Easing the shock of yet another month all but concluded, I rejoice in a glance back at my October Offerings joining Heather Gerwing as she hosts a monthly feature called, Share Four Somethings, where writers share the fourth Saturday of each month something in each of four categories from the previous month.
The four categories remain the same, something loved, something read or heard, something treasured, and something ahead. The premise delights me, falling right in line with my one word 2021 journey with joy; especially my recent joy lesson learned. Looking back over the previous month through these four categories helps me linger with joy, and ignites my gratitude.
something loved
A unique and utterly delightful experience at Meadowbrooke Farms, in Carlisle, PA, easily headlines my “Share Four Somethings” for October! Known far and wide for their unique gourds, their story is even more unique. The owner started his whole operation from two seeds, which he found by accident!
After falling in love with the gooseneck gourds he came across on a visit to New England, he decided to try his luck growing them in Central, Pa. A huge hit, with folks, he cultivated large fields only to learn other farmers in the area did likewise.
Knowing crops rot in the field over the winter if not harvested and sold, he watched his new fettish end as fast as it started. But he quickly learned of the special quality of gooseneck gourds: instead of rotting, they harden like wood.
A craftsman at heart, and trained carpenter, the gourds provided him with a creative outlet over the winter months, which blossomed into an amazing and beautiful shop. In addition to their gorgeous gourds, they grow fields of sunflowers in various colors. One of their fun fall events is their sunflower festival, where you roam the field and cut your own sunflowers for FREE!! What’s not to love???
Something read
For my Something Read contribution to the October Offerings of Share Four Somethings, heading to the Gretna Theater in Mt. Gretna, PA thrilled me in more ways than one. Attending the “Nevermore” live presentation on a chilly October evening found me wandering through the quaint village of Mt. Gretna after dark randomly encountering characters from Edgar Allan Poe’s most famous stories, “reading” provocative scenes, stepping out of the dark on porches, stairs and dark pathways.
We delighted in actors in full dress portraying bizarre scenes from The Tell Tale Heart, Fall Of The House of Usher, The Black Cat, A Predicament, The Masque Of The Red Death and The Raven, while strolling at our leisure. Guessing the story from which the performance ensued was almost as enjoyable as wondering where we might find our next “friend”!
something treasured
My “special girls” win the treasured spot in this month’s share four somethings. Spending a recent Sunday afternoon with my youngest daughter Rachel and precious granddaughter, Grace, reminded me of the special bond we share.
All three of us spread out on the floor coloring on a huge plastic mat designed for use with water filled markers, laughing, sharing and creating together; JOY colored my world. Without noticing, each of our creations complimented the others’ and grace loved when I wrote her name next to hers so much, she insisted everyone’s name be written. Holding hands together we sang while surveying our artwork!
something ahead
As Halloween falls after the writing of this month’s post, I eagerly anticipate seing my “Sweet Busy Bee” in her costume! My daughter lets her visit her closest neighbors in her community and she gets treats from them and also at her daycare.
Smart mom, found out her dentist does a “candy buy back”, offering parents the opportunity for allowing kids a few treats without the huge sugar haul. The candy is then sent to troops overseas, so a win for everyone!
October goes out with a bang as I also plan on attending my hospice’s annual book sale fundraiser! Who else loves book sales? My daughter and I absolutely thrive surrounded by books: throw in a basket raffle all for a good cause, and our JOY is complete.
October offerings:Share four somethings
Thank you for taking a walk back through my October Offerings with me! I am grateful to Heather for creating such a creative way to review the moments of our days which often slip by so quickly. Sharing Four Somethings is a way to savor one more time those things we love, read, treasure and anticipate!
But you don’t have to be a writer or blogger to enjoy this practice. Why not take a few moments and think back over YOUR October Offerings and share four somethings with me in the comments! Meet me back here at the end of November for more joyful somethings
Oh Donna, I love this. What a special month you had and such a blessed and beautiful family. Memory making. Blessings.
Dear Paula, thank you for reading my silliness! I so enjoyed the unusual month I had, and enjoyed even more sharing it with others. Thank you also for your kind words, you bless me with every visit to my blog!
What adorable gourds! And how fun to wander through the Edgar Allan Poe scenes. Those kind of things usually make a long-lasting impression on me. Rachel and Grace are so lovely! Glad you had lots of good things in your October.
Thank you Lisa for taking the time to stroll along my October fun. I really enjoyed those gourds and the Edgar Allan Poe event was truly something I will remember! Thank you for your kind words about Rachel and Grace, they are my treasures!
Lovely post Donna & those girls! Absolutely Beautiful! Your JOY cup overflowth 😉
Bless you,
Jennifer
Thank you Jennifer for your kind words and taking the time to read my post!
