En route to Houston, we stopped in Franklin, Tennessee, for a quick visit with our farm girl daughter. It just so happened we were there when a holiday popup show sponsored by City Farmhouse was happening which gave the daughter and me a fun way to spend some time.
To no surprise, most of the booths featured things perfect for a farmhouse country look.
There was a big emphasis on pillows for all seasons. You can be sure the ones made with French linens were being snapped right up.
I’m crazy for pumpkins, and these made of chenille and tartan plaids were eye catching and suitable for more than the fall season.
White ironstone was plentiful, and I couldn’t help but think of many blog friends who fancy it.
It would be a lovely accent for this pottery that reminded of classic French style.
Over the years I’ve participated in a number of shows, and this one impressed me with the cohesiveness achieved by displays complementing one another.
I left the show with no purchase, but when we stopped by City Farmhouse, I was sorely tempted by these Christmas trees. Rustic, yes, but they have that whimsical aspect which suits my fancy.
i so appreciate your visit and the comments you leave behind
There are some highlights, including coming home to the house I love. 
The first few minutes are spent wandering from room to room reacquainting myself with each one.
Even before bags are unpacked, I go to buy foodstuffs. Now, that is one of the joys of being in Houston. Costco and Trader Joe’s are just a few minutes away as well as a grocery store that has everything and then some. Between the three the pantry is well stocked and bunches of flowers make it seem like home.
Now for the hard part. Compared to Rockport, Houston is a behemoth! What that means is traffic, lots of it. Already I’ve had to do some freeway driving and after traveling mostly two lane roads for the last few months, six lanes of cars moving at fast speeds is a trifle scary.
I especially miss opening my eyes every morning and looking out to see how Rockport Harbor is welcoming the day. Here, when I turn my head all I see is the wooden fence that separates us from the neighbors. 
Skeletons party up in front yards.
Witches have tired of broomsticks and now travel in carriages pulled by pumpkins instead of mice.
Ghouls rise up out of darkness to be part of things,
On a quiet day, we ventured over to Lewiston to take a look at the Bates Museum of Art. Wouldn’t you know it was closed for a new installation but hearing that we had come over from Rockport the director allowed us in.
Staff was putting the finishing touches on Anthropocenic. Now that is a mouthful and what it means is art about the natural world in the human era. The accompanying brochure describes the show as an exhibition of 17 artists and collaboratives from Maine, the US and abroad who make art about nature, the natural world and out effect on and interrelation with it in the 21st century.
As always with art, it is interesting to see how artists interpret a theme. I was intrigued by the collaborations of Lori Nix and Kathleen Gerber. First, they built a model of their subject and then photographed it. There are many humorous details in their work.
Throughout the main floor was abundant stimulation with materials cleverly used to make a statement.
Venturing down to the second floor, we were surprised to see a familiar name. The hubby and I took a street photography workshop in Paris from Peter Turnley last month and he made no mention of an exhibit at Bates.
Peter’s photos capture the essence of humanity no matter where they are taken. The more I see of his work the easier it is to understand why he is tops in his field.
Usually Sunday Wanderings have no specific destination, but this day I wanted to find an old antique shop where several years ago I had seen a wonderful quilt made entirely from woven labels and insignias from World War II. I wanted to own that quilt, but the elderly lady who made it said it was not for sale. For some reason that piece has stuck in my mind and I was curious as know if it was still there.
I found the shop and was disappointed to see that it looked like it had been abandoned for some time. I guess the story of the quilt, as well as the woman who made it, will remain a mystery.
Disappointment was not going to stop my wandering, and I ventured on until I came upon Liberty Tool.
Talk about a place to browse! Here was some of everything.
There were more old tools than you can imagine
as well as jars and jars of screws, nails and hinges. To my astonishment, men were going through them looking for just the one that could be used for some miscellaneous repair.
There were kitchen utensils I’d never seen the likes of, and I thought of several people who would do some wonderful arrangement with them.
There was an old loom scattered on the floor. From the looks of it, it was beyond repair. I couldn’t help but wonder how long ago it was last used, and imagining how difficult it was to operate made me appreciate my very sophisticated setup.
