Autumn Joy

Someone recently mentioned buying some perennials

that bloom in the fall called Sedum and the specific type is

Autumn Joy.

I love sedum as it was one of my first experiments

into the world of perennials 16 years ago.

 

When Franchesca was born on September 17th,

fifteen years ago,

I bought enough to fill the back of the pickup

and planted them in her honor.

She certainly is more than a joy

and no, that is not an option for a nickname.

 

I was recounting this to her a few days back

and suddenly had an inspiration:

"that's what your nickname can be!"

We have been discussing this for some time

as many people mispronounce her name

or shorten it to something that reminds her of an elderly persons name
or frankly one that just does not fit her.

Until now, she prefers her full name: Franchesca

or Gracie (as Grace is her middle name) for short.

 

But "Autumn". That is a possibility.

Sounds like something I would now name another child,

something from nature, something hippiefied but beautiful.

 

Figures, someone named Autumn is in her art class.

And, like me, she enjoys being unique.

Only last week at Pony Club I was caught by surprise

when a male voice yelled

"Brittany, time to come in for your shower".

 I'm wishing my name was something that was sure to not become popular,

but who knew?

Now I'm wishing I'd chosen "Georgia"

or "Liberty" or "Indie".

Anyway, her birthday fell on a Monday this year,

her first day of writing class and also a night that the boys

were not able to be home.

We made it special all the while and also celebrated

with Grandparents and cake the night before.

I took a few shots at cake time, right after returning inside from a lovely

warm day, mucking, gardening, etc.

I'm all for having photos of special events

when everyone looks and feels their best so I went out last weekend

and shot 177 of the girls and the horses in the gorgeous fall color

to make up for these more informals on her birthday.
I planning on getting those up soon.

 For some reason I cannot find a single pic
of her new chocolate brown bedding
OR
her super cool ukulele
hand painted with the ultimate beach scene.
She has already taught herself most of the chords
and can't wait to take it backpacking next time.
And to the beach.

Since a family dinner was out of the question,
Franchesca decided SUBWAY was the way to go for a quick birthday bite.
I know.
I know.

They ate on the front porch to enjoy the warm night
while I cut back lilies.

I am always taken by surprise
at how quickly time passes.
Her FIFTEENTH birthday.
Which was followed quickly
by our TWENTIETH anniversary.
More to come on that.