It’s a rough world right now.
Between elections and pandemics and hate, it’s probably a bit more than many of us can handle. Stress levels are high, mental health issues are in the forefront, and it seems many people can’t get along.
The one thing, however, we can usually *attempt* to control is ourselves.
We can’t shield ourselves from everything, outside of going into the mountains and living off the land in a shack. That actually kind of sounds divine, doesn’t it? The news cycle is 24/7, so if you are around anything where news can be found, you’ll hear something.

So what can you do to relax? To calm down? To find the inner zen?
Get outside, of course.
This is something I haven’t done in a couple of years. And, to be honest, it’s probably silly that I haven’t. But if you want to escape from reality, find an apple orchard.
Go pick apples.
Take photos.
Take some videos.
When you go to apple orchards, you can really have a good time. Apples on the trees, on the ground, and all over. What’s nice is the color and the smells.
And you are outside.
It’s not just about picking some apples. Though, let’s be honest here, it’s a good part. All these varieties of apples gives you the chance to test so many different types.
Rows and rows of apples.

This isn’t a perfect fix, of course. But it’s little things like this that can really make you take a step back in life a little and breathe. When you are out doing things like this, you have the ability to ignore things like social media, and your phone, and things like that.
Maybe it’s only for an hour, but it’s not a bad thing, is it?
The one thing I’ve learned during this pandemic – especially over the past month or two – is there are a lot of things out there you can do to try and clear your head, all while staying safe. You just have to look.
Depending where you are, apple season is still likely going on. Go find an orchard. Pick some apples. And clear your mind!
And always remember, an apple doesn’t fall far from the tree! You’ll see that!
Blog With Friends: October 2020
Blog with Friends is a themed collaboration challenge where a group of bloggers get together and publish a project based on a theme. Please see the others who have taken part for this month’s theme carrots. Links to their posts can be found below the image!

Check out what the others did with carrots!
Enjoy blogging challenges? We have several that happen here, and we’d love to have you join us! The Photo Blogging Challenge is one of our main ones and it runs monthly! Starting up is the Food Photo Challenge and the Can of Corn Challenge. We’d love to see you!
Feel free to leave a comment, or e-mail P.J. at hoohaablog@gmail.com. Also, please “Like” A ‘lil HooHaa on Facebook! You can also follow me on Twitter @softball29!
I used to do this every year, especially when the boys were little. Thank you for reminding me how relaxing this kind of an escape can be. I think this year I need to visit the apple orchard again. Maybe I can even get my older son to go with me.
I stayed away from the Apple orchards this year, but I really missed it. It’s something that momma and I always did together and now my heart just isn’t in it.
My parents have their own apple tree in their garden, so we never went to orchards, I wonder if there were any public ones at all when I was growing up, but they are popping up around here now, just like pumpkin farms (they weren’t a thing here up until 15. 20 years ago). I agree, this can be a soothing and comforting activity. Don’t forget the pie or cake you’ll get to make with them apples 🙂
Tamara recently posted..Blog with Friends – The 🍏 Apple 🍎 Doesn’t Fall Far from the Tree 🌳