Much like nature, life is a series of seasons, and each season brings its own unique experiences and beauty.
September 22, 2024. I am definitely experiencing a new season in life, or sometimes I like to refer to it as a new chapter in life. Regardless of whether I call it a new season or a new chapter, my life looks very different today than it did three years ago.
Mind you, I am by no means complaining about this huge life change. Truth is, I was ready for this new season in life just as I am ready for autumn to grace us with her cool temperatures and beautiful colors.
“Live in each season as it passes; breathe the air, drink the drink, taste the fruit, and resign yourself to the influence of the earth.” — Henry David Thoreau
It has been a ridiculously hot and long summer here in Arizona’s desert southwest, and to say the cooling temps of fall are welcome would be an understatement. I can’t wait to get back out into nature … as is my camera. She’s tired of sitting on the shelf 📷 and I’m tired of sitting indoors🙂.
Unfortunately in this part of Arizona, it takes a little effort to find those autumn colors and a little extra time for those cool fall temps to roll in, but I have the fondest of memories of our summers and early autumns spent in northern Wisconsin. I will always treasure that season in my life.
Just as nature cycles through spring, summer, autumn, and winter, our lives transition through various seasons, each with its own significance and challenges. By appreciating each new season in life and in nature, we can find joy and purpose in every phase.
“Our lives are a journey. As we move forward, we will not only figuratively experience the geography of life: the exhilaration of high mountains, the tranquility of calm meadows, the isolation of treacherous canyons, but we will also experience the seasons of life: the hope of spring, the abundance of summer, the harvest of autumn, and yes, the darkness and depression of winter.” — Seth Adam Smith
Are you happy or sad for the change of season? I am most certainly happy to say goodbye to summer and welcome fall while I embrace this new season in life with joy and exuberance. Although I’m enjoying every minute, I haven’t quite decided if a two-year-old and five-month-old are keeping me young or aging me by leaps and bounds. 🤣 Time will tell!
This weeks Sunday Stills photo challenge prompt is “Celebrate Autumn“. I have dreams of autumn colors swirling in my head. 🍂🍁🍂 Ah, to be back in northern Wisconsin right about now immersing myself in all things autumn!
Live Laugh RV 
72 responses to “Celebrating Seasons”
All of your photos are wonderful but your intro photo is outstanding. It reminds me of a lovely oil painting. Here is hoping that falll weather arrives soon.
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Thank you, Karen. Fall around here can’t come soon enough. We’re breaking records for heat in Phoenix with temps still in the 100s 🥵 Soon… we’ll get that reprieve. 🍂🍁🍂 I’m sure you miss those Northeast colors as much as I miss them in the upper Midwest.
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A lovely post, Ingrid. Gorgeous photos & beautiful poetry. I am ready for Autumn! ☀️
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Thank you, Lisa. I am definitely ready for temps to drop. Hope you’ll enjoy a nice showing of fall colors this season. I hear the leaves are starting to change in your neck of the woods.🍂
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Beautiful pictures 🤩
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Thank you 🙂
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Love all of this Ingrid. Yes, joy in every season is a great mantra.
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So nice to hear from you, Donna. I don’t know about you, but hiking season can’t come soon enough. My indoor treadmill walks are getting old. Cheers to cooler temps in our future. 🙂🌵
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Yes. Patiently waiting. We have been able to get out early and walk. A rattlesnake in our neighbors yard spooked us, too, so hibernation can’t get here soon enough either.
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Adorable pictures and posts
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Thank you 🙂
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And here we are in the southern hemisphere celebrating the all too slow advance of Spring! Enjoy the moments.
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I love spring … my favorite time of year. Enjoy!
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It is always full of wonder, fluffy ducklings are swimming in the pond and a starling is singing love songs from the neighbours TV aerial.
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Beautiful photos and words to go with them
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Thank you 🙂
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Dear Ingrid
we like your pictures, the radiate a quietness, the quietness of the North we like. Actually, we don’t know if they are taken in northern latitudes – but that doesn’t matter.
