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At The Picket Fence with Vanessa Hunt

Where Ideas for your Home Meet Inspiration for your Heart

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September 27, 2019

My Most Simple Fall Home Tour Ever

It was a very strange summer here in the Willamette Valley. Normally, we count on mid-July through late September to be our ‘guarantee’ months. When there is loads and loads of sunshine, temperatures holding very steadily in the mid-80’s with the only occasional surge into the 90’s.  Plus, we get the added bonus of no humidity! It’s why so many people travel to the Pacific Northwest this time of the year and why we are reminded that there really is know place quite like the beautiful state of Oregon.

But, this year has been different. And I realized that the weather has really reflected this stage in my life. Our ‘normal’ summer-y days seemed few and far between. Not only did the warm days seem to transition too quickly into the cooler days of fall, my days as a mom were spent driving my teenager back and forth to work (his first real job!) and keeping my 12 year old daughter busy with her own activities. The summer days of blowing bubbles and running through the sprinklers in the backyard are long gone and, just like the seasons of the year, the seasons of my life (I think there’s a book about that? wink wink) seem to be moving at warp speed.

Suddenly, I find myself seeing the month of October (and then the holidays!) looming ahead and I can’t even wrap my mind around how quickly the past season went as I’m puttering around the house adding touches of the next season everywhere.

We’ve realized that with older kids, you just don’t see them as much. Between school and sports and homework and friends and them just wanting time to themselves, our windows of opportunity to spend time together keep closing a little bit more each year.

Maybe that’s why I’m more determined than ever to not waste time and energy on things that just aren’t that important in the end.

Which means that, just when I think I can’t get any more simple in my seasonal decor, I find a new level of simplicity I didn’t realize was there.

Instead of spending a ton of money on pumpkins, I invested in a few more pieces of brown transferware that I can use year after year.

Tucked into a vintage wood caddy and placed in an oversized basket along with a bunch of wheat, they declare that Autumn is here but in a more subtle, more gentle way.

And, to be honest, my heart feels kind of fragile in this season of life. So, surrounding myself with more gentle seasonal touches are just what I need.

I absolutely love being a mom to a tween and a teen. There are so many warnings about this stage, about how hard and how scary it is. And those warnings are valid. It can be really hard and really scary at times. Just this week my son got his driver’s license! Yikes!

But, woven through the hard and the scary are so many incredible moments. Positive, wonderful, hilarious, poignant moments that far outweigh any of the ones that aren’t quite so fun.

And yet, while I’ve determined to not lament over the fact that my seasons of motherhood have gone by so quickly and my kids have grown up way too fast, I still feel this ache in my heart. I don’t let it grow too big because I know it could overpower me, but it’s there nonetheless.

It’s the ‘bitter’ part of bittersweet. That tinge of sadness attached to things that are so right and so good and yet remind you of what was and what is to come.

And I guess that’s why my heart as a mother feels kind of fragile right now and why I’ve chosen to gently embrace the season rather than run headlong into it with masses of pumpkins and bursts of color.

Because my role is changing and shifting and I’m trying to change and shift with it.

In this season of motherhood, I feel like I’m constantly doing a kind of dance. “Do you need me? Do you not need me? Should I speak up? Should I stay quiet? Should I get involved? Should I let you figure this out yourself?”

It reminds me of the leaves dancing around as they fall from the trees, floating this way and that way before landing on the ground and even then, all it takes is a gust of wind to pick them back up and toss them around again!

I’m doing the dance and trying to roll with the changes and marveling at these incredible humans we’re raising and yet, in the quietest of moments, I wonder how on earth I got here so quickly.

There’s a rawness to every season of the year and every stage of motherhood, but in the Autumn stage, it just feels like there is so much extra to tug at your emotions. Because, you know that it will come to a climax, a peak, and then the next season is just not quite as vibrant.  It still holds so much beauty, of course, but it’s not quite as lush and colorful as all of the other seasons.

And yet, as much as I would love to just slow things down a bit, there is always an eagerness, an anticipation for the next season that we just can’t seem to get away from. The rhythms of the seasons of life and the rhythms of the seasons of the year are so intertwined and so unavoidable that they force us to keep moving forward….even if we go kicking and screaming.

So, I won’t try to avoid the rhythms. I might not fling my arms wide open to them, but I won’t turn them away either.

This year, my heart and my home may not be loudly shouting out a welcome to the next season, but both will open the door to invite it in with gentle acceptance.

