Day 15
Several years ago, this very week, my dear friend flew in from Indianapolis to join me for a fun Fall jaunt. I don’t know anyone who loves fall as much as she does. Not only is it her favorite time of year, but she revels in its beauty and all the stuff of fall more than anyone I know. My friend is the essence of being extraordinary. The phrase carpe diem I’m pretty sure was coined because of her. Not only is she a delightfully wonderful, thoughtful, kind, and considerate woman…she spells fun with a capital “F”!
My dear friend had never experienced Fall in beautiful Western New York, so I had planned several days full of Fall frivolity. Unfortunately, she came in on the heels of a devastating October snow storm. The weather had warmed, but some parts of WNY had been obliterated. Not pretty for leaf peeping. Countless trees had come down, forever changing the landscape in the area. In light of that, I planned a drive north of the border for some spectacular seasonal sights as a portion of our adventure.
Between Niagara Falls and Niagara on the Lake we drove past this charming home all decked out for Fall. I quickly turned the car around so my friend could get some pictures. Oh, I neglected to mention, she is also a first-rate photographer and doesn’t miss an opportunity to capture a memory.
Someone obviously had access to the entire the local harvest of pumpkins, gourds, and cornstalks. An extraordinary display was created, certainly to the delight of droves of Fall leaf peepers like us.
Have you ever seen a display like this where someone put out their guest book and invited picture-taking? This is not everyday ordinary behavior. This bit of extravagance certainly embodies my phrase…
Why be Ordinary when You can be Extraordinary.
Now my friend would have taken photos with or without the sign. After all, that was a memorable and extraordinary sight. But, that bit of encouragement helped her to revel in the harvest display and the generosity of the homeowners even more.
What have you done just for the pure delight of others?
I’m sure that the owners of that Victorian loved creating their marvelous celebration of the season. But, I’m guessing that more than anything, they enjoyed seeing travelers stop and enjoy their display.
And then, there’s the guest book, signed by people from all over the world. How fun is that!!!!
All of this has me thinking….
What are some things we can do to go the extra step that would bless someone and put a great big smile on their face? I’d love it if you’d share your thoughts below. Wouldn’t it be great to come up with a great big list, together? I can’t wait to see your ideas!
Delighting in the Extraordinary!
Diane
Sharing with Create with Joy
Will you join me each day in October for…
This is the 15th post in a series, 31 Extraordinary Days. Click here to see a list of all the posts, updated daily. If you would like to receive these bits of inspiration in your email inbox, subscribe now.
That house looks wonderful. I would have stopped to take a picture of it, too. How thoughtful to include a guest book.
Doesn’t it?! I thought the guest book was the coolest thing!
Wishing you an Extraordinary weekend Donna!
I SO love your blog and this post worked out perfectly for the Bucket List Feature!
Thanks for sharing it at Friendship Friday – I included you on our list of Featured Friends this week at
Create With Joy
http://create-with-joy.com
Awwww that’s the nicest compliment. Thank you!!
I really enjoy your ‘gatherings’ and meeting the nicest people there. Thanks for including me in that special group of Featured Friends.
May your weekend be extraordinarily blessed!!
{hugs}
That is some extraordinary outdoors decorations. So very attractive, the house and the colors.
I can only imagine the joy in the hearts of the homeowner. How fun to put something like that together for the sheer delight of bringing joy to others. Thanks for popping by and sharing!
May your week be Extraordinary!
I lived in this house when the picture was taken
What a beautiful house! Thank you for giving so many visitors to the area such a phenomenal place to view the goodness of autumn and celebrate the season. Your home was truly extraordinary! Again… thank you!