I agree with the Queen's Loyal Piper. It did me in too. I think it was the setting, him alone walking away. The song was really pretty and I'm not a big bagpipe person.
I have always started listening to country music more in the fall. People always thought that was odd. It just seemed like better music to enjoy fall.
For sure aging myself here, but songs that sound like fall to me are Imperials' "One More Song for You" album - still always sounds like a very fun fall youth retreat when I was in 10th grade - and the soundtrack to St. Elmo's Fire. I saw that movie way too many times!
Erin, when you said, "warm pumpkin bread hits differently when you’re covered in sweat" I FEEL THAT IN MY BONES. We had ONE day this week of 60 degree weather, sandwiched between 100s and 90s. That was the happiest I've been since May. 😉 Despite purchasing everything at TJ's and Aldi that has "pumpkin" in the name, I have not been able to manifest fall into being here in KS. 😭
In other news, I'm so happy that our church (PCUSA, but in a red state) decided to make an obvious declaration about how we are affirming and inclusive so that potential members will know. 🎉
Update on a tired girl going to see Florence and the Machine: I was thisclose to bailing but I was able to rally (your prayers were felt!) and had the time of my life. I somehow even made it home before the clock struck twelve! Now for a decontamination shower but we made it. THE DOG DAYS ARE OVER! SHAKE IT OUT!
Reporting from the UK to let you know that it was real weird to plan a whole trip over here and then accidently wind up smack in the middle of a period of national mourning. I stayed in and watched the funeral on Monday (not least because everything was closed and I was in a tiny village that didn't have a whole lot to open to begin with), and was deeply amused at the tight Anglican hour of the actual service vs the 2-hour procession to transport her out of Westminster Abbey. There was a moment at the end of the committal service where the congregation sang "God Save the King" (for at least the third time that day) and Charles looked like he was about to lose it. I suspect that was a combination of grief and "if I have to hear that song ONE MORE TIME today", on top of having a very long day at the end of a very long couple of weeks. I found myself hoping he and the rest of the family had time for a nap before the private service that evening.
Great pics! "We Have Forgotten" by Sixpence has a great fall vibe. I recommend "A Place I Know" by the Cranberries, one of their last recorded songs together before Delores died. Both have the melancholy vibes I seek.
As a single person in her 40s who lives alone...I DO NOT CARE what my screen time on my iPhone is. I'm either on my phone, reading, or watching TV because that's my life. Leave me alone about it. 😂
Happy Fall! I wore mittens today and the leaves have started to turn red and yellow, it's lovely.
⚠Very, very mild spoiler for episode 2 of GBBO ahead: "It's just what happens when you don't know what you're doing" is a whole vibe and will forever be my answer when someone asks me why I've done something that didn't go to plan.
🧳 I've been on vacation in Stockholm! It was... eventful 😂 Among other things, I injured my foot and spent at least half the trip limping. I was nauseous most of the time and struggled to eat, so I never got around to the lovely meals I'd planned on having. The bank cancelled my card because of "suspicious transactions". (Which, as far as I can tell, was just me paying for my hotel room 🤷♀️😂) So, it was perhaps not quite the vacation I'd been hoping for but I got to visit libraries and lots of bookstores, admire beautiful architecture and sit and read in cozy coffee shops so I'm still really glad I got to go! 😊
💩 When I came home I started crying in the driveway because it just didn't feel like I was home or like I was welcome and/or belonged there anymore. I guess finding out I have to move hit me harder than I'd realized. I also got sick again very soon after getting home so now I've almost started wondering if it's the apartment that keeps giving me bronchitis 😂
🎵 The whole reason I went to Stockholm was to see Penny & Sparrow live and they were, of course, beyond amazing! Like, how does all of that talent even fit in their bodies??? Incredible 🤩🤯😍 Since it was kind of a small show, I got to stand right at the front, just a few feet from the stage and without anyone blocking my view. Chef's kiss. And afterwards I got to talk to them. Andy recorded a video on my phone saying hi to the Lil Swipes (which I have of course forgotten to post 🤦♀️) and Kyle started asking me about Sweden, just lots of questions about Ikea, Abba, vikings, moose and more. I had a blast! It was such a great evening ❤
REBECKA. MY HEART. Andy recorded a video for us?!??? 🥹🥹🥹🥹🥹🥹 what a joy!! I’m so glad you got to finally see them. So sorry so many crappy things happened on your trip, though - such bummers! The good memories will remain ☺️ DM me on IG with all of your thoughts and feelings!! 💜
I’ve just started GBBO right now, so I’m so fascinated to see what happens based on your spoiler!
