Oh, friends.
It is never too late to start living, and honestly, the moment the air gets that little crisp bite, I feel like I start living all over again.
The fall in Pennsylvania is just something else.
You know what I’m saying?
The leaves turn into this unbelievable tapestry of color, and the whole world seems to slow down for a second. It’s like God just puts on a whole new coat of paint for us to enjoy.
I always look at the positive in everything, and fall is a gift. It’s a reminder that change can be beautiful, even when things are winding down. It’s the season of cozy blankets, soft candlelight, and, of course, the glorious pumpkin.
The Pumpkin: More Than Just a Pretty Face
I have to admit, I used to think of pumpkins as just a cute orange decoration.
These big, beautiful gourds are actually a miracle of nature. They are so much more than just a prop for a front porch photo.
First, let’s talk about the health benefits. Pumpkin is packed with good things. It’s full of fiber, which keeps everything ahem running smoothly. It’s got beta-carotene, which is what gives it that deep orange color, and that turns into Vitamin A in your body. That’s great for your eyes and your immune system.
If you’re having a hard time boosting your vitamin intake, just add a scoop of pumpkin puree to your oatmeal or your smoothie. Simple.
It’s a powerhouse. And the seeds?
Oh my goodness, the pumpkin seeds are little jewels of protein and magnesium. I love them roasted with a little salt. They are the perfect, crunchy snack. My husband is always asking for a batch when I’m carving.
Decorating with Joy
Now, look, while the health benefits are fantastic, we can’t ignore the joy of decorating with pumpkins. They just bring a sense of warmth and harvest right into your home.
In our Pennsylvania home, we like to keep it simple and natural. I love to mix the big, classic orange pumpkins with those tiny, pale white ones and the bumpy, strange-looking gourds. They look so beautiful piled up on the front steps.
Maybe you’ve tried other things, but I find that you don’t need a complicated display. Just a few pumpkins, a basket of pinecones, and maybe a gentle string of fairy lights. It creates that warm, inviting feeling that just says, “Come closer.”
It’s because they actually represent abundance. They remind us that the earth provides, and we have been blessed.
Our Pennsylvania Pumpkin Patch
You can’t talk about fall without talking about the pumpkin patch!
Every year, our family goes out to a local farm here in Pennsylvania. It has become a tradition, and honestly, I adore it. I remember when our son, Michael, was tiny; he would wander around the field, trying to find the perfect pumpkin. He would drag a giant one back to us, and I would just stand amazed at his determination.
It’s a wonderful memory. And that’s the thing about pumpkins: they are tied to our memories. They are the backdrop for hayrides, for family photos, and for that wonderful smell of spice and earth.
When we get home, the real fun begins. I love carving pumpkins, even though I’m usually the one who ends up with seeds stuck to my hair. It’s a messy, sticky, magnificent process.
But I think it’s always worth it. Because when you light that candle inside your carved creation, it’s not just a decoration. It’s a little beacon of light, a reminder of the warmth and the community that fall brings.
So, yes—before you jump into the holiday craze, take a moment. Savor the beauty of the fall leaves. Bake something with pumpkin. Enjoy the simple, abundant gifts of the season.
It’s over too fast, you know?