Periphery, Portals, and Pathways (a.k.a. Three Ps in a Picture)

I have had the luxury of walking down many a pathway this month

to soak in all of the glory that has been autumn.

Photo 52, Week 40:  Periphery

When October was about to roll around, I asked the participants in Photo 52 to recommend themes.

Among them were "periphery", and "portals and pathways".

I thought they were perfect for October. 

It's been a great month for periphery because, if you give your neck a little exercise,

there has been something more to see in every direction you look.

Up above, 

down below,

just everywhere.

Something I thought was interesting, 

you have to intentionally take your focus off what's right in front of you

to appreciate the periphery. 

Some would think that unwise,

to choose distraction, if you will.

It's a fine balance we walk, isn't it?

I had a chance to go looking for autumn treasures 

with these lovelies from Photo 52.

They have excellent eyes for composition!

I loved seeing how different our perspectives were

when the pictures were posted.

My walking friend and I have explored some fun paths this month.  

We kept thinking each adventure was our last good chance

to enjoy the beautiful weather,

but it seemed that every day the forecast called for more.

Photo 52, Week 42:  Portals and Pathways

This walking spot, Lake Harriet,

 was chosen intentionally so we could capture this tiny, quaint portal.

During the milder months it is home to an elf,

who has now gone south for the winter.  You see his door is sealed.

He did leave a forwarding address, and he answers letters,

whether left here for him or mailed in the winter.

Oh my goodness, people leave a lot of stuff for him besides just letters.

We couldn't help slowing our walking pace on this day 

to take a closer look at the portals around the lake.

Some were more inviting than others,

many with gates that loomed large like this one,

while this one stood wide open.

I couldn't help thinking that this is what God's door looks like.

He loves to welcome us into his presence,

whether we are presentable or not.

He never thinks of us as an interruption or a nuisance.

He loves us.

Glorious

This fall has been the most beautiful that I can remember.

I've been walking every morning with a friend this year,

and noticing things right in my own neighborhood that I have never seen before.

I call them
#morningtreasures.

My (very patient) friend doesn't mind if I stop now and then to snap a photo with my phone.

Photo 52, Week 41:  Orange/Fall

But sometimes I just have to go back with the big camera.

Photo 52, Week 44:  Photographer's Pleasure

I'm not sure what it is with birds, but they just find me.
I think they are God's way of reminding me he is there.

I hope your fall has been wonderful too.

I am inundated with photos.

When faced with the dilemma of taking more photos

or doing something with the ones I already have, well…

it's kind of a no-brainer.
Fall doesn't stick around forever.

Sweet Togetherness

This couple.
They are dear beyond words.

When I met them they were the parents of teens and tweens.
Now those kids are grown and have little ones of their own.
Grandchildren!
Their grandparent names are Grandpere and Babbi.  Babs for short.

I was lucky enough to be invited to celebrate a very special evening with
four generations of their family.

There were all these young cousins. So sweet.
Just look at all those busy hands!

The young parents were also very busy!

THIS took some wrangling on the part of at least one mama.
We did it FAST. Totally worth it.



Do you see that beautiful great grandmother looking on?
She is known as Granny. She is the sweetest. Ever.
And she is a prayer warrior.

Sisters.  All by marriage.
Did I mention that this family has some expressive hands?

There was a birthday celebration in the works here for Babbi.
She couldn't be more dearly loved.
It was also their last gathering for awhile with the whole family.
Their kids are having wonderful opportunities,
calling them elsewhere.
Bittersweet.

Their nest may be empty, but their hearts are full.
They have given their children a godly heritage.
And wings.  And now they are flying.