I’ve not been great about checking into comments lately, so I didn’t know about your having to move. I’m so sorry that life feels in upheaval right now. That’s the worst feeling. I’m sending prayers, friend!
It was almost a throwaway moment, but it resonated deeply with me who never know what I am doing 😂
Thank you so much for your prayers, they are appreciated! ❤
And I'd love to be social media friends! I always enjoy connecting with you, Karen. I'm @beingbecka on Instagram. And thank you so much for your sweet comments, they lifted my spirits when I was having a bad day. 😊
Rebecka—I quite often find myself wanting to be social media friends with you. Are you on the Instagram, despite my being on there so rarely these days? I just really enjoy your energy. 🙂
I'm so sorry you injured your foot! IMO going to libraries and bookstores, hanging out in coffee shops and just vibing is vacation time well spent.
I always struggle upon reentry from vacation if I've been gone more than a few days, or if I've traveled somewhere significantly different. For me this is the down side to adjusting quickly to new locations!
The foot is already much better, so I don't want to complain too much! It's weird that it can be easier to adjust to new locations than to readjust to home.
Yes! I’m so happy you got to go to the show like you hoped for! I’m so sorry about the rocky vacation, I’ve been there and it isn’t fun. I hope you are able to find a place to live soon where you feel welcomed!
I'm sorry about all the vacation mishaps, but it sounds like the Penny and Sparrow concert took a little of the edge off at least. How fun! (I always call my banks before I travel and let them know so they don't do that. I have gotten stuck a few times. What a pain!) And I hope you find a beautiful, cozy new home that welcomes you and does not give you bronchitis!
When fall hits (whenever that is in Alabama), I immediately swap to Mat Kearney. After I finished college (a few years ago, tbh), I spent a year working at a camp in the mountains and my whole crew and I listened to Mat Kearney all fall when outside working. It's almost a visceral reaction when the leaves start changing!
🧵 A very obscure treasure this week, but I'm just so excited! I have a specialty sewing machine called a serger and about six months ago I unknowingly lost a microscopic piece that's kept me from using the machine. Last weekend the internet came through and a member of a sewing forum figured out what was wrong and told me where to buy the piece. It came yesterday and now it's working great!!!
📚 I read The Reading List by Sara Nisha Adams and what a delightful sweet book about reading and how it helps us understand ourselves and the world.
🌎 A month from today I'll be unofficially done with grad school and exploring London!! Thanks to everyone who encouraged me to make the trip on my own after my brother dropped out. I'm so excited and ready to celebrate being done with school.
I hope your time in London is fantastic! And I'm glad your serger is functioning again. I was introduced to servers back in college in the theater costume shop. Magical tools!
I hope your solo trip is really wonderful. 10 years ago, I did London by myself, and it was one of the best experiences I’ve ever had. I would fully recommend doing the full set of stairs to the top of St. Paul’s. The view is unmatched and there are so many fewer people because of how many stairs there are.
👏🏽Can I tell y’all the biggest treasure ever!? After battling two cancers this last year, I had a full body CT this week and it. was. clear. Gone. 🥹 Cancer is Iike getting caught in a rip tide, seeing the shore, and never making it to shore. Waves of mercy brought me on shore. I’m exhausted, but will make it to my son’s wedding, will watch my daughters finish college, will travel with my man and kiss him forever. Lots of scans to go, but today we celebrate.
Congratulations! I absolutely love your to-do list. Or should we call it a "get-to" list! My son is in the middle of a relapsed cancer battle. He is 8. We are in the riptide. Your results give me hope. I know the happiness you are feeling. Praise God! Blessings to you and thank you for sharing!
Take heart dear momma. I fought a rare cancer (less than 5k in the world have it) with the big guns of chemo, radiation, surgery and many oncologists. Prayers of mercy and healing over your sweet son, I can’t even imagine.
