Packing a picnic and heading off to the park for an afternoon of fun is one of those quintessential things we do as mothers. Spreading a blanket out upon the cool grass under the shade of a tall oak tree, taking in deep breaths of fresh air, kicking off shoes and letting toes wiggle free, and watching the children lay back on the swings with smiles that would put the Cheshire Cat to shame—No, there’s nothing quite as wonderful as a day at the park.
But why not change up the scenery for one of these afternoon jaunts?
This week I’d like to invite you to do just that. Take a moment to assess the areas surrounding you. Think of some of the beautiful spaces you’ve noticed while you’ve been out and about; fun places you’ve hiked, a babbling brook somewhere off the beaten path. Maybe there’s a wide open meadow drenched in sunlight, or a small clearing in the middle of a grove of trees. Perhaps it’s a new venue out there just waiting to be discovered?
Then pack up your picnic basket and go there.
Be sure to bundle up in all of your cozy fall attire, and allow plenty of time to bask in the many new adventures your children will take you on.
Oh, just one more thing…if you happen to go up into the canyons, make sure it’s not during deer hunting season. Something about the sound of gunshots ringing out around us between each bite of my turkey and swiss on whole-wheat, made the experience slightly less charming.
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{ 5 comments… read them below or add one }
I love this idea. I think in the states particularly in the west we use the cold weather as an excuse to become recluses, running from a heated building to a heated car. When I was in Europe it was in late November and I was amazed at how people were still out and about. We went through a park and it was packed, everyone just bundled up still having fun. There was even a little kids carnival going on! I remember thinking “wow, you don’t see that where I come from” And I have to admit I too am guilty, but I will take your advice. I know just the place to go!
I too love this idea! I was trying to figure out what to do today and now I know. What time shoud we meet Destri? I wish….there are just a few states in between us!
Aaaah…..if only..
I love picnics and I really want to pack up and take my daughter to the beach for one. This just reminded that I need to figure out a time and do it.
BTW the last part about hunting season made me realize you must be writing from somewhere far from where I am. I can’t think of a time ever that I had to watch out for hunters or heard gunshots! YIKES
This reminded me of a time when your dad decided to get up early Saturday morning and take you kids up the canyon to cook breakfast outside while he fished the Provo river. I bundled all five of you in your warm clothes, put all the breakfast things in a cooler, and off we went.
You all filed out of the truck as soon as it stopped as your dad and I unloaded all the goods. He started the Coleman stove for me and left to fish the river with fishing pole and tackle box in tow.
The crisp fall air was filled with scents of burning wood coming from the chimneys of the nearby cabins, and the cool weather caused the pine trees to open their needles and release the sweet and musky scent of pine. I couldn’t wait to get the bacon frying in the pan to add to the smells and flavors of the canyon. All the ingredients for a yummy breakfast were strategically laid out on the picnic table, and I could feel the warmth of the sun heating up my back, as it revealed it’s fullness, moments after cresting the mountain behind me.
I know, I’ve painted a great picture for you here, have I not? Too bad I forgot to bring the pans necessary to cook the yummy breakfast with, as I could have completed the story for you with a “happily-ever-after” ending and all. You can just imaging the look on your dad’s face after coming back from the river, cold, wet, and a ravenous appetite! This was not a pretty picture, so I’ll spare you that picture which means all the four letter expletives get tossed out along with it. However, I will tell you that the scents of the canyon were soon doused out by the steaming hot breath of fire I saw shooting out of your dad’s mouth.
That was the last time we shared a picnic as a family. I’ve been in counseling ever since.
Love you, and loved your article! I’m so proud of you — love mom