Let's Cheer, All Cheer, for October is Here!
I just clicked into this post and received a burst of joy when I saw the artwork above. I forgot that I placed it into the blank October file on my blog account. What a lovely surprise!
I've been missing the coast terribly in recent months and this picture makes me miss it even more! If I look at it long enough I can put myself back in the parking lot of Lone Ranch beach in Brookings, Oregon, where I often went for a few moments of quiet when we lived there. I would roll down the windows as I neared the area, feeling the wind intensify in measures--stronger and stronger as I got closer. Then, after parking, a full-body wave of relief would wash over me the moment I cut the car engine. Complete peace. All alone. Not a human sound except my own breathing.
I would close my eyes, lay my head against the head rest, and listen to the roaring battle between the ocean and wind. The wind (and often rain) would mist onto me as I sat in my car--a welcome refreshment that made me feel like an irresponsible adult. I mean, does a responsible adult let the inside of her car get wet, or does she roll up the windows? So worth it, though. It was the coast, after all, so everything was already slightly damp. What's a little more dampness?
If I had time to spare, I would walk down to the water, wishing that I didn't need my eyes to navigate the way because what I wanted--all I wanted in those moments--was to close my eyes and feel the salty wind thrashing against my face. So I'd hurry down to the water and stand there with eyes closed, and just breathe.
Such happy memories this artwork brought to mind.
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October, In Books:
My reading aim in October is to settle back into a nice routine after a month of feeling somewhat unsettled with some of my books.
For this month's book club selection, we're venturing a little off the path and reading Shelby Van Pelt's "Remarkably Bright Creatures." This "quirky and heartwarming" book made the New York Times' "100 Best books of the Century" list and has over 750,000 Goodreads reviews. I was uncertain after first reading the book blurb, but after reading reviews on top book lists, I have to know why this book has grabbed so many hearts. I'm going to follow a reader recommendation and listen to the audio version of this one.
The Life Impossible, by Matt Haig.
My library hold for the new Matt Haig book just came in and I'm already 30% into it, trying to consume it in sips instead of the all-at-once sort of devouring that I really want to. I don't know where he's going and I can't speak to the latter 70% but so far...it's really good, guys. I'll report back in my review post.
Small Things Like These, by Claire Keegan.
This is the other book I'm currently reading. Also good but much quieter than the Haig book. This book has everything going for it: a Booker Prize winner, featured on the NYT "100 Best Books of the Century" list, and recommended by some of my favorite bookish sources. And bonus! I just found out that it's free to listen to with an active Audible membership.
Station Eleven, by Emily St. John Mandel.
This is the Close Reads book scheduled for podcasts from October 28 - November 25. They said that they included this one in order to redeem the book and distance it from the limited series TV show that ruined its reputation. So I guess I won't be following the book with the movie in this case!
Tartt is the author of The Goldfinch, a book that I read years ago and very much enjoyed. This one is experiencing a popular resurgence recently, though I'm not sure what spurred it on. It's about a group of college students in New England. After hearing "school" and "New England" of course I thought of fall, so I plugged it in to an October slot.
Running with Scissors, by Augusten Burroughs.
According to its Amazon blurb, "Running with Scissors is the true story of a boy whose mother gave him away to be raised by her psychiatrist, a dead-ringer for Santa and a lunatic in the bargain."
It was made into a movie in 2006 which stars Annette Benning, Joseph Fiennes, and Alec Baldwin. It's rated R but I'm not sure what for. I plan to look into it if I like the book. I'm fully aware that this may end up being too dark and I'll DNF it but I found the premise intriguing and a copy at the thrift store for a dollar so I'm doin' it.
This has been on my TBR for a few years. A while ago I was excited to find it at the thrift store and nabbed it up. However, when I arrived home I realized that what I actually found was a different book with the same name! That mistake vexed me into putting the correct version in my next TBR. If I remember correctly, this is the true story of the author's grandfather or great-grandfather, who helped to protect a tribe of Native Americans.
Crying in H Mart, by Michelle Zauner.
And finally, the book I'm currently listening to while I work. This memoir was written by a popular indie rocker who grew up in a town that is very familiar to me, Eugene, Oregon. Despite a largely heavy storyline, I keep getting little jolts of joy when she references places that I know.
Other things I'm Enjoying In October:
Slow + Relaxing Walks:
Normally my walks are quick and purposeful because I'm trying to hurry up and get done with the exercise so I can get home and get back to my work. Lately I have been experiencing a terrible outbreak of hives (allergy-related, we think) and my doctor asked me to lower my stress level until they abate. Additionally, being on steroids puts me on edge and walking relaxes me. So for the first time since I had toddlers I'm walking slow! I tell myself to keep my legs underneath my body and simply stroll around the neighborhood. A friend suggested that I try to notice colors, smells, and sounds all around me as a means of slowing myself down and taking in my surroundings, and I've been finding that a very helpful tip!
An Autumn Playlist:
What goes better with a casual meander around the block than a Cozy Autumn Instrumental playlist? This playlist elevates my walks and help me to relax even more.
The Daily Connoisseur:
A long-time fan of Jennifer's videos on homemaking, manners, health, and style, I've been re-watching older videos which remind me to slow down and live with intention. My homeschooling friends might enjoy her recent video, I Tried Charlotte Mason's Daily Routine.
Out with Summer, in with Fall:
I swapped my menu sheets and have already made a few of our family's fall favorites:
Colorful Chicken n' Squash Soup - This soup is a surprise to everyone the first time they have it. You would never guess such a simple soup with healthy ingredients is this flavorful!
The Ultimate Chicken Noodle Soup - This is the soup my kids nicknamed, "Kiss your butt goodbye soup" when they were little. As in, "This soup is so good, you'll be a goner if you eat it." No matter how many times I make it, my family always gets excited to see it on the menu.
Top-Rated Chicken Pot Pie - So rich but for sure the best pot pie I've ever had!
Creamy Au Gratin Potatoes - This is unlike any au gratin I've had before. More onions equal more flavor! I like to cube ham steaks and top the potatoes with them about 25 minutes before they are done. The ham gets crispy on the edges and adds some protein to this carb-heavy dish. We serve this over a bed of steamed broccoli florets and oh my goodness, it is delicious!
And for dessert:
Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls - I like to think these are healthier because they are sourdough...but they're really not. Still, the sourdough starter give these cinnamon rolls a light tang that isn't present in their yeasty counterparts, so I think they are better overall. If you make them you can let me know what you think!
Okay, until next time...
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