We live not that far north, just 57 degrees north.
Thanks for sharing your pictures
The Fab Four of Cley
🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂
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Most of these photos were taken in northern Wisconsin which I think is 46 degrees north. It’s a very picturesque landscape with many lakes. Unfortunately, I now live 2,000 miles away in the desert southwest, a very different looking landscape, making it difficult to visit anytime. Thank you for stopping by. 😊
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Ingrid,
I could never RV full-time, but I love part-time/sometime. The truth is that we continue to RV so we can visit our grandchildren on each coast. You’re very fortunate to have them close. We’ll take our SC granddaughters camping with us in November, and I cannot wait. When yours get older, you may want to get back on the road again. Here’s hoping for cooler weather so you can dust off that camera. Enjoy your Mimi time, and say hi to Al for us. Joe
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We never intended to full-time as long as we did. We couldn’t decide where to put down roots. We almost ended up in the Texas hill country and am glad we didn’t. That would’ve been tooooo far away from the kids and grands. My son just text me about dropping off the girls Saturday. I love it! I’m sure the distance is difficult for Helen (and you), but how fun to plan a camping trip with your granddaughter’s. We’ve actually been looking at small pull behinds with bunks 😯😁🤞
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Keep up the good work!
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Thank you!
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Beautiful pictures. As a geologist, I really love the one with the rocks. ❤
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Thank you. That particular photo was taken at Zion National Park.
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A very wise post and beautifully illustrated. You seem to be adjusting well to this new season in your life – something we should all learn to do.
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Thank you, Sarah. There are days when it is challenging staying in one location especially after years of such regular travel, but I’m finally adjusting and enjoying this new chapter.
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I think grandchildren keep you young AND remind you exactly how old you are! It’s wonderful to have them, be a part of their lives and then it’s wonderful when they go back to their parents and the house is quiet again. Time to put your feet up and relax!
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Haha! Believe me when I say that I need no reminder of how old I am… I feel it every day 🤣 Giving those little ones back to their parents is exactly what makes being a grandparent so enjoyable. I love being a part of their lives but on my terms. Welcome back to AZ!
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Life is, overall, fluid. It’s inevitable that we all go through different seasons and stages as we lay down our chapters. I would imagine that those of us who embrace each season with curiosity and enthusiasm find the most happiness at every stage of life. You and Al are so very fortunate to be close in distance to your granddaughters and closely connected to them and your kids. Enjoy every minute – just remember to take your vitamins and get a good night’s sleep! Those little ones can be so exhausting! 🥰
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Haha! You are so right about ‘exhausting’. Although there are days I long for yesterday, I’m doing my best to embrace this whole aging thing and this new chapter. I’m enjoying traveling along with you on your big adventure. I know you’ve encountered disappointments, but hope overall, you and Alan have no regrets and it turned into a once in a lifetime excursion.
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Such a beautiful season!
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Thank you 😊
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Enjoy the new season and keep enjoying the new chapter, Ingrid!
We cheated and we left the cold austral winter by plane, to enjoy the American and European summer. Now, we are back in Argentina – since yesterday, on the first day of the new season – and ready for spring! So, yes, we are happy with the new season, especially since we will experience two summers this year. 🙂
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I’ve been following your adventures on FB and seems two summers in the right locations is a huge win. I look forward to seeing/hearing more South American adventures. Enjoy! 🙂
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We had our first killing frost a few nights ago, so by the time we get to Arizona I will be happy for any heat there is!
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Sitting here in 100 degree heat, I can’t even wrap my head around the thought of frost. 🤣 No doubt, you’ll be ready for the warmer weather plus it’ll be great temps by the time you get here.
