Our story tonight is called The Porch Steps, and it’s a story about tending to a satisfying chore on a cool day. It’s also about acorns falling on the sidewalk, the scent of a wood fire on a cool night, a daydream about the wind, and stepping back to take in a job well done.

This is a story about arriving somewhere you've never been, but where you feel instantly at home. It's also about eucalyptus and chamomile, a thick blanket at the foot of the bed, ducks on the lake, meeting a new friend, and a meal shared in the moonlight.

Our story tonight is called Chef and Sycamore, and it’s a story about an afternoon in the kitchens at the Inn, as jars of pickles are lowered into the canner. It’s also about sheets of labels ready to add to the jars, the view of the hammocks in the side yard, and a kitty waiting not-so-patiently to play. 

Our story tonight is called Autumn at the Inn, Part 2, and this is a story about a train ride through changing fields, an old station wagon packed full of pies, a sketch of the moon on the pages of a journal, wind and waves, and a week full of adventure ahead.

Our story tonight is called Thunder and Lightning, and it’s a story about slowing down and getting comfortable as the rain comes down. It’s also about cinnamon and clove, a candle’s flame reflected in a window pane, a sofa turned into a nest for afternoon napping, and the calm and quiet that comes when Mother Nature takes over.

Our story tonight is called Autumn at the Inn, Part One, and it’s a story written for all of you who have ever dreamt of taking a little trip to the Village of Nothing Much. It’s about a faded business card passed from friend to friend, an address of an Inn on a lake far away, geese flying overhead, a black cat, rustling leaves, and the start of an adventure taken when it is needed most.

Our story tonight is called The Librarian. It’s a story about the quiet of the closed-up library at the end of the day. It’s also about the books that sometimes get overlooked on the top shelf, a string of lights over an outdoor table, and knowing what your next book will be.

Our story tonight is called Autumn World, and it’s a story about a morning with the windows open and fresh fall air blowing through the house. It’s also about crows cawing in a field, coffee and brown sugar, yesterday’s raindrops falling from the trees, a record playing on the turntable, and the feeling of renewal that comes as summer ends.

Our story tonight is called Sleeping Weather, and it’s a story about a break from the heat and humidity. It’s also about the view from the porch swing at night, deer walking quietly through the corn fields, and clearing your mind with paper and pen, and the end of the day.

Our story tonight is called The Swim Platform, and it’s a story about one of the last swims of the season. It’s also about remembered cues from long ago diving lessons, the sound of water lapping against boards, swans and sidestrokes, the smell of varnish and the feel of sun on chilled skin, and a unhurried perfect moment savored before the fall.

Our story tonight is called Summer Harvest, and it’s a story about the result of a season’s worth of hard work and planning. It’s also about telling time like a farmer would, a red popsicle eaten under a maple tree, and rows of canned tomatoes neatly lined up in the pantry.

Our story tonight is called New Path, and it’s a story about a late-summer stroll through high grasses and shaded glens. It’s also about coneflowers and crushed stone, lifting the hair from the back of your neck to feel the breeze, an eagle’s nest lined with moss, a cool creek to wash your hands in, and feeling welcomed and at home in the wild.

Our story tonight is called The Corner Store, and it’s a story about the aisles of the neighborhood grocery where there are always interesting things to discover. It’s also about a display of school supplies, a recipe from a neighbor, and the feeling of belonging in a particular place.

Our story tonight is called Early Signs of Autumn, and it’s a story about turning leaves and a slight spicy scent on the breeze. It’s also about zucchini bread and hot coffees traded for iced, school supplies and new mysteries at the bookshop, orange candles, shifting evening light, and excitement for new experiences to come.

Our story tonight is called Yard Sale, or, Another Man’s Treasure, and it’s a story about a neighborhood event on a summer day. It’s also about sidewalk chalk art, a collection of salt and pepper shakers, and red petunias growing in a flower box.

Our story tonight is called The Journal, and it’s a story about the blank pages of a beautiful book, and the freedom to finally write in them, no matter what comes from your pen. It’s also about tonic water and espresso, deep breaths in child’s pose, a garden at midnight, and small prompts reminding us to let go of some things and dive deeper into others.

Our story tonight is called The Labyrinth, and it’s a story about a slow walk on a gravel path in mid-summer. It’s also about hidden places, unseen acts of kindness, the way cats sit in their windows, and always looking for magic.

Our story tonight is called Pool Day, and it’s a story about a cool dip in the water on a hot summer day. It’s also about the tiled walls of the changing rooms, broad open umbrellas, and rows of lounge chairs. A book by your side, droplets on your skin, and the heavy sleep that swallows you up after a day in the sun and water.

Our story tonight is called Beach Walk, and it’s a story about meeting the morning light where the water meets the land. It’s also about the first step into the cool water, a dog chasing a stick into the waves, and a beach towel laid out neatly in the sand.

Our story tonight is called Sidewalk Chalk, and it’s a story about a journey through the park on a bright day. It’s also about a cold drink from the coffee shop, a frog blinking from a pond, Alice and the Caterpillar, birch trees, and drawings on the sidewalk, and paying more attention when small happy moments wash over you.