Two floors of the old building were filled with everything you can imagine, and all of it was meticulously organized. When I asked about bottles, there was no hesitation about where to send me.
The days around Halloween are my favorite when it comes to table tops. There’s just so much fun stuff with which to work.
Witches see the light of day
and spiders and bats come out to play.
Black dishes never work better
and long stemmed goblets are perfect for witches’ brew.
Witches shoes are pointed and curled reminding if the shoe fits…….I don’t like the looks of this one so think I’ll wait for a prince to come along with a better choice.
And while I’m waiting for his arrival, I’ll munch on a kettle of corn!
Folks are often surprised to learn that right on Maine’s midcoast is a Snow Bowl where from December thru spring there is skiing on Ragged Mountain.
The runs aren’t real long, but neither are the lines so a diehard skier can get his fill in a day.
There’s no snow this time of year, but on October Sundays one can take the chairlifts up the mountain.
Except for the fact that it got colder and colder as we went up the mountain and our hands turned to ice, it was a glorious experience. Ordinarily, leaves have gone by but thanks to a warm, dry summer they are at their best late into October.
I could only marvel at the beauty as we went higher and higher.
At the top of the mountain, one can see forever.
What is astonishing is the view of Penobscot Bay and the many islands that dot it. How many places can you think of where it is possible to ski while looking out onto the water?
It’s not just humans that enjoy being on the mountain! Here, there is ample opportunity for everyone to find something to enjoy.
I don’t have to go far to find this place as it’s an easy walk right down the street.
The sign says it all about when the shop is open this time of year.
Books are displayed in every available space starting at the front door.
Displays often reflect the season not only with decor but with titles. You can be sure Stephen King and Edgar Allen Poe are well represented now!
Mixed with the books, there just may be a surprise.
Throughout the space are chairs and tables that invite visitors to sit and stay awhile. You may be offered a cup of tea while browsing, a nice touch on these chilly fall days.
With the house having little touches of fall, it was a no brainer to have the next step be continuing them on the table for the evening dinner. Already what can serve as a centerpiece is there making it easy to add the rest.
None of my dishes reflect fall better than these. The rich color with its arty black leaf outline is perfect, and I like using them for another reason. They were a gift from a very special and thoughtful friend who knows how crazy I am about all things for tables.
Some time ago this flatware was on sale at Target, and it has been such a good find. Its coppery contrast with the table’s wood surface adds such warmth.
Thinking about what food is going to be served, I don’t put more dishes on the table than can be used. Tonight there will be an entree and a salad, so nothing more than dinner and salad plates are needed. The black salad plate complements the leaf outline, and its shape will be perfect for the salad.
On any table, the napkin presentation is one of those little touches that make a table special. One of my favorites is this one folded accordion style and fanned to make it stand.
With the addition of wine stems and water glasses, a table can’t be much simpler than this. It started with what was already there and has warm color and texture which makes any table inviting.
I can’t resist sharing with you one of my favorite salads made with delicata squash, one with which I was unfamiliar. The attraction was its green and pale yellow striping, reason enough to give it a try!
For the salad, cut the squash into rings and remove the seeds. Place them on a baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil. Roast at 400 until tender, roughly 15-20 minutes. To prepare the salad, place mixed greens or any lettuce on a plate. Top with the roasted delicata rings, sprinkle with craisins, toasted almonds and feta (optional). My preference for dressing is a honey mustard vinegarette, but most any salad dressing would work.
That being said, I can add some little touches to make it look a little more like fall. The easiest change is pillows.
They are a simple and inexpensive way to give chairs and sofas a new look.
Textiles add warmth and color to any room, and I use them at every opportunity. Here a crazy quilt with rich colors and sheaves of wheat in its design becomes a table topper.
A shawl woven in fall colors is handy should anyone want to cozy up to the fire.
Nature provides some little touches. Apples are in season and hydrangeas are cut and drying nicely. Both are great for table tops. 
Inside or out, you can never have too many.
With a fire burning brightly, there is no question that it is fall with or without little touches!