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Hmmm….the comment I wrote disappeared into who-knows-where! Anyway, this is a beautiful post with beautiful photos, Ingrid. Like you, I’ve been contemplating the changing seasons of my life, mostly related to giving up our full-time travels. I still miss that lifestyle, but at the same time I’m appreciating having the time to pursue gardening, art, and all of the other things that I couldn’t do during our eight years of travels. Enjoy this new season of your life.and your darling grandchildren 🙂
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For some reason, your first comment needed to be approved plus it didn’t show your name. 🤷♀️ Not sure why! Seems with all of the WP updates, things have gotten a little wonky.
Although there are times I miss RV life, I do not miss the full-time aspect of it. Some time to part time would be perfect and is still something we’re considering, but right now, I’m focused on my two granddaughters. They are little for such a short time and I want to savor this stage. 😊
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How beautiful, Ingrid. Your words, pictures, and changing of the seasons are eloquently shared. The only thing constant is change, isn’t it? Often, I think of my RV days, like those of you standing on the rock with your camera, and the amazing autumns around. I’ve learned to embrace the new ones; and being so melancholy, I hold the dear memories so tight in my heart~sometimes they leak down my cheeks. That view of your darling grand is perfect! Happy Autumn, Ingrid. You’re an inspiration to celebrating seasons 💚
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Hi Karla. I’m sure you can relate to the various seasons in life. As much as I still have some wanderlust left in me, priorities and health reasons can make decisions for us. Hope you are doing well and that fall colors don’t disappoint. 🍂
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Thank you, Ingrid. Wanderlust won’t leave! I just know it. I’m doing my best and savoring each hour. I’m hoping to see beautiful colors here in my home state and perhaps, in northern AR if I get opportunity.💚
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No, I don’t think the wanderlust bug ever goes away. 🙂 Fingers crossed for those fall colors!
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This is a beautiful post, Ingrid. I’ve been thinking recently (for the last three years, LOL) about the changes in our lives since we stopped our full-time travels. Honestly, I still miss those days! But I also love our tiny home and our community in North Carolina. And I finally have the time and energy to do the things I couldn’t do during our eight years of non-stop travels—like gardening and art. It’s always a trade off, isn’t it?
I’m sure you’re more than ready for the cooler temps of fall. I’ve always thought it’s the most beautiful season almost everywhere! Your fall photos are lovely. Keep on enjoying your new season of life! 🙂
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Hi Laurel. I think this is your disappearing comment. 🤣 We just had lunch with MonaLiza and Steve last week and discussed how we don’t miss RVing full-time. Travel is still of interest but on a sometime/part time scenario. I’m grateful for living the lifestyle when we did and for all the wonderful friendships made along the way, but I was ready to put down roots. It sounds like you’re settling in nicely to your new season in life as well. Enjoy!
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Beautiful autumn colours! Enjoy them and your new life as “mimi”!
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Thank you Pit. I am definitely enjoying my new lifestyle but still have plans to add in a little travel here and there.
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I’m not convinced the heat is done with SoCal but it looks promising. Until this year, I loooved the heat. Now I’m loving the cooler/reasonable temps and buring myself under a bunch of blankies!
While driving yesterday, I was noticing all the pretty colors. Lots of pink flowers on a spiky tree – I’ve never learned the name, and bright chartreuse buds on dark green trees. I know there are a few trees around which change to reds, yellows, and orange – but they’re always a surprise.
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I realize the heat isn’t over yet here in Phoenix, but I know the triple digit temps won’t be around much longer🤞We won’t start seeing any colors begin to change until the end of October unless I want to visit the high country … which I might do. Enjoy that beautiful landscape in SoCal.
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Fabulous photos, and a true celebration of changes, both in seasons and in life. 😍Personally, summer is my preference, but I live much further north than you. 🙂(Toronto area).
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Thank you, Debbie. Ontario is beautiful in the summer (and fall and spring), but I don’t think I could handle those northern winters anymore. Enjoy those fall colors! 🍂
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I was so happy to see your post today.I love your beautiful fall images. I also love your outlook on the seasons of your life. Being with my grandchildren when they were little was one of the best times of my life. Enjoy every minute with them.
