Hello, Fall

The First Day of Fall, otherwise known as the Autumn Equinox, has become a special holiday for me. When September dawned, I looked up the date and highlighted it on my calendar. Then I started dreaming about all the things I would do on that day:  fall drinks, fashion and decorations. I planned, I pinned, and I waited.

Let the summer lovers enjoy the end of their sunshine affair, wringing out every drop of extra sunlight, warm weather and lack of layers. Let them have their time to say goodbye. But when autumn dawns, I shall rise and say, "Now is my time."

I love everything about fall. The scents, the football games, the colors, the baked goods and warm soups, the drinks that slip down your throat and warm your soul. These are my days that speak of a slower, more thoughtful rhythm. As trees begin to trade shades of green for the bright jewels of ruby, amethyst and topaz, my heart sighs long and deep.

That softer ray of sunshine and those colder evenings stir in me a deep longing for intimacy and connections. Something new in my heart and soul dawns with those colors. This is the rhythm God has crafted for me. Fall means new things, exciting beauty, and discoveries to behold.

While some begin to dread these cooler days which inevitably inch closer to the darker days of winter, I revel in the now. Maybe it's my way of postponing the worry and stress about winter's coming or maybe it's my husband's influence of everything having its own time--Christmas decorations should not be put up before Thanksgiving, according to him.

Whatever the reason, I wanted to mark that first day with some autumn delights. I made a list and set out to fulfill it.

 Number One: First Official Pumpkin Spice Latte

I got up and out early so that I could sip my first PSL in the cool breeze of the morning. Here in Ohio, the temperatures have been nearing 90 degrees. That, however, didn't stop me from fulfilling number two on my list.

Number Two: Boots

Boots are my sweet spot in foot ware. I've got a black pair, a brown pair and these black and brown. What I lack in flashy foot ware, I make up for in practicality and comfort. (Don't worry. I changed into sandals later, because, heat.)

Number Three: Fall Flower Arrangement

Because sunflowers and fall are a must.

Number Four: Burn Fall Candles

I cheated a little and lit my Pumpkin Pecan Waffles a couple of days earlier (my Warm Apple Pie candle has departed :( ), but I waited until the first day of fall for my Autumn candle from Bath and Body Works. It was a hard wait but worth it.

Number Five: Baked Goods

I've tweaked my first batch of Cinnamon Rolls with Apple Filling and I think I found the right proportion of everything. This was before they were baked and topped with Paula Dean's cinnamon roll icing. They are so very, very good. Go ahead. You may salivate.

Number Six:  Fall Decor

This is the pinnacle of my fall prep. I found a stack of leaf stickers at our local Target and snatched up two packs. As sticking them on the window would mean a permanent fall of leaves, I slapped them on some wax paper and then cut them out, one, by one. It was time consuming but the end result was perfect.

BONUS! Number Seven: Cool Weather!

Would you know that those high 80's temps have fallen and this whole week is forecasting to be in the 70's? Be still my fall-loving heart!

Whether you are in full autumn celebration, like myself, or mourning the loss of summer's kiss, take the time to let go and let yourself enjoy in the now.

Pause. Breathe. Smile. It's gonna be a good fall. 

Sparks of Joy: August Edition

Where did August go? Although the last time I posted was midway through the month, the days still seemed to vanish. Now it's September, and I'm late again (eventually I will get this blogging groove back), and it's time to gaze back at the embers of joy August gave. It's a shorter list this time, but still fun. Enjoy!

Books

Rhythms of Rest by Shelly Miller

I'm still in the process of reading an Advanced Reader Copy, but can I just tell you how important this work is? Shelly breathes grace back into keeping the Sabbath. She shares how the Sabbath is a weekly rhythm that restores our hearts and connects us deeper into relationship with Christ. I've been chewing on what I've been learning and will soon share, but until then, you can pre-order her book now. Release date is Oct. 4. 

Present Over Perfect by Shauna Niequist

I'm steadily reading through this work. Shauna's message is about removing the busy and settling into the still. As both rest and stillness are a current reoccurring theme in my life, I grabbed a copy of this right before my e-book rental expired. I've been taking daily sips since then, savoring the taste of being still. I resonate with Shauna's drive, her desire to rest and her struggles therein. While I'm not done, I can confidently say this is going to be one I keep returning to read.

Simple Delights

Deep-cleaning.
 Sometimes you just needs to purge the clutter in your home. August was my time for fall cleaning. We have lived in the same apartment for five years and I've never been satisfied with our bedroom. It's supposed to be the most restful room in the house, but it never felt right. So I deep-cleaned the bedroom, washing the walls, pulling out furniture to vacuum, and quieting the space. I can now say, that our bedroom is a peaceful refuge.