Thank you for coming to visit me today dear friends,

P.S. I hope this blog post wasn’t too depressing! LOL! Once I start writing, the words just flow out of me and I don’t always have control over which way they go. Next time, I’ll share a funny story with you I promise! 😉

22 Comments Filed Under: Autumn, Decorating, Good Ideas Tagged With: Autumn, fall, fall decor, fall Decorating, fall home tour

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Comments

  1. Sharon O says

    September 27, 2019 at 11:50 AM

    Beautiful home. I didn’t realize you were in Oregon. I am too.

    Reply
  2. Julie Briones says

    September 27, 2019 at 12:41 PM

    Your home looks lovely, Vanessa. I think it looks VERY autumnal! And don’t every worry about sharing your hear… never depressing!

    Reply
  3. TERESA GONZALES says

    September 27, 2019 at 1:15 PM

    Not depressing-changes in life and season bring contemplation. You will find that this time will be a blink when you look back. Goes by faster and faster….love your home. It is beautiful!!!

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      September 27, 2019 at 1:48 PM

      Thank you so much Teresa!! And you are so right that this season I’m in right now will also become a sweet, distant memory. It’s the way of life after all! 🙂

      Reply
  4. michele Knoppel says

    September 27, 2019 at 2:05 PM

    I loved your story of this beautiful and peaceful season that is coming upon us once again and how you are decorating this year! Your home looks so pretty and inviting!…..God Bless You and your Family….Thank you for sharing with us….Love it!

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      September 27, 2019 at 3:47 PM

      Thank you so much Michele! I hope you have a wonderful Autumn weekend! xoxo

      Reply
  5. Calypso in the Country says

    September 27, 2019 at 2:10 PM

    I completely understand how you feel! My boys are 13 and 15 and I feel like time is flying by. I often feel sad that they don’t need me as much yet I am proud of them as they grow into young men. Your home is beautiful and your simple decor is so inspiring. Enjoy your weekend!
    Shelley

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      September 27, 2019 at 3:46 PM

      Oh Shelley, you are right in the thick of it too my friend!! It’s nice to know we aren’t alone, right? Thanks so much for your kind words and I hope you have a great weekend too! xoxo

      Reply
  6. Marlene Stephenson says

    September 27, 2019 at 2:11 PM

    I think it was beautifully said and just a reminder that time goes on whether we are ready or not. I love your decor and your home, you have a beautiful fall weekend.

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      September 27, 2019 at 3:45 PM

      Thank you so much Marlene! I hope you have a beautiful fall weekend too! xoxo

      Reply
  7. Peggy Renie says

    September 27, 2019 at 2:52 PM

    Your home is gorgeous, and I completely understand what you are feeling about your children. Enjoy everyday to the fullest and treasure all the changes.

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      September 27, 2019 at 3:45 PM

      Thank you so much Peggy! I really appreciate your encouragement!

      Reply
  8. Karen Gauvreau says

    September 27, 2019 at 4:58 PM

    Thanks for being a champion of the tween and teen years. We need more voices of hope during this stage. Love how your Mama story is reflected in your decorating choices – simply stunning.

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      September 29, 2019 at 4:58 PM

      Thank you friend!! I agree that we need to talk more positively about these years of parenting. It’s definitely filled with some angst at times but so is every other stage of parenting, right? LOL! But the good far outweighs the bad! <3

      Reply
  9. Carol Reddin says

    September 28, 2019 at 10:01 AM

    This is so beautifully written. Your Dad and I were just talking yesterday about the meaning of bitter-sweet. I believe you described it perfectly. Your home is lovely – as are you in every way.

    Reply
  10. Pamela says

    September 29, 2019 at 11:21 AM

    I adore brown transfer ware and you just gave me the excuse I needed to add a little to my small collection, thank you.

    Reply
  11. Margaret Ogle says

    September 30, 2019 at 6:32 AM

    I love how you are using the dresser in your entry. I have one that is almost identical that
    belonged to my great Aunt. You gave me inspiration for using mine in the same way. I am now
    in the season as a grandmother that you are in as a mother. I miss the days when they were
    small and all the fun we had then. I am trying to embrace each moment that we are able
    to spend with them now as they are growing up and busy with friends and activities. I like your
    decorating style.

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      October 3, 2019 at 10:52 AM

      Thank you so much Margaret!

      Reply
  12. Patty says

    September 30, 2019 at 1:40 PM

    Absolutely loved all of this! Pictures and words!

    Reply
  13. Katarina - Sukhirugs.com says

    October 1, 2019 at 9:26 AM

    Love how perfectly you showed that Fall decor doesn’t have to be too overwhelming. Subtle accessories and gentle, earthy tones make every corner of your home stunning, peaceful and relaxing. The cozy vibe is there too, as well as the layers and textures, so I’d say you’ve done a pretty amazing job here with just a few simple touches.

