Monday, September 26, 2011

    This is an article I was asked to write on fall and family for the Gazette via Pikes Peak Parent. I hope you enjoy.

    Fall is a marvelous time in Colorado, a time when I begin to cherish the days that are warm enough for my family to be outside in jeans and t-shirt one day and a coat the next. Knowing that our days of hiking are limited I try to round up the family as much as possible to hit the trails before our days of cuddling before the fire are full on.
     Since we are past using the trails that are shaded and cooler in the summer, our family tries to get to the more sun exposed areas like the Red Rock Open Space off of Highway 24 where we can also take in some of the color changes happening in the Aspens. A drive up Ute Pass to Waldo Canyon will do just as well for some sightseeing. 
     For our family, the fall season also means we gather on Saturdays at the Briargate YMCA fields to watch our son play soccer. The back drop of the mountains still mesmerizes me after five years of living here and the snow-cap on Pikes Peak a reminder that for us, climbing 14ers is over for the year but the holidays are almost upon us.
     Heading into the holidays, I try to take a deep breath and not get too rushed so that we can savor it instead of getting sucked into the commercialism of it all. I am already tempted to purchase pumpkins so we can have our Dunning pumpkin carving contest that is impossible for me to win due to the fact that I live with several artists. The kids find all the traditions magical still and I am reminded why I am thankful for the seasons and simplicity of life.

~Rebecca Dunning is an award winning writer who lives in beautiful Colorado with her husband and three children. She not only loves to read and write but also enjoys hiking, climbing mountains 14,000 feet or higher, traveling the world and about anything else out-of-doors. Rebecca is also the author of two children's books: The Real-Life Princess and Beetle Hunter as well as her first novel, The Awen: Book One of the Sacred Oak Series. You can also find her ebook, Self-Publishing 101 on Amazon.



5 comments:

Anonymous said...

Thanks for your share! very impressive!
[url=http://www.mulberryoutlet2012.co.uk] Mulberry Outlet[/url]

nickxdesu said...

I enjoyed the article, glad I could read it.

Deb Chitwood said...

How fun that we both live in Colorado Springs! Manitou Springs is one of my very favorite places. My husband and I go to Adam's Mountain Cafe once or twice a week. We always appreciate the mountains when we're there and remember to enjoy the beautiful scenery and relaxed atmosphere that is Colorado.

Unknown said...

I too have created some wonderful traditions throughout the years that my (college-age) boys still hold dear to their hearts. For me those intangible things are what *make* the holidays. I'll be following, your new friend from BF!

Sarah said...

Rebecca, I enjoyed this and can appreciate it especially because, I too, live in this beautiful state! I loved reading this and being able to identify in so many ways. As always, love visiting you over here!