally post this two years ago, and if anything, I mean it more today than I did then. Like a child getting out of school for break, summer will always hold a magical place in my heart. ~ Bethe

As summer draws to an end, I can’t help but be a little sad. I am a sunshine girl –  a true lover of summer and spring. As much as I love Mother Nature, I am not fond of her winter dress nearly as much.

When I read this beautiful quote, I decided that this year, instead of being sad to see summer go, I would be grateful and give thanks to summer — celebrate its glory and let that celebration and those memories keep me warm in the cold days ahead.

10 Grateful Summer Thoughts:

1. The bright burst of summer colors everywhere the eye goes
2. Glorious sunsets, striped candy-colors of orange, pink, and purple
3. Warm summer rains, just made for puddle jumping
4. Walking barefoot through the grass, in the sand, and across warm sidewalks
5. Picnics and paddle boats
6. Orange popsicles enjoyed on a walk-about
7. Stargazing on warm nights
8. Dangling my feet off the dock
9. Cookouts and volleyball games with friends
10. Bright blue skies and seemingly impossible puffy white clouds. Skies so welcoming, you can hardly believe your luck at being alive and having such a day given to you.

Surely, these thoughts and sense of joy will keep me warm this winter.

What are some of the things you are grateful for about summer? I would love to have you share them in the comments section.

Now, if you will excuse me, I have some late summer fun to go enjoy. Get it before it’s gone, folks!

See ya outside! ~ The Grass Stain Guru

 photo credit: pasukaru76

photo credit: Will Folsom

Somehow, it’s November. The speed in which years seem to pass amazes me. This fact – this feeling of, “where does the time go,” has got me thinking. It’s time to slow down a bit. To stop and make sure I am enjoying the ride.

With the holidays fast approaching, it’s the perfect time to slow down and be thankful for our families. Big or small. Quiet or loud – family and friends make it all worth it.

And as I like to say, the family that plays together, stays together!

So, at this special time of year, give yourself permission to slow down and enjoy some good old fashion family fun.

Here are five fun ways to spend time together as a family:

1.       Go take a hike! Autumn colors and cool days make it the perfect time to check out a favorite trail or discover a new one. Click here to find a trail near you.

2.       Collect acorns, colorful leaves and other natural treasures. The kids can help you make a centerpiece for your holiday table or a wreath for the door.

3.       Read Leaf Man or another fall favorite children’s book aloud as a family. Make spiced cider and make your own Leaf People out of construction paper.

4.       Have family game night! Dust off a favorite board game or card game and pop some popcorn. Unplug, laugh and play.

5.       Give back. As a family, choose a charity to help out this holiday season. Whether it’s collecting toys or food for a charity drive, participating in a park cleanup or visiting a nursing home together, a very natural part of being thankful is giving back.

What are some ways that your family likes to play together?

The great folks at SC Johnson Shout and I wish you the happiest of holiday seasons – filled with play, laughter and time with the ones you love. For more ideas on fall fun activities, visit http://www.facebook.com/shoutlaundry.

See ya outside! ~ The Grass Stain Guru

Disclosure: The Grass Stain Guru is a proud partner of Shout and is quite happy to share the sandbox with them! I am excited to be the spokesperson of Shout’s Go Play campaign, dedicated to promoting play as a vital part of a healthy, happy childhood.

“Trees are your best antiques.”

~ Alexander Smith

Happy Frolic Friday! It’s time to put on your sneakers or hiking boots, and get out there and enjoy some much-needed time in nature. This weekend, make sure to make time away from chores and errands to play and recharge your batteries.

Why not…

• Plant a tree! Fall is the best time to plant trees and shrubs, so get diggin’.
• Hug a tree! That’s right — I said hug. This is a classic activity to do with kids or even groups of adults.
• Get crafty and make leaf rubbings. I don’t care how old I get, this is still one of my favorite activities!

As always, it doesn’t matter what you do, just get outside and play this weekend. Mother Nature is waiting…

Now if you will excuse me, I am off to find the world’s most perfect maple leaf.

See ya outside! ~ The Grass Stain Guru

photo credit: di_the_huntress

Yesterday at the grocery store, I saw my first pumpkin of the season. It’s official — fall is nipping at summer’s sluggish heels. Depending on where you live, this change is more or less obvious. It’s easy to forget that people in other part’s of the country or world are steeped in a different weather reality than you are. Where I live, it is still quite green, but the light has changed, the temperatures are cooler, and even the fall scents are starting to fill the air.

On this Frolic Friday, why not make plans to head outside and notice the subtle changes of the season? It may even be time to start some of your fall rituals, whatever those might be.

Why not…

• Go to a favorite park or hit the trail and take a hike. Look for leaves changing colors, acorns on the ground, and other telltale signs. Take pictures or make note in your nature journal, documenting this magic transformation.
• Look for Pick-Your-Own orchards and go apple picking. If apples aren’t quite in season where you are, something else will be! Test out some great new recipes or teach the kids how to make some old family favorites. Find a Pick-Your-Own farm here.

• Start planning your Halloween Costume! Seriously — talk about a day dedicated to play. Challenge family and friends to make green,  recycled costumes this year. Check out some great ideas here.

As always, it doesn’t matter what you do, just get outside and have some fun. Go see what Mother Nature is up to. Walk, run, hike, or stroll. Notice how calm you feel the further you get from your To Do List and electrical outlets. Don’t worry — you can always go back to them.

Now if you will excuse me, I have some old family recipes to dig up. My mama did make some fierce apple butter.

See ya outside! ~ The Grass Stain Guru

photo credit: bertdennisonphotography