    Reply
  14. Christa Brockway says

    October 25, 2019 at 9:51 AM

    I understand you completely. I’m nearing the end of my parenting days too and it makes me nostalgic. Thanks for sharing what was on your heart.

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      November 4, 2019 at 11:01 AM

      Thank you so much Christa! It’s so bittersweet isn’t it?!

      Reply

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Happy Friday!! I’m working on a blog post to sha Happy Friday!! I’m working on a blog post to share all of the details of our family room shelving makeover but I’m super impatient and just had to give you all a sneak peek!! We are SO happy with how they turned out and it finally looks like I’ve always envisioned. Our quick fix years ago (scroll to see the before photo) never felt quite right but now? Soooo much better!! 🙌🏻 Big shoutout to our amazingly talented friend Matt @redemptive_woodworx for bringing our vision to life and doing such impeccable work.

I hope you all have a great start to the 4th of July weekend and make sure to check my stories later for Friday Funnies!
The month of June is coming to a close and it has The month of June is coming to a close and it has been JAM packed! The highlight by far though was my son's graduation from high school. When I started blogging, he was only 6 years old and some of you have been apart of my community here for that entire time. Now, he's 19 and there is a reason parents are told not to blink because the years truly do go faster than I ever could have imagined. He has become such an incredible young man we are so excited to see how God is going to unfold the next chapter of his life. We celebrated with parties galore (SO many open houses to attend!) and made memories we'll forever cherish. My mama heart was filled to bursting with the joy of it all! Now we're taking some time to just enjoy these warm, summer days making even more memories because, when you’re at this stage of parenting, you know all too well how much you need to grasp every opportunity to spend time together.

I hope your summer is off to a great start too dear friends! 🪴
“And so with the sunshine and the great bursts o “And so with the sunshine and the great bursts of leaves growing on the trees, just as things grow in fast movies, I had that familiar conviction that life was beginning over again with the summer.” F. Scott Fitzgerald.

Happy first day of summer dear friends!! I can’t believe it’s been so long since I posted something new here but life has been crazy. I’ll have some new photos of house projects and life events to share with you soon but, got now, I’m just going to enjoy this gorgeous first day of summer after our ridiculously long, wet spring. ☀️
“It was June, and the world smelled of roses. Th “It was June, and the world smelled of roses. The sunshine was like powdered gold over the grassy hillside.” (Maud Hart Lovelace) 

Welcome June!
“No man is entitled to the blessings of freedom “No man is entitled to the blessings of freedom unless he be vigilant in its preservation.”
General Douglas MacArthur

Grateful today and every day for those who were vigilant to the point of death in the preservation of our freedom. May we honor their sacrifice by being vigilant too. #memorialday
“Those who know your name trust in you, for you, “Those who know your name trust in you, for you, LORD, have never forsaken those who seek you.” Psalm 9:10
This is one of my most favorite projects from my b This is one of my most favorite projects from my book Life in Season! 

Because, if heaven has a fragrance, I’m fairly certain it smells like lilacs.

I think that somewhere along the way the verse in the Bible that said, ‘heaven will smell like lilacs’ just got lost in translation. But it HAD to have been in there at some point, right?

When I bury my head in the blossoms (which I absolutely MUST do every single time I walk past them), I immediately feel a stirring in my soul.

It seems like I wait forever for my lilac tree to bloom. Every year I anxiously watch as the buds begin to form on the branches and then when the blossoms finally burst forth I begin that agonizing process of deciding the absolute perfect moment to snip them and bring them inside.

And then, after all of that waiting and watching it’s just over…done. Because, unlike heaven, lilacs don’t last for an eternity. So, making my own lilac room spray seemed like the perfect way to enjoy their fragrance long after the blossoms have faded.

Here’s how to make it! Ingredients: Water, Vodka, Lilac fragrance oil. Directions: Fill spray bottle with 50/50 ratio of water to vodka. Add 12 drops of lilac oil. Give it a shake, spray and if the scent isn’t strong enough, simply add a few more drops of lilac oil.

Once you’ve made this lilac scented room spray you will be very tempted to spray it in every room in your house. And someone may want to use it in the bathroom to cover up other less…ummmm….pleasing aromas.

But, do not, I repeat do NOT, let them.

You’ve captured the fragrance of heaven in a bottle and you wouldn’t want to go and tarnish it now would you? 😉
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I’m a MUCH better version of myself when the sun is shining! 🤪 So I’ll just be over here today plotting and planning how my husband and I can be snowbirds someday when the kids are out of the house.

If you could spend your winters (and apparently most of spring too!) in any part of the country, where would it be?
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