This has been an unusual fall.
Many summer flowers continue to bloom and this gorgeous tree still has all its leaves despite the fact its neighbors dropped theirs long ago.
It’s a little odd to see pansies and roses blooming next to pumpkins but it’s nice too.
We should appreciate whatever life and beauty and unexpected goodness we can find around us.
Winter is coming.
I blinked and it was suddenly fall. The transition has been happening for some time but the early stages of fall happen so slowly and quietly that it’s often hard to see it coming.
Here’s to glorious blue skies and spectacular foliage, steaming bowls of soup, pumpkin bread, cute scarves and all the comforts of this season. It’s fall y’all. Go enjoy it!
I like to take vacation around the holidays. This period is perfect for a forced slow down, to transition from three seasons of busy into my season of quiet.
The rest of the year is occupied by a lot of running around but our unpredictable winter weather often makes it hard to get out. I look forward to this time of year- soft blankets and books, inside chores and quiet walks through the snow take the place of road trips, weekend adventures and breakfasts on the porch.
January is typically a no spend month for me. This organized spending fast means bills are paid and necessities purchased but making do is the common theme and there are no frivolous purchases. Recreational shopping is not allowed but that’s ok because there are many free ways to stay happily occupied.
I’m more apt to do puzzles, to go to bed early and to spin records while cleaning something on a Saturday afternoon.
Relaxation is key and I turn my attention inward, write more, focus on self improvement and on building a better life.
It’s a good time of year.
This vacation is about transitioning into that period. I spent a couple of days running around but today will bake Christmas cookies for my folks. From now until the New Year the plan is to be mostly domestic.
Although, if the weather is good, there may be one last little road trip for the year, a Christmas gift to myself. After Natalie died, I realized that life is too short to not live as we wish.
This week is also about refocusing on plant based eating, exercise and rest. The last couple of months have brought spurts of stress and busyness that have messed with my sleep and left me in a position that I’m glad to just eat vegetarian while away from home rather than the plant based food that makes me feel so good.
In other words, friends, I’m making this break exactly what I need it to be. My wish for all of you is that you get a few days each year to do that for yourself. Remember, today is a great time to start.
I snapped this with my phone in downtown Chillicothe after having dinner with a friend last week.
Something about the light and shadows that evening made me think of fall. It was actually cool all day, a welcome reminder that fall isn’t too far away.
Incidentally, does anyone know what kind of tree that is? Tell me in the comments if you know.