How interesting that the gourds harden like wood, then the carpenter finishes them into such cute little Thanksgiving decorations. So cute! Thanks for sharing, Donna.
Hi Lisa! Isn’t that fascinating about the gourds? I never knew that. God is an amazing Creator!
Donna, this was such a fun post to read. Those creations are amazing! And what a gift to be able to cut sunflowers for free! But your daughter and granddaughter – I think they are the best part of the month 🙂 They are beautiful and how precious to be able to spend time with them!
Joanne, this was a fun post to write! It allowed me to enjoy God’s amazing blessings all over again. The gourd story so fascinated me, I had to share it! I totally agree that my daughter and granddaughter were the best part of my month! Thank you for your kind words, I know as a fellow grandmother you treasure those moments too!
Donna, you’ve had a good month. I am so glad for you.
Thank you, Susan, God has been generous with His blessings!
What an eventful month you have had! Thank you for sharing the story of the gooseneck gourds. It represents the ol’ saying that something big can start from one small seed.” October whized by for me too! One something I have loved is our prairie fall season that was blessed with warm temperatures!
Yes, Lynn, it was an eventful month of blessings! I found the gourd story so fascinating, I just had to share it! Such a good lesson on “small things here!” I rejoice at your warm prairie fall, trusting God continues to bless you each and every day!
Dear Donna, thank you for this post. It truly helped with issues I’m dealing with to see the month in a new light So, here are my 4 shares:
Something loved going to a Renaissance Fair for first time in a long time and the one here in NC is amazing. Not able to walk or do as much anymore, but still had a good time being with my husband and daughter
Something read- I truly find strength and inspiration when i read your newsletters/blog posts. And in spirit if the season,I am also listening to a new paranormal mystery from Darynda Jones, “Betwixt &Between”
Something treasured my friendship with a very dear Friend who passed away on October 17th after in hospice at home for a year.She helped me with TLCB edits, typing for me when my hands hurt too much and gave endless encouragement,support and love.Her faith throughout the last 10years with multiple illnesses inspires me. I visited with her 6 days before she went to heaven. She woke up, smiled and said hello to me using my name,she hadn’t done that for anyone except her husband for a while,but she gave me this gift each time I visited her.❤
Something ahead is looking forward to my virtual school visits and hope there will be some in person ones as well 🥰
Kathleen, I truly loved reading about YOUR four somethings! We have a Renaissance Faire nearby too, I’ve gone a couple of times, they have musical festivals there too. My favorite is the Celtic faire they do. I’m so pleased you enjoyed your time with your husband and daughter!
Thank you for your kind words about my posts and newsletters! Praise God His words bring a blessing to you. Your paranormal read sounds interesting, you should do a little review!
I’m truly sorry for the loss of your dear friend recently. It is never easy losing someone beloved to us. Rejoicing at the time you were able to spend with her before the Lord called her home. What a true treasure her friendship was to you, and now you have beautiful memories to treasure until you meet again and never have to say good bye. May those memories grow more and more precious as the days pass bringing you comfort at the times you miss her most. Praying you enjoy your virtual school visits and even get some in person fun in!
Thank you for taking the time to share these precious moments of your life with me! I only wish we were sitting across the table having some of that delicious pumpkin bread you made!
Thank you so very much for your kind words for my 4 Shares, as well as you words of comfort and faith. It is like a warm hug for my soul❤ And I agree! It would be soo much better to be chatting in person across table enjoying pumpkin bread and each others company! 🥰
Thank you, Kathleen! Rejoicing my “hug” made it through! Here’s to one day enjoying that hug in person!
What a great post and 4 shares! I would love to visit that farm someday and his art is adorable (or should I say gourdgeous)😊 I really like Edgar Allen Pie but my daughter is a huge fan of his work and anything about him. She would love experiencing that! Such sweet memories with your daughter and precious grandchild-she is so cute.And of course I am a lover of book sales as well 😁 ❤
Kathleen, how I enjoy you stopping by! The gourd farm is truly a wonder to see, if you’re ever in the area check it out! They even have classes for DIY-you can shop online too! If your daughter likes Edgar Allan Poe, she would have had a fabulous time with this event-such fun! Thank you for your kind words about my daughter & granddaughter, I am truly blessed! Hoping for some great finds at the booksale!
That is so cool that it is online! I just irdered a little turkey one for my mother in law for a little hostess Thanksgiving gift 😊Someday hope to go in person and my daughter said she’d definitely visit the Edgar Allen Poe event 😊
Oh how awesome, Kathleen you found that little turkey to share with your mother-in-law! I’m headed back for some Christmas ornaments for my tree! I do hope you get up this way sometime-I would love to spend time with you!