Life in Shades of Pumpkin

Fall is finally here in Phoenix and I couldn't be happier! These are the days we live for. We can finally open the windows and turn the AC off. Fall brings something else very near and dear to my heart; the return of all those delicious pumpkin treats that we only get once a year. I can't describe my joy when I am able to sip a warm pumpkin latte on a cool morning.
If you love pumpkin as much as I do, here it is:
My Top List of Pumpkin Treats (and where to find them)

-Pumpkin Cheesecake from The Cheesecake Factory

So smooth and creamy, great for sharing!

-Pumpkin Latte from It's a Grind Coffeehouse

I used to really love Starbucks Pumpkin Spice latte, until I tried this delicious drink.

-Breyer's Pumpkin Ice Cream

Pumpkin and ice cream...together, need I say more!

-Pumpkin bagels and schmear from Eienstein's Bagels

Really great toasted!

-My ultimate pumpkin treat is so wonderful it has its own nickname!

Pumpkin Pie in Cup...Aka Pumpkin iced blended (with whip) from Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf

I wanted to share my love for all things pumpkin to tell this sweet parable; called, amazingly enough, The Pumpkin Patch Parable!

This is a story about a farmer and a pumpkin.

The Farmer lives wa-a-a-a-ay out in the country. On his farm He has a pumpkin patch.

Pumpkins are really special. They start out as small oval seeds that grow into big, orange pumpkins. The farmer plants the seeds, waters, and cares for the pumpkin vines and patiently waits as they grow.

Finally by October there are big, orange pumpkins in his pumpkin patch! Some are tall and lean, some are short and round, and some have bumps and lumps. But they are all pumpkins and all were planted and cared for by the Farmer.

One day the Farmer chose a pumpkin for a special project. He brings it in from the field and washes it off. You have to be careful with pumpkins; they're tough on the outside, but if you drop them, they break into pieces!

The Farmer takes a large knife and cuts a hole in the top of the pumpkin. Inside there is yucky, slimy pulp waiting for Him. That has to go! He cleans it all out and throws it away - never to be seen again.

After that He gives the pumpkin a new face! He cuts two triangles for eyes, a square for a nose, and a big, wide smile!

Then He does something really special. He puts a small white candle down inside the pumpkin and lights the wick.

How that pumpkin glows! As people pass by, they see the smiling pumpkin and smile back. They know that once again the Farmer has taken a simple pumpkin and changed it into a glorious sight!


So simple, but yet so true!

Now, go out and find a pumpkin snack before it's too late!