There is something special about fall that makes you want to slow down a little and enjoy the cooler weather as the holiday season approaches. We start pulling out decorations, making plans for fall festivals and outings with our families, and somehow convince ourselves to order a pumpkin spice latte when it’s still 85 degrees outside, as if begging the weather to cooperate and give us a reprieve from the heat.
It’s a season filled with traditions, family, community and memories. In this issue of Tex Appeal, we celebrate the people who make the season a little more beautiful, meaningful and fun.
Professional pumpkin carver and Temple resident Kristina Marie Patenaude is on the cover. Kristina transforms pumpkins, gourds and squash into incredible works of art. Her creations prove that with a little imagination and skill, a pumpkin can become more than just a jack-o’-lantern. Read Kristina’s story here and find out where you can watch her in competition this fall.
Inspired by her love for the autumn season, Nicole Brackett created The Happy Porch Project, read more here. She decorates porches with pumpkins, mums, scarecrows and other seasonal décor, helping Central Texans transform their spaces into beautiful celebrations of fall.
Highland Acres Homestead in Belton is a small but beautiful farm that raises mini Highland cows, cattle, chickens, pigs, goats, alpacas and even a kangaroo. The farm hosts all kinds of events for families and couples. Read their story here.
We know the holiday season can be difficult when a loved one is missing. A favorite tradition suddenly makes you sad, a familiar song brings back memories and the empty chair is especially noticeable during the holidays. That’s why I’m happy we are sharing the story of TrueHeart, here, an app created by a Central Texas woman who knows what it’s like to lose a loved one and uses her gifts to help people where they are in their grief process.
No fall issue would be complete without a little adventure, so we’ve gathered plenty of ideas to keep your family busy this fall, here. From pumpkin patches to festivals, there’s plenty of ways to keep busy this holiday season, enjoy the season and make lasting memories.
Although the leaves don’t really change much during the fall in Texas, the weather grows cooler, and the days grow shorter as another year begins winding toward its close. Somewhere between pumpkins, laughing at a fall festival and loved ones gathered around our tables, we’re reminded to appreciate what we have while we have it.
So, go ahead and grab that pumpkin spice latte, enjoy the cooler weather and make lasting memories.
Happy fall, y’all!
Brandy Cruz
Tex Appeal editor
editor@texappealmag.com