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... apple picking ... and the power of holding on ... and letting go ...


Apple picking has grown into a Labor Day tradition for our family...

We first found Oak Glen over a decade ago...
during our first year of homeschooling...

way back...
'when they were mine'

We have returned many years to pick...
to celebrate the opening of our fall season.

There were  many years we all went...

Sometimes
during the recent transitional years of...

'holding on ... and letting go'
it has been just Jeff and I...

These were years...
with days that didn't look at all like I  thought they would...

days where  my heart broke...
and my path felt  unclear...

but it was here too...

I realized the only way to go forward was to learn to 

hold on to them...
and 
let them go...
with love and intention.

  This change of mind and heart set
was one of the hardest things 
as a mother...
I have ever had to do.

Which is exactly why...

This year when they all chose to come apple picking...
with their loves...

it made this mother's heart fill 
with such love and gratitude...

Having all of mine here...
apple picking... with theirs..

made this momma's heart...
truly believe in the power of...

holding on... and letting go...

even during the years when
 the days don't look like what we thought they would... 
I know now...
that there are quietly...
spectacular  moments 
and
 days to come.


as always my friends

I wish you love and joy
as you style your life









25 comments:

  1. Utterly beautiful in sentiment and photography.
    Letting go - I've been doing a lot of that, it's hard but in the end so freeing though it never seems that way at the start.

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    1. Thank you so much dear Tabitha. Yes, I believe it is only in hindsight, further down the road, that we can truly appreciate the power of letting go... I always treasure your visits from Scotland.

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  2. Oh dear Tamera, your blog is a joy! I often browse it and I'm thrilled to receive a comment from you.
    I think we're a few weeks behind you with the apples, ours are still quite small and very green but I shall pick them vicariously through you. xxxxx

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    1. Oh Vix... i am equally thrilled to have a visit and such kind words from you my dear! Do enjoy your UK apple picking!!

      xoxo

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  3. Tamera, thank you for this. I am dealing with a broken heart right now, for more than one reason, but what you say is so powerful. It lifted me up. You and your words are so beautiful. I love you very much. xo

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    1. My dearest Gabriala... i am so very saddened to hear your heart is breaking ... and... for more than one reason. I send you much, much love my friend!

      xoxo

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  4. Stunning images and wonderful sentiments Tamera. Those apples looked gorgeous and sweet also ;-)
    xx

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    1. Thank you Vanessa! I enjoyed your September inspirations today!

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  5. Dear Tamera, thank you for this poignant post.
    I have learned to do the same...most of the time.
    A truly great family tradition and many more memories to come!

    xoxo
    Karena
    Feature: Entrepreneur Sigal Sasson

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    1. Karen thank you for your kind words... and yes... letting go and holding on... always seems to take continual practice :))

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  6. What a sweet and thoughtful post.
    And what gorgeous children you have, as are their mates.

    Have a lovely start to your week. Thinking of you!
    xo, A

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    1. Thank you dear Adrienne! I am excited to see the lovely participants in your How I Wear My neon tomorrow!

      xoxo

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  7. Lovely -- one of the toughest, but perhaps most rewarding, tricks of motherhood . . . .and you've got it! Gorgeous photos, gorgeous family!

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    1. Thank you my dear! Seeing as you have raised your four all the way to adulthood... I truly appreciate your words! yours son's wedding last year was breathtaking!

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  8. Thank you for this very timely post. I just dropped my youngest off at University and am driving home (a province away) to a newly empty nest. I am concentrating on what he is gaining rather than what I am losing. I have always said that the sharper the cut on the apron strings, the faster they will be back in your kitchen. Letting go is very hard but we are all growing and going in the right direction. It helps to know I am not alone.

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    1. My dear thank you for your words of appreciation... You are definitely not alone in this letting go ... and so right that it is truly a growing process... even in it's pain.

      I send you much love and hugs during your time of transitions.

      xoxo
      Tamera

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  9. Tamera, This is a wonderful post and one that many of us can relate to. My youngest graduated from college last June and is starting a one year MA program. Parenting is tough! .. and so is remaining a couple.. AND maintaining some form of self identity so when it's just YOU .. you are okay with it. Such a sweet story about apple picking:) Your family photos are priceless and I can tell there is lots of love here.. ever lasting love. Beautiful post!

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    1. Leslie... thank you for these beautiful words... they are truly a gift. I can see how very much we have in common... not only by your comments here...but equally by your enchanting and soulful blog!

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  10. Beautiful pics, beautiful childresn and such wise words.
    I brought up my girls knowing they weren´t mine, but their own, so I encourage the growth of their wings to be able to fly solo. Now they come and go.I can feel their inner strengh, so I rejoice of not having done such a bad job after all.
    Much love and admiration, dear Tamera.
    XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

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    1. Sacramento i am so happy to see you have returned this month from your family vacation in Scotland with your family. Our blogging community is always the richer when you are here! Happy Birthday tomorrow!

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  11. Wonderful photos and great idea with this black&white!

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    1. Thank you! Your family beach pictures are beautiful! It is always such a pleasure when you visit all the way from Romania!

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  12. What a beautifully touching post - your writings and photos are a gem that stands out in a blogland filled with gems!

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  13. Sweet post! Beautiful photos too! So happy you could be all together. I just loved this.

    xxKim

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  14. I have seriously thought about this post ever day this week. It touched my soul to the very core. Holding on is the most natural love we can give and then letting go is our other way of showing that endearing love. What an incredible gift your children were blessed with by having you as their mother.

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