Thank you notes – September 2023 & Fall Possibilities update

It’s easy to get so caught up in the hustle of life that we forget to appreciate the small miracles that happen every day. I created the monthly Thank You Notes post to help me relive the happy moments, savor the gratitude, and share them with you. I hope they also inspire you to think about what you have to be grateful for and share them with us.

In addition, this month I will be including a couple of updates to my Fall Possibilities list for those who may be interested.

Thank you autumn…

Pumpkin latte, autumn woods candle, and red wine in University of Utah glass.

…for the many treats of the season, including some of my favorites…pumpkin anything, seasonal candles, University of Utah football, and red wine (okay red wine is good no matter the season), and…

First fall leaves of 2023.

…fall leaves. These were the first fall leaves I spotted this year. I know they’ve only gotten more spectacular since then, and I am planning on a fall leaf viewing excursion, as noted on my Fall Possibilities list. Stay tuned for more photos.

Thank you Ruth’s Diner…

Cocktail with flamingo stir stick.

…for the flamingo stir stick that made this drink even more enjoyable. And thank you Heidi and Cindy for the delightful girls’ dinner. The fact that I took a photo of the drink, and not you, is no indication of which I appreciate more.

Thank you Heidi…

Three sisters in front of Donut Falls.

…for organizing this hike to Donut Falls in Big Cottonwood Canyon. Thank you kind stranger for offering to take this photo, so we didn’t have to rely on our questionable selfie skills. And, of course, thank you Mother Nature for the amazing beauty.

Thank you Piper…

Pumpkin coffee cake.

…for helping me bake this delicious pumpkin coffee cake. By the way, this ticks off one of the items on my Fall Possibilities list. But never fear, the pumpkin treats won’t stop here. Thank you to everyone who shared recipes or suggestions on social media.

Thank you Keaton & Brooke…

Penney family at Brooke & Keaton's wedding.
Photo credit: Larry Hawkes
Brooke & Keaton Penney Est. 09-16-23.

…for allowing us to take part in your wedding. We had so much fun and look forward to many more happy moments to come.

Thank you Mother Nature…

Clouds.

…for this display, because a Thank You Notes post would not be complete without a cloud pic.

Thank you Leanne…

Two women in Snow Canyon State Park.
Photo credit: Larry Hawkes

…for a lovely visit…

Snow Canyon State Park.

…and for motivating us to check out some new trails in Snow Canyon State Park. I mean, just look at this incredible beauty…

Jenny's Trail in Snow Canyon State Park.
Snow Canyon State Park in Southern Utah.
Snow Canyon State Park in Southern Utah.

…and this trail counts as trying something new, which is one of the items on my Fall Possibilities list.

Your turn

Those are the highlights from my September. I’d love to hear what you’ve been up to and what is making you smile. Please share in the comments.

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12 Comments

  1. I too enjoyed Ruth’s Diner and our hike. We are so blessed to be sisters! This fall I discovered pumpkin cream cold brew and I’m fairly obsessed with it. Mark and I are going on a canyon drive this Saturday to see the autumn leaves and I’m looking forward to that. I’m also loving the cooler weather and being able to open up the windows for fresh air! Thanks for making me think of all the things I love about Fall! 🧡💛💜

    1. Yes Cindy, I love cold brew with the pumpkin foam! I’m a little jealous that you are seeing the autumn leaves this week. I’m hoping to get out once we are back up that way. I do love opening the windows and taking advantage of fresh air. We have so much in common…it’s like we’re sisters or something! I love you!

  2. Loved that majestic rocky trail at the end, and nothing beats a wedding…..besides having a friend named Leanne! xx

  3. Hi Christie, what a wonderful time of year for a canyon walk, especially with good friends. Your red rock photos are amazing. After a long absence, Flamingo sightings are becoming more common in Florida. I’ve yet to see one, but the one in your drink makes me smile.

    1. I’ve never seen a flamingo in their natural environment, Suzanne, but they sure are pretty. We are enjoying the beauties of the desert here. And, of course, everything is better with good friends.

  4. I love all of this. You did so many fun things in one month and your photos of smiling faces are delightful. I don’t care what the cocktail is, I want a flamingo like the one on yours.

    1. It was a great month with friends and family, Ally. You should definitely add a flamingo to any drink…or anything that makes you smile when you see it. Here’s to a joy-filled October!

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