Thank you. We just got word that his new treatment has been scheduled at Boston Children's. We are grateful it's an option for us, but my stomach is swirling with nerves.
I’m sure, of course it is. Abba Father- here is Dawn’s precious little son facing down a rip tide. He is wonderfully made and we ask for clear treatment plans, the strength to stand up under those plans, and a CT that says All Clear. In the mean time, we ask for strength and fortitude for this momma, for joy and fun to swirl amongst the worry and pain. For eight year old giggles amongst the struggle. For actual sleep and rest when anxiety wants to creep in. For whatever grace and mercy granted me, give to them 100 fold. In Jesus name Amen.
🍂I have the flu which is a big bummer and I missed two days of teaching this week which means next week is going to be like starting over. Sigh. I had planned to have our first day of Fall party this weekend and I’m hoping if I spend today just resting I’ll feel well enough to do it. I always make these all Fall and everyone devours them:
So just a little fun fact...if you have them replace the vanilla with apple brown sugar syrup in your pumpkin cream cold brew, it's like fall in a cup😊
So sorry you have the flu. 😔 What a bummer way to start Fall. Your traditions sound fun. (I've been thinking about getting Betrayal at Hill House). What do you do for your Fall party?
We do some kind of casual painting/craft activity and I usually make soup or something easy. I get all of my fall decorations up and we eat off of our fall plates. If it’s nice enough sometimes we try to get outside and find leaves. I try to keep it pretty casual but fun :)
🍁Happy Texas fall!! I too am drowning in boob sweat while trying to strong arm my house into cozy festiveness. I need an adultier adult to come with me to all craft stores bc I went in for a SINGULAR PUMPKIN, blacked out, and emerged $113 poorer with various woodland creatures I’d run from if I saw them in real life, a super cute apron encouraging me to “Harvest” while I serve my kids takeout for the 4th time this week, and a package of tiny scarecrow hats just bc I thought they’d look funny on the dogs. (They do.) SOS.
🍁Hilarious TV: The show Reboot on Hulu is the best. Perfect casting, 30 min long, and I cackled out loud all by myself several times. The first 3 eps are out! Also the Sheng Wang comedy special on Netflix. Ali Wong produced it and it is a total delight.
🍁This made me laugh as it is the attitude I’ve been going on my Stupid Walks with.
🍁Random but made me laugh - There’s a new club at my youngest’s school called Circle of Friends to help kids get to know more people. It’s voluntary, but most go bc it’s during the day and you can get out of class. My son, in his truest form, declared he had enough friends and stayed in the classroom with four other kids who opted out. He calls them the Pentagon of Enemies.
🍁My dad died a few weeks ago, and in the middle of the absolute worst time of my life, people showing up in the most unexpected ways have kept me going. This week a friend gave me a framed picture she took of the sunset the day Dad died. I’m not ready to look at it yet, but one day I know I’ll be so glad I have it.
OK- you whole post made me laugh so hard ("Harvest", SOS, the Pentagon of Enemies 🤣) and then I saw your last paragraph. I'm so sorry for your loss, and so glad your people have showed up for you. What a sweet gesture with the picture. Wishing you comfort, rest, and more laughter as you grieve. 💕
omg, I hadn't made it to your last comment before I posted; I am a monster. I am so very sorry about your dad passing. That's very sweet that you have people showing up for you!
It's FINALLY in the 50s here in PA so every window in the house is open and I am shivering in two layers. Perfection! (It's also b/c my youngest woke up puking last night, so let's just air out alllll the germs). In the timing of the stomach bug gods, it's also that kid's birthday tomorrow so today will be spent canceling his party for tonight and our (surprise) trip to Legoland. Thankfully he's my chillest kid and is taking it all like a champ - he's currently curled up under a Christmas blanket "resting his eyes" on the couch. Bless.
In other news, I had a super productive work week (felt amazing) and we successfully completed our second full week of all the activities. I missed all the Queen coverage but finally finished Ted Lasso and caught up on She Hulk, so I'll take it.
