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Happy Halloween! And happy almost November, but not quite yet. :) We still have one more day of October and what a gorgeous month it has been, so let's savor it. Shall we?

Just yesterday, we took a walk to Benham Falls (located just outside of Bend), middle of the week and mid-morning, my parents were visiting and I wanted to take them on a trail they had yet to see. The forecast called for rain and slight wind, so we bundled up. And you know what? Gorgeous blue sky weather greeted us and escorted us along our entire three mile journey, clear as bell skies and not a stitch of wind. The aspens still had many of their gold cornflake leaves and the willow trees too, so it seemed we were taking a stroll in Mother Nature's outdoor musée d'art à la Bend. What a special treat it was to experience each of these remarkable sights simultaneously and in late October at that. 

Nope. The weather app didn't call for such ideal hiking weather, but ideal weather arrived and more ideally timed it could not have been.

See, that's just the thing about life and engaging without expectation. Or as some might say, stepping forward without a promise but knowing what you are about to do is doable and worthwhile. Sometimes, the road clears, luck arrives and all works out even better than you could have hoped. But, and here's the important piece of the puzzle we must not forget, we have to choose to engage and do so with commitment. A commitment that excludes wavering or hesitating. 

Because when we choose and then commit ourselves, when we pull on our hiking shoes, pack our warm weather gear and have it at-the-ready just in case, we give life a chance to present a gorgeous gift of a surprise.

While we were walking, of course Norman and Nelle toodled along with, ahead and around us the entire time, the infusion of energy occurred without assumption as the gentle late fall sunlight streamed through the trees and warmed our beings, the colors of yellow and orange painted the riverside and the chorus of the Deschutes river prompted instant delight and appreciation. 

All we have to do is show up, engage and after we let go of requirement of what must be, we gift ourself the wonderment of what will be and what can be if only we choose to show up fully with an open heart and a kind and curious soul and being. 

Of course, we must keep stepping forward, keep moving and not be passive, in other words, know ourselves well enough to honor our needs (i.e. boundaries), but when we know our boundaries and know we have the confidence to communicate them as needed, we then can relax and fully be present to enjoy all that arrives. 

As we step closer to the bustling holiday season, may you carry this wisdom and these tools with you, and in so doing, I am confident you will experience  memories that while unexpected or unplanned, will be sure to bring a smile and usher in more energy than ever you have imagined could be possible. 

Now to the newsletter, one that is full of autumn seasonal postings for clothing, food and savoring the fall season (activities, films and more), along with much life inspiration, recipes to savor, in-depth explorations into skincare and a reminder to celebrate more often, along with much more - especially jam-packed This & Thats. 

Be sure to check out the Subscriber Exclusive News & Information below for important soon-to-happen events to take note of, and with that, let's head to the exploration of the newsletter!  Thank you for subscribing, and until Saturday November 30th, I will see you on the blog.  

Bonne journée,

—Shannon

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