But I couldn't stop just there. I moved to the dining room and then tackled the living room, repeating the same cleaning process. The flow feels more cohesive and peaceful. I can't wait to show it off this fall for parties and casual hangouts.

Painting/drawing.

I've returned to my creative side. My painting I completed in a day. I was impatient to hang it in our newly rearranged bedroom. It was the finishing touch to serene environment. My dragon is slowly coming into being, but not without hurdles.

Milton thinks drawing time is a perfect moment to gain attention. Either that, or he just really likes the feel of the paper on his belly. I'm not sure.

Fall scented candles.
(I'm detecting a theme.)

Bath and Body Works released their fall candles early in August and I was quick to descend upon the hoard. I resisted, however, to burn any straight up "autumn" scents, but I couldn't resist the Warm Apple Pie candle. Oh. My. Goodness. It's like a warm hug. I've burnt it down to almost nothing and am itching for another.

Soon, however, I will be able to burn Pumpkin Pecan Waffles and indulge in that Pumpkin Spice Latte.

 First Day of Fall, you guys. NEXT WEEK!

Giggles

Summer vs Fall.

This is the perfect depiction of how I feel. I am made for cool breezes, scarves and multiple layers. Summer? Meh. But fall? YES!

How was your August?

Sparks of Joy: Summer Edition

This morning, my Facebook feed was flooded with pictures of first days back to school, officially marking the end of summer. In honor of ye old summer's passing, here are the highlights from my sunny hiatus, what I read, enjoyed and laughed at for the past three months.

Books 

 A Court of Thorns and Roses Series by Sarah J. Maas

In May, I devoured the second installment to A Court of Thorn and Roses series, A Court of Mist and Fury. The series details a huntress, Feyre, who kills a faerie and is taken into the faerie lands as retribution, a life for a life. The first book is a Beauty and the Beast retelling, with Feyre learning about the magical world, the fae that inhabit it and the foes that threaten its peace, but the second (ACOMAF) outdoes the first, rich with world building and character development. I won't spoil ACOMAF for you, but I will say that it left me with a two week book hangover and the immediate need for the third and final installment. I recommend it for anyone who loves a new adult, high fantasy novel filled with faeries and intrigue.

Red Rising Series by Pierce Brown

 Over the course of a month, I enveloped myself in the futuristic world of Pierce Brown. The story takes place in a futuristic society where a caste system based on color defines the peoples socio-economic station and their role in the society.The protagonist, Darrow, is from the lowest caste in society, a Red, but joins the rebel force to take down and upset the system created by the Golds, the highest caste. The series spans about seven years and is a fascinating journey of Darrow's development. There are space battles, tragic deaths and deep friendships. It's a sweeping epic, with a cinematic feel. I recommend this read for anyone who enjoys space operas and science fiction.

Bella Grace 

Okay, not a book, but this is a lovely magazine with beautiful photography and grace-filled articles. I would read it as I sipped on my morning coffee, savoring the encouragement to rest in the simple things. You can find it at your local bookstore in the inspiration section, but if you're looking for it at Barnes and Noble, it's found up front at checkout. Tricky marketing B&N.

Bandersnatch by Erika Morrison

If I'm being honest, the title is what first caught my attention. How can a mystical creature of Lewis Carrol's creation be connected to faith? In Morrison's words, a Bandersnatch is "a person with unconventional habits and attitudes" (back cover). The book is really about discovering your uniqueness and how that feeds into your experience with the Holy Spirit. I'm halfway through the book but am finding it a fresh look on faith and spirituality.

Simple Joys

Coffee

When the heat rises, I put away the comfort of my tea for the ease of coffee. My favorite, though, is a local cafe and coffee roaster called Coffee Emporium. I've tried out a few different ones, but so far, my favorites are the OBM Espresso and Cool Carnivore blends. 

Instagram

Part of my morning routine is opening up Instagram, a portal to beauty and inspiration. I enjoy scrolling through the posts and reading the brief captions. There's something about that square format that ignites a lightness and joy in my soul. 

A Few New Discoveries: kittiesncoffee, charliebowater, keishua, woodsermom
Old Favorites: shannanwrites, shellymillerwriter, emilypfreeman

Nature

Whether I'm kayaking with a group of friends or taking off to Hocking Hills for a week with my husband, nature, during the summer, gives me life. The stillness of the forest, the sun glancing off the water, the fresh air, the solitude, it all brings me back to the center of who I am. Being in nature calms the restlessness of my soul and rejuvenates my ravaged heart. I'm so glad I got to get out and enjoy it this summer with amazing company.

Giggles

Queen Beryl is at it again:

So many people...:

Hank from Finding Dory, favorite quote:

Here's to you summer. You served us well. Bring on the fall!