Hoping to sneak out to a farm to grab some mums + pumpkins and to enjoy some bourbon around our fire pit at some point this weekend. If anyone has pointers on how to keep mums alive, please leave them for me - I always kill mine by Halloween.
Also - recently finished the second Crescent City book. Thoughts on that ending??? (And yes I have read all of her other series :)
Are you repotting your mums? My guess is the containers they are sold in aren't really big enough to sustain them long term. And they probably don't absorb water very well, or enough. But I'm really allergic to mums so I can't say for sure.
"resting his eyes" reminds me of when I picked up my then 9-month old from her little church daycare program and instead of a nap report, "she rested with eyes open" was spelled across her form ... like some Victorian woman, I suppose.
OK, I don't know if this is a one-time freak thing that happened to me, or if it is replicable. But I have some mums from 2020 that are on their 3rd year! I have them in a planter box on the south side of my house, right up against our stone chimney. I don't know if it's the microclimate they have there or what, but I have also had eucalyptus come back in that spot for multiple years. So maybe a protected, very warm spot? Good luck!
I’m gonna crank the air down and drink a PSL while wrapped in a blanket by the fire.
I don’t have a fall playlist per se but I do have fun “Halloween” themed musicals I love to listen too in October! Sweeney Todd, Little Shop of Horrors, Phantom, Rocky Horror (which I also watch). It’s fun.
I’ve watched all the coverage on QEII’s funeral and it has been interesting and fascinating. And yes, I did get up at 4:45 AM Central Time to watch it and wore black to work. Anglophiles gonna Anglophile. 😂 I mean my kids are named Henry and George.
Any hoops, TikTok is giving my life right now with Chef Reactions and Tanara Double Chocolate. These two have now ruined all internet cooking videos for me. Lol. 10/10 recommend
I didn't get up early, but I did play the 9 hour BBC YouTube stream while I worked from home. I found the state funeral and commital services so powerful. I love your spooky musical list. That's a good idea!
I agree with the Queen's Loyal Piper. It did me in too. I think it was the setting, him alone walking away. The song was really pretty and I'm not a big bagpipe person.
I have always started listening to country music more in the fall. People always thought that was odd. It just seemed like better music to enjoy fall.
For sure aging myself here, but songs that sound like fall to me are Imperials' "One More Song for You" album - still always sounds like a very fun fall youth retreat when I was in 10th grade - and the soundtrack to St. Elmo's Fire. I saw that movie way too many times!
Erin, when you said, "warm pumpkin bread hits differently when you’re covered in sweat" I FEEL THAT IN MY BONES. We had ONE day this week of 60 degree weather, sandwiched between 100s and 90s. That was the happiest I've been since May. 😉 Despite purchasing everything at TJ's and Aldi that has "pumpkin" in the name, I have not been able to manifest fall into being here in KS. 😭
In other news, I'm so happy that our church (PCUSA, but in a red state) decided to make an obvious declaration about how we are affirming and inclusive so that potential members will know. 🎉
Update on a tired girl going to see Florence and the Machine: I was thisclose to bailing but I was able to rally (your prayers were felt!) and had the time of my life. I somehow even made it home before the clock struck twelve! Now for a decontamination shower but we made it. THE DOG DAYS ARE OVER! SHAKE IT OUT!
Reporting from the UK to let you know that it was real weird to plan a whole trip over here and then accidently wind up smack in the middle of a period of national mourning. I stayed in and watched the funeral on Monday (not least because everything was closed and I was in a tiny village that didn't have a whole lot to open to begin with), and was deeply amused at the tight Anglican hour of the actual service vs the 2-hour procession to transport her out of Westminster Abbey. There was a moment at the end of the committal service where the congregation sang "God Save the King" (for at least the third time that day) and Charles looked like he was about to lose it. I suspect that was a combination of grief and "if I have to hear that song ONE MORE TIME today", on top of having a very long day at the end of a very long couple of weeks. I found myself hoping he and the rest of the family had time for a nap before the private service that evening.
