Inspiration Friday Party No. 2!

Seasons

"Every leaf speaks bliss to me,

Fluttering from the Autumn tree."

*Emily Bronte*

We are ushering fall in with open arms here at
Southern in my Heart!

I am a fall-lovin' fanatic but I am also strangely loyal to Summer too (could have something to do with how much rain we get here in the NW!) and don't officially pull out my fall decor until September 1. Now, I do realize that it is not technically "Fall" yet. But you know what? The transition from Fall Decorating to Christmas Decorating happens pretty quickly around here and these items need some time to shine!  I open the closet and say,
 "Hello Old Friends! Gather 'round
and meet the newest members of the Seasonal Decor Family!"

They are all congregating and having a little reunion together.
Can you hear them talking?
"Look at that Newbie arrangement over there!
 Where do you think she is going?"
"Oh, I hope I make it to the entry table this year!"
Ok, I'm weird...I know. But, this is my world and in my world my Seasonal decor have personalities and talk to each other!
Now everyone gets to find their home for this year...

Even the Cloche received a new friend!

Aren't the colors of that artichoke great?!
 I found her in the Clearance bin at Michael's for $.50!

She is the "Newbie" arrangement and was another Michael's find with a 40% off tag attached! She had to come home with me!

There is much more to do, but for now, we are welcoming in the cooler evenings when the sun sets earlier and we snuggle in just a little bit closer!
*I'm linking this up to Domestically Speaking and The Inspired Room! Go visit these great parties for more Inspiration!*

As in weather, there are also Seasons of Life.
 And my parents are entering a new one this week!

My Dad officially retires TODAY!

This is my favorite picture of the two of us
Just so you know, I'm trying to make it through this without crying. I'm not doing a very good job of it though!
I could go on and on about what a hard worker my dad is and has been his entire life. I could tell you about the countless emails, cards, letters, texts, messages, gift baskets, etc. that have made their way to him from his employees, his customers, his peers, his superiors, and his friends. All of them glowingly recounting tales of a man who tirelessly worked to bring success to his company and sacrificially gave of himself for the sake of others. I could tell you of the employees who cried when they found out he would no longer be their Manager. I could tell you about the things he has done for so many people who will never know that he was the one who paid that medical bill, provided that meal, made Christmas happen for their family.
But, I won't....instead I will show you what he is looking forward to doing more of in this next season of life!

Some of this...
And this...

And a little of this...

(That is my niece)

And, spending time with this guy (my nephew) before he heads out into Grown-up Land! Only 2 more years buddy, enjoy them!
He is also of course looking forward to traveling, riding his motorcycle and just sitting still for awhile (it will be hard for him!). But, we are most excited about getting to see more of our Daddy and Poppa!
Congratulations Dad on your Retirement! We love you!

That is what is Inspiring me today!
How about you?

So, now it's your turn! What did you post on your Blog this week that you hope will Inspire others? Share it with us!

And be sure to come back on Saturday for the first installment of
Sister Saturday
and our
"Labor Day has gone South" Party!

Here are the instructions for those of you who are new to this "Linky" Party thing...
1. Add your Permalink to your entry but not your General Blog Address. To get your Permalink, click on the title of the blog post you are wanting to submit and copy and paste the address into the URL box. You will also have to add your address but it will not be visible to anyone else.

2. Do not try and Link up until you have actually published that particular post on your blog.

3. Please link back to the host blog, Southern In My Heart, so that those who visit your blog will be able to find some wonderful Inspiration from everyone else!

4. Leave me a comment and let me know what you think about my Inspiration Friday party!