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Thank you, Beth. I am enjoying those little ones. You and I both know how fast they grow and change and I love being a part of their lives.
It has been a challenging summer, and I’m so glad it is coming to an end soon. For now, I’m enjoying fall colors through photos. 🍁
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Great pictures and quotes! Especially love the lake photo. Here in Florida we are ready for some cooler weather too!
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Thank you, Pam. I had a couple of FL gal pals visit, and they too are ready for summer to be over. It’s so funny how our friends to the north relish summers and those of us in the south not so much. It’s times like this when I really miss our RV lifestyle.
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Ingrid, I echo your sentiments about the changing weather and cooler temps. I can hardly wait for fall weather — with and without fall foliage. This is a beautiful gallery you shared here.
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Thank you, Egidio. I realize TX has had its fair share of crazy weather including heat as well. Fall will be a welcome for all of us.
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I love your photos and thoughts on life, Ingrid. I think of my life as having passed through many different eras, the marriages, the single life. The health challenges and so on but life is good! Las Vegas cooled down nicely recently but we will have 100+ degrees next week, and in September! Weird, eh? A great post, and have a wonderful new week with those cute babies! 🙏🏻❤️😊
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Thanks John. Yeah, we too will see temps rise again this week, but it has been lovely with our little reprieve from the triple digit temps this past week. Fortunately, there’s finely a light at the end of the tunnel. Soon I’ll be able to take the 2 year old to the park again.🙂
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The baby will enjoy that, I’m glad you too had a break from the 100+ weather. I’m ready for a few months of cooler weather now.
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I’m so glad to see your post, Ingrid, and amazed at your autumn images from Wisconsin! Indeed there are seasons to our lives, and I’m so happy you get to be a Mimi to your grandchildren! I believe they will keep you young! That shot of the aspen looks like it might be in AZ, but later in the fall for sure. I hope you can take your neglected camera for a wonderful excursion soon!
We have plans to visit Scottsdale/Fountain Hills this winter, as early as Christmas, and staying through the end of January. We’ll have to catch up while I’m there 🙂
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Hi Terri. I loved our time RVing with the weather in mind and there are days I miss the lifestyle, but as soon as my son drops off those little girls, I’m happy with my new life. And although the camera may be sitting on the shelf, my iPhone is getting loaded with lots of grandchildren pics.
We’ll definitely get together when you’re in town. Maybe we can arrange a blogging group hike at one of the parks.
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I have to say, when we moved to WA we knew our windsurf lifestyle would end. I believe new eras in our lives are important for new perspectives. Enjoy your grandma time and YES, I’m always up for a hike!
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It has been a very hot summer here in Illinois, but especially hot here this last month. Add a drought to that and I am ready for Autumnal vibes and leaves changing. We are not going South this Winter. All the mass exodus from North to South and reversed in the Spring has taken the fun out of the drive. Things are changing here in our lives also. Dennis is 82, our oldest grandson is engaged and it is time to stay home for the holidays…at least for now. Enjoy those grands…They are “the continuance” of us all.
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Hi Donna. I think it was an unusually hot summer across the country this year. We’re finally able to sleep with the windows open which is a welcome relief from the heat. I hear ya on the mass exodus in both directions. I think traffic everywhere has taken much of the joy out of travel. There’s a part of me that still has plenty of wanderlust left in me, but once I start thinking about the realities of travel, I find myself quite content staying home. Plus, if I go a week without seeing the grands, I start missing them. Cheers to all things autumn!
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Beautiful photos. I Love your red nail with the apple.
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Thank you, Tim. Good old iPhone for the win 😁
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Beautiful!
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Thanks 🙂
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Love that picture of you on the rocks!
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Thank you. That photo was taken at Zion National Park during a mother/daughter getaway. Such great memories!
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I have always wanted to go there.
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Zion NP is beautiful. It won’t disappoint. However, I’d plan a trip there in the off season. It can get ridiculously crowded.
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