It was as if nature handed me a day pass, telling me to get out and enjoy. How was it known what I really needed? This sunny, crisp mild weather is restoring, energizing. So with Android in hand, I typed in the destination, grabbed a water bottle, slung the camera over my shoulder and stepped up into the Explorer. 

I already missed the comprehensive fall palette. Many of the trees have lost their leaves, but there is still a stunning burst of peppered color... turmeric, cumin, curry. Those trees in the distance resemble heads of seasoned baked cauliflower! The winding ride on 9W was absolutely beautiful. Driving along either side of the road, north or south, just around a major bend, you come upon this incredible vista that just takes your breath away. Lucky for me to be driving the truck sitting a little higher as not to miss it. It's all trees lining the sides of the mountains down the valley. I was a few moments short of pulling onto the established shoulder to take in the vastness when I drove past. Oh well, I would be able to see it again on the ride back. The ride up to Storm King is part of the whole day trip experience.

The last time here was with Brenna on a hot summer day. Her recollection is dominated by the high heat of that afternoon, but I knew I would travel back here at some point. Visiting an outdoor art center, you are part of nature and part of the art. Looking at the scope of the surroundings compared to size and spacial relationship, the personal interpretation is subjective to what you are looking for, how you see what is before you, and how it all makes you feel.

Leaves fall in my path while the gentle breeze caresses my face. The trees are losing their shade, but the color left is bright in the sun and provide ample opportunity for me to use my old school Canon. Storm King Art Center, endowed in 1960, began simply with the Normandy-style stone Museum Building and a formal garden. The colossal sculptures started the permanent collection in 1972.

Glancing at the map received upon entrance, whatever path you take, there is so much to see. The park is seamlessly divided into the North Woods, Museum Hill, South Fields and the Meadows. I just picked a direction, and let my feet take me along, sometimes crossing fields to see the art a little closer.

There are many children running about, groups of them squealing with delight up and down the hills in the beautiful autumn air. They must enjoying guided tours of class trips from nearby schools. What a great day for this! Against the sweeping background of Storm King Mountain, this 500 acre park is one of the world's famous sculpture museums where the collection of over one hundred pieces have found a home by some of the most renown artists dating from the 1960s to the present.

Enjoying the numerous opportunities to sit and absorb the day, here it is easy to feel presence of moment, experiencing something outside of yourself. Between the vastness of the landscape and enormity of the art, it is humbling and exhilarating at the same time.

The Arch, 1975 by Alexander Calder

Mirror Fence, 2003 (refabricated 2014) by Alyson Shotz

Electric Kiss, 2008 by Dennis Oppenheim

The pumpkins start to surface in July. Craft stores are eager to get their fall merchandise out of the box and on the retail floor before we have a chance to close the sunbrellas. Red, white and blue of Labor Day are hushed, carefully consolidated in one corner off to the side while the newly stocked bins and shelves scream autumn. Pumpkins, scarecrows, mums, are all in a fresh fury of fall color. I admit, I absolutely love fall, especially the smells once again invited into our kitchen. Summer was quick cooking. Fall is simmered and slow.

One winner side dish I often make is an easy recipe I created combining a couple of different versions found online for my Honey Butter Carrots. These humble root vegetables are sweet, a little firm, and a hearty flavor friendly with chicken, pork or beef. I actually eat the leftovers by themselves many times. I love the flavor! All you need are a few simple ingredients to satisfy sweet and salty in one nice package.

Honey Butter Carrots

1 tablespoon light olive oil

3 tablespoons unsalted butter

2 lbs carrots, cut into 1/2 inch slices

1 cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth)

1/2 cup honey

2 tablespoons dried (or fresh) parsley 

Sea salt and fresh ground pepper to taste

1) In a large skillet, heat the oil and melt the butter together to coat the pan, Add the carrots and cook about 2 minutes to slightly brown them, stirring a couple of times.

2) Add the broth and honey, stir together and bring to a boil in the pan. Reduce to a simmer, cover, and cook until a crisp tender, about 10 minutes.

3) Uncover and add the parsley, salt and pepper to taste. Cook an additional 7 minutes or so on medium-high so that the carrots are tender and the liquid is syrupy. There should only be a small amount of liquid remaining, and they are done!

Step aside pumpkins, it's time to root for another flavor of the season!

Orange you glad it's Fall? xoxo-Sonya

One kind word can warm three winter months. ~ Japanese saying

I created Take Heart Tokens ® to mingle souls. Each colorful card is made with lots of love... Hand-cut embossed stock is detailed with sentiments and photos printed on fabric to enhance their charm and ornamentation. I like to leave the page blank inside so they can be personalized with a special thought for someone.



Detailed, delicate and different,.. My close friends always received handmade cards, because they were really part of the gift. Each year our annual Christmas card is carefully planned using bits in the biggest troves collected! But I always have some Take Heart Tokens on hand. They are available individually or in sets of three in the showroom for purchase, so when the stock is depleted, it's time to make a few more. Custom order gift packages always include a Take Heart Token for the recipient.



The whimsical mix of elements make each one special, unlike typical store-bought cards that come in multiples. Give a cheerful note to a girlfriend, a sincere thank you, or celebrate an anniversary remembrance with these via snail mail. It really is quickly becoming a lost art amid all the virtual correspondence.



Many of the images I print on the muslin are photographs taken during our trips to The New York Botanical Garden or just from our own backyard. I really love to mix things up!




A fragment of wallpaper, printed muslin swatch, embossed bouquet of flowers and jeweled sticker all add depth, layering one atop the next.


Take Heart Tokens ® are perfect for any occasion. I often make custom cards and invitations to order for special events or as a personalized thank you when correspondence calls for a little something special.



Someone will always appreciate a gracious token, a little something showing you care... xoxo- Sonya