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!
Hello everyone! Can September please slow down? It's raining today, but I need to be outside with the beautiful goldenrod and asters!
This week contained mul-ti-tudes. I accidentally forgot to take my antidepressant on Monday, and I will not be doing that again any time soon! After the time I took to recover, the week was nearly gone but now it's Friday and I can exhale.
My treasures:
-My psychiatrist who reassured me that I would be ok. Lovely, lovely man.
-My dad and I spending time together while my mom and sister went to Lake Michigan.
-Sharon McMahon's book club for Just Mercy. Ooofff. Such wonderful conversations. The governerds are such wonderful people (spellcheck still does not know the word governerd! This must change!)
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.
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 ❤
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.
👏🏽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.
🍂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:
🍁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.
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 :)
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!
Hello everyone! Can September please slow down? It's raining today, but I need to be outside with the beautiful goldenrod and asters!
This week contained mul-ti-tudes. I accidentally forgot to take my antidepressant on Monday, and I will not be doing that again any time soon! After the time I took to recover, the week was nearly gone but now it's Friday and I can exhale.
My treasures:
-My psychiatrist who reassured me that I would be ok. Lovely, lovely man.
-My dad and I spending time together while my mom and sister went to Lake Michigan.
-This video from @blackforager https://www.instagram.com/p/Cip-gDajZEh/ (The song will get in your head.)
-This post from @kristenlavalley https://www.instagram.com/p/CixV_3Mrn2t/ had me almost tearing up before breakfast.
-I have not read the article, but I am fascinated by Margaret Renkl's observations. https://www.instagram.com/p/CinbKT_ukJw/
-Sharon McMahon's book club for Just Mercy. Ooofff. Such wonderful conversations. The governerds are such wonderful people (spellcheck still does not know the word governerd! This must change!)
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
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 ❤
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.
👏🏽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.
🍁 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👻
🍁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.
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 :)
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]