Albums I associate with Fall (even while sweating in a tropical climate):
Sixpence None the Richer, Sixpence None the Richer
So Jealous, Tegan & Sara
Everyone Else is Doing It So Why Can't We, The Cranberries (released in Spring, but used in You've Got Mail which is a Fall movie)
Folklore/Evermore, Taylor Swift
Great pics! "We Have Forgotten" by Sixpence has a great fall vibe. I recommend "A Place I Know" by the Cranberries, one of their last recorded songs together before Delores died. Both have the melancholy vibes I seek.
As a single person in her 40s who lives alone...I DO NOT CARE what my screen time on my iPhone is. I'm either on my phone, reading, or watching TV because that's my life. Leave me alone about it. 😂
Happy Fall! I wore mittens today and the leaves have started to turn red and yellow, it's lovely.
⚠Very, very mild spoiler for episode 2 of GBBO ahead: "It's just what happens when you don't know what you're doing" is a whole vibe and will forever be my answer when someone asks me why I've done something that didn't go to plan.
🧳 I've been on vacation in Stockholm! It was... eventful 😂 Among other things, I injured my foot and spent at least half the trip limping. I was nauseous most of the time and struggled to eat, so I never got around to the lovely meals I'd planned on having. The bank cancelled my card because of "suspicious transactions". (Which, as far as I can tell, was just me paying for my hotel room 🤷♀️😂) So, it was perhaps not quite the vacation I'd been hoping for but I got to visit libraries and lots of bookstores, admire beautiful architecture and sit and read in cozy coffee shops so I'm still really glad I got to go! 😊
💩 When I came home I started crying in the driveway because it just didn't feel like I was home or like I was welcome and/or belonged there anymore. I guess finding out I have to move hit me harder than I'd realized. I also got sick again very soon after getting home so now I've almost started wondering if it's the apartment that keeps giving me bronchitis 😂
🎵 The whole reason I went to Stockholm was to see Penny & Sparrow live and they were, of course, beyond amazing! Like, how does all of that talent even fit in their bodies??? Incredible 🤩🤯😍 Since it was kind of a small show, I got to stand right at the front, just a few feet from the stage and without anyone blocking my view. Chef's kiss. And afterwards I got to talk to them. Andy recorded a video on my phone saying hi to the Lil Swipes (which I have of course forgotten to post 🤦♀️) and Kyle started asking me about Sweden, just lots of questions about Ikea, Abba, vikings, moose and more. I had a blast! It was such a great evening ❤
REBECKA. MY HEART. Andy recorded a video for us?!??? 🥹🥹🥹🥹🥹🥹 what a joy!! I’m so glad you got to finally see them. So sorry so many crappy things happened on your trip, though - such bummers! The good memories will remain ☺️ DM me on IG with all of your thoughts and feelings!! 💜
Overall the good outweighed the bad! I will definitely DM and I'll try to post the pics and videos today! ❤
I’ve just started GBBO right now, so I’m so fascinated to see what happens based on your spoiler!
I’ve not been great about checking into comments lately, so I didn’t know about your having to move. I’m so sorry that life feels in upheaval right now. That’s the worst feeling. I’m sending prayers, friend!
Sorry for the late reply!
It was almost a throwaway moment, but it resonated deeply with me who never know what I am doing 😂
Thank you so much for your prayers, they are appreciated! ❤
And I'd love to be social media friends! I always enjoy connecting with you, Karen. I'm @beingbecka on Instagram. And thank you so much for your sweet comments, they lifted my spirits when I was having a bad day. 😊
Rebecka—I quite often find myself wanting to be social media friends with you. Are you on the Instagram, despite my being on there so rarely these days? I just really enjoy your energy. 🙂
I'm so sorry you injured your foot! IMO going to libraries and bookstores, hanging out in coffee shops and just vibing is vacation time well spent.
I always struggle upon reentry from vacation if I've been gone more than a few days, or if I've traveled somewhere significantly different. For me this is the down side to adjusting quickly to new locations!
The foot is already much better, so I don't want to complain too much! It's weird that it can be easier to adjust to new locations than to readjust to home.
Yes! I’m so happy you got to go to the show like you hoped for! I’m so sorry about the rocky vacation, I’ve been there and it isn’t fun. I hope you are able to find a place to live soon where you feel welcomed!
