A Fall Day at the Farm: Making Memories with My College Daughtr
Sometimes the best autumn adventure is simply spending the day together.
There is something about fall in Maryland that makes me want to slow down. Maybe it's the changing leaves, the cooler air, or the way everything seems to invite us to take a little break from our usual routines.
This fall, I had the opportunity to spend a day at Clark's Elioak Farm in Maryland with my daughter, who was home for fall break. There is something special about spending time with your child when they are no longer little.
When children are young, so much of family life revolves around schedules, school activities, birthday parties, and making sure she got where she needed to be. Then, almost before you realize it, they are in college, developing their own interests, building friendships, and creating lives that don't always include you in every detail.
You learn to appreciate the invitations, the conversations, and the moments when you get to spend unhurried time together. Our fall day at the farm was a welcome change of pace. It allowed us to step away from the usual demands of work, school, and responsibilities and enjoy the season. There was no major agenda to follow. We could simply enjoy being out together and taking in a little Maryland autumn.
I think that is one of the things I appreciate most about these kinds of outings. They don't have to be elaborate vacations or expensive weekend getaways to become meaningful memories. Sometimes it is enough to get out of the house, explore somewhere different, take photographs, laugh, and enjoy each other's company.
As a working artist and professional, I spend a great deal of time thinking about what needs to happen next. Motherhood has taught me that not every meaningful moment needs to be productive. Some moments are valuable simply because you were present. As my daughter continues to grow into adulthood, I am learning that our relationship is changing, too. I am no longer planning every activity or directing every step. I get to discover who she is becoming while finding new ways for us to enjoy each other's company.
That is its own kind of gift.
A little reminder for fall
If you have a college student, a grown child, or someone you haven't spent much time with lately, consider planning a simple seasonal outing. It doesn't have to be a big production. Find a farm, visit a local market, take a scenic drive, or enjoy a cup of something warm together.
Put the phones down for a little while. Take the photographs, but don't forget to enjoy the moment behind the camera. I took so many photos. Since I do not have her permission to share her photos. You will just enjoy moi.
I left our fall outing reminded that the seasons change, our children grow, and the ways we spend time together evolve. But making memories doesn't have to stop when they leave for college.
Sometimes the sweetest part of fall isn't the pumpkin, the scenery, or the destination.
It's who gets to share the day with you. Make the plans. Take the day. Your calendar can wait.
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