Thank you! I'm so happy I got to get away at all and I may or may not have started planning a new trip in November 😂
I'm sorry about all the vacation mishaps, but it sounds like the Penny and Sparrow concert took a little of the edge off at least. How fun! (I always call my banks before I travel and let them know so they don't do that. I have gotten stuck a few times. What a pain!) And I hope you find a beautiful, cozy new home that welcomes you and does not give you bronchitis!
Good tip, I'll definitely call the bank next time! And thank you so much, I hope so too 😊
When fall hits (whenever that is in Alabama), I immediately swap to Mat Kearney. After I finished college (a few years ago, tbh), I spent a year working at a camp in the mountains and my whole crew and I listened to Mat Kearney all fall when outside working. It's almost a visceral reaction when the leaves start changing!
Love this. Music holds such memory. 💕
Mat Kearney was my early 20s soundtrack. A friend and I went to a John Mayer concert only because Mat Kearney was opening for him 😆
Where would you recommend I start if I want to give Mat Kearney a whirl? Do you have a favorite album?
Specifically I like the song "Can't Break Her Fall". Just re-listened to it today after many years.
Not Sarah haha but I am butting in to say Nothing Left To Lose is personally one of my all time faves!
Yes agree 100%!! Such a great album.
🧵 A very obscure treasure this week, but I'm just so excited! I have a specialty sewing machine called a serger and about six months ago I unknowingly lost a microscopic piece that's kept me from using the machine. Last weekend the internet came through and a member of a sewing forum figured out what was wrong and told me where to buy the piece. It came yesterday and now it's working great!!!
📚 I read The Reading List by Sara Nisha Adams and what a delightful sweet book about reading and how it helps us understand ourselves and the world.
🌎 A month from today I'll be unofficially done with grad school and exploring London!! Thanks to everyone who encouraged me to make the trip on my own after my brother dropped out. I'm so excited and ready to celebrate being done with school.
Yesss, you're going to have the best time in London!
I hope your time in London is fantastic! And I'm glad your serger is functioning again. I was introduced to servers back in college in the theater costume shop. Magical tools!
Congrats for almost being done so the grad school!!!
Enjoy your trip
I hope your solo trip is really wonderful. 10 years ago, I did London by myself, and it was one of the best experiences I’ve ever had. I would fully recommend doing the full set of stairs to the top of St. Paul’s. The view is unmatched and there are so many fewer people because of how many stairs there are.
👏🏽Can I tell y’all the biggest treasure ever!? After battling two cancers this last year, I had a full body CT this week and it. was. clear. Gone. 🥹 Cancer is Iike getting caught in a rip tide, seeing the shore, and never making it to shore. Waves of mercy brought me on shore. I’m exhausted, but will make it to my son’s wedding, will watch my daughters finish college, will travel with my man and kiss him forever. Lots of scans to go, but today we celebrate.
This is amazing news!!!! Congratulations!
Yay!!!! 🎉
Woohoo!!! 🎉🥂🙏❤️
Woohoo!!! So happy for you
This is amazing news! I’m so happy for you!
I celebrate with you! 🥳❤️
Congratulations! I absolutely love your to-do list. Or should we call it a "get-to" list! My son is in the middle of a relapsed cancer battle. He is 8. We are in the riptide. Your results give me hope. I know the happiness you are feeling. Praise God! Blessings to you and thank you for sharing!
Oh Dawn...💔 Praying for your family.
Thank you. ❤
Oh Dawn. I'm so sorry. Will pray for you and your son. ❤️
Thank you.
Dawn praying for you and your son.
Thank you.
Dawn praying specifically for comfort today
Thank you. It is felt. I told my husband, "This morning I was all worked up but I have calmed down about it all."
Take heart dear momma. I fought a rare cancer (less than 5k in the world have it) with the big guns of chemo, radiation, surgery and many oncologists. Prayers of mercy and healing over your sweet son, I can’t even imagine.
Thank you. We just got word that his new treatment has been scheduled at Boston Children's. We are grateful it's an option for us, but my stomach is swirling with nerves.
I’m sure, of course it is. Abba Father- here is Dawn’s precious little son facing down a rip tide. He is wonderfully made and we ask for clear treatment plans, the strength to stand up under those plans, and a CT that says All Clear. In the mean time, we ask for strength and fortitude for this momma, for joy and fun to swirl amongst the worry and pain. For eight year old giggles amongst the struggle. For actual sleep and rest when anxiety wants to creep in. For whatever grace and mercy granted me, give to them 100 fold. In Jesus name Amen.
I took a screenshot of your prayer to use when I lose my words. Thank you again.
Oh Dawn, that is incredibly humbling. God be near to this family.
Amen. ❤
YAYYYYY!! I’m so, so happy for you!!🎉🎉🎉
This is such great news!!!!! ❤
🍁 I will for sure be listening to Folklore on repeat, to the chagrin of my husband and children🤷♀️. I also really love Emily P Freeman’s Fall playlist https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4K99A3Yp98gdLUQIx21u7s?si=msbpisRpS1WxetirLNf7Zw
🍂I have the flu which is a big bummer and I missed two days of teaching this week which means next week is going to be like starting over. Sigh. I had planned to have our first day of Fall party this weekend and I’m hoping if I spend today just resting I’ll feel well enough to do it. I always make these all Fall and everyone devours them:
https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/46395/applesauce-bars/
Sometimes I throw in some raisins- also delicious.
🍂I’m definitely excited for all things Fall but it is insanely hot here in Texas still so the Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew is my current treat of choice.
🍁I’m also excited for the return of Betrayal at Hill House to our table- we’ve been playing Wingspan but I’m ready to get spooky👻
So just a little fun fact...if you have them replace the vanilla with apple brown sugar syrup in your pumpkin cream cold brew, it's like fall in a cup😊
So sorry you have the flu. 😔 What a bummer way to start Fall. Your traditions sound fun. (I've been thinking about getting Betrayal at Hill House). What do you do for your Fall party?
We do some kind of casual painting/craft activity and I usually make soup or something easy. I get all of my fall decorations up and we eat off of our fall plates. If it’s nice enough sometimes we try to get outside and find leaves. I try to keep it pretty casual but fun :)
Love it!
🍁Happy Texas fall!! I too am drowning in boob sweat while trying to strong arm my house into cozy festiveness. I need an adultier adult to come with me to all craft stores bc I went in for a SINGULAR PUMPKIN, blacked out, and emerged $113 poorer with various woodland creatures I’d run from if I saw them in real life, a super cute apron encouraging me to “Harvest” while I serve my kids takeout for the 4th time this week, and a package of tiny scarecrow hats just bc I thought they’d look funny on the dogs. (They do.) SOS.
🍁Hilarious TV: The show Reboot on Hulu is the best. Perfect casting, 30 min long, and I cackled out loud all by myself several times. The first 3 eps are out! Also the Sheng Wang comedy special on Netflix. Ali Wong produced it and it is a total delight.
🍁This made me laugh as it is the attitude I’ve been going on my Stupid Walks with.
https://www.tiktok.com/@peteholmes/video/7140346491587185966?_t=8VvLxTKzucY&_r=1
🍁Random but made me laugh - There’s a new club at my youngest’s school called Circle of Friends to help kids get to know more people. It’s voluntary, but most go bc it’s during the day and you can get out of class. My son, in his truest form, declared he had enough friends and stayed in the classroom with four other kids who opted out. He calls them the Pentagon of Enemies.
🍁My dad died a few weeks ago, and in the middle of the absolute worst time of my life, people showing up in the most unexpected ways have kept me going. This week a friend gave me a framed picture she took of the sunset the day Dad died. I’m not ready to look at it yet, but one day I know I’ll be so glad I have it.
I'm so sorry to hear about your dad ♥
Pentagon of Enemies is amazing, though!
OK- you whole post made me laugh so hard ("Harvest", SOS, the Pentagon of Enemies 🤣) and then I saw your last paragraph. I'm so sorry for your loss, and so glad your people have showed up for you. What a sweet gesture with the picture. Wishing you comfort, rest, and more laughter as you grieve. 💕
Thank you so much, Dawn.❤️ Finding things to laugh about has been a lifesaver!
this all made me lol. The "SOS" really did me in.
omg, I hadn't made it to your last comment before I posted; I am a monster. I am so very sorry about your dad passing. That's very sweet that you have people showing up for you!
STOPPIT you are not a monster!!😆 This cracked me up!
So sorry to hear about your dad, but glad people are showing up for you in beautiful and unanticipated ways.
Your kid cracks me up - my youngest would 100% do the same!
I love kids who know themselves 🤣❤️
Pentagon of Enemies 😂😂😂
The best!
It made my day 😂
It's FINALLY in the 50s here in PA so every window in the house is open and I am shivering in two layers. Perfection! (It's also b/c my youngest woke up puking last night, so let's just air out alllll the germs). In the timing of the stomach bug gods, it's also that kid's birthday tomorrow so today will be spent canceling his party for tonight and our (surprise) trip to Legoland. Thankfully he's my chillest kid and is taking it all like a champ - he's currently curled up under a Christmas blanket "resting his eyes" on the couch. Bless.
In other news, I had a super productive work week (felt amazing) and we successfully completed our second full week of all the activities. I missed all the Queen coverage but finally finished Ted Lasso and caught up on She Hulk, so I'll take it.
Hoping to sneak out to a farm to grab some mums + pumpkins and to enjoy some bourbon around our fire pit at some point this weekend. If anyone has pointers on how to keep mums alive, please leave them for me - I always kill mine by Halloween.
Also - recently finished the second Crescent City book. Thoughts on that ending??? (And yes I have read all of her other series :)
Are you repotting your mums? My guess is the containers they are sold in aren't really big enough to sustain them long term. And they probably don't absorb water very well, or enough. But I'm really allergic to mums so I can't say for sure.
Oh man. Your poor little guy. Hope he feels better soon and is the only poker! Your fall plans sound wonderful. Good luck with your mums!
"resting his eyes" reminds me of when I picked up my then 9-month old from her little church daycare program and instead of a nap report, "she rested with eyes open" was spelled across her form ... like some Victorian woman, I suppose.
OK, I don't know if this is a one-time freak thing that happened to me, or if it is replicable. But I have some mums from 2020 that are on their 3rd year! I have them in a planter box on the south side of my house, right up against our stone chimney. I don't know if it's the microclimate they have there or what, but I have also had eucalyptus come back in that spot for multiple years. So maybe a protected, very warm spot? Good luck!
Oh no, your poor kid. Hope he feels better soon!
I need to rewatch Ted Lasso!
I love curating a good seasonal mood playlist. My two favorites right now:
“driving to the mountains for apples in the fall” - Exactly what it says on the tin. Upbeat acoustic guitar vibes for driving with the windows down when there’s a slight chill in the air. Mumford & Sons meets Tom Petty. [https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2UD2fAahwoCY8YSqjyzExw?si=J_ZlGoGcSjmbhVeok6L_9g]
“melloween” - A playlist for when you want to celebrate spooky season but don’t have the energy for the Monster Mash. The Smiths meets Lana Del Rey.
[https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3CUnkQB0ungVrKv2i0kgU1?si=SCX55N71RYKYvaBfLIgrug]
OK these are great playlist vibes for the different feelings of fall. Love it!
Can't wait to listen to your playlists!!
Thanks for the playlists!!
Happy Fall from 90 degree south Alabama!
I’m gonna crank the air down and drink a PSL while wrapped in a blanket by the fire.
I don’t have a fall playlist per se but I do have fun “Halloween” themed musicals I love to listen too in October! Sweeney Todd, Little Shop of Horrors, Phantom, Rocky Horror (which I also watch). It’s fun.
I’ve watched all the coverage on QEII’s funeral and it has been interesting and fascinating. And yes, I did get up at 4:45 AM Central Time to watch it and wore black to work. Anglophiles gonna Anglophile. 😂 I mean my kids are named Henry and George.
Any hoops, TikTok is giving my life right now with Chef Reactions and Tanara Double Chocolate. These two have now ruined all internet cooking videos for me. Lol. 10/10 recommend
Have a great weekend!
I didn't get up early, but I did play the 9 hour BBC YouTube stream while I worked from home. I found the state funeral and commital services so powerful. I love your spooky musical list. That's a good idea!
I also got up insanely early (at 5am) and then followed along with the order of (both) service(s) I found on BBC. Anglophiles unite.