for the beauty of the earth
November is here and I am absolutely loving this month. I know that for many October is the epitome of autumn delights and weather and such, but where I live, October can be a hit or miss...some days warm and some cooler, but November, now that's where autumn is at. We are delighting in days that are chilly and even chillier nights. For me, it's always the colder the better, so every time I see it dipping into the low forties during the day and twenties at night is just perfect. Of course, as wintertime comes, I will be wishing for snow.
Our summer was much cooler than normal, which was a tremendous blessing. However, the last six weeks or so of summer and the first month of autumn were totally stifling! On top of that, it was an extremely dry summer...we've only just begun making up for the rain these last few weeks with several rainstorms. Because of those things combined, I believe, we are not surrounded by the autumnal color that is normal for this time of year. Some trees have turned bright reds or golden yellows, but mostly they've just turned brown and the leaves have fallen to the ground. With all that said, last week my mom, sister and I spent an afternoon at a park not too far from our home and we walked around a lovely pond with geese and ducks and admired the seasonal beauty that was alive and well there. It was such a peaceful afternoon and so wonderful to breathe in some fresh, crisp air. I'm convinced that is the sure remedy to clear one's head and to pour life and goodness and beauty back into one's life. No doubt about it.
And, finally, we've been enjoying several fires in our fire pit in the evenings. The three of us enjoy sitting around in chairs and just chatting or listening to Irish traditional tunes whilst we feel the warmth from the fire. It's truly becoming an autumnal favorite of mine.
musical treasures
Yes, I know that many folks have started in on listening to Christmas music already...but I want to remind you that it's not even Thanksgiving yet. {{winks}} We usually start listening the day before Thanksgiving as we prepare for our feast the next day...then, after Thanksgiving, it's Christmas music full-on from then until Epiphany, or a little after if I'm being completely honest.
At the time of this writing (Thursday night), I'm listening to a selection of songs on shuffle, including favorites from Christy Nockels, The High Kings, and a few others.
bookish ramblings
Confession time: I have not read a book in its entirety since June.
There's been a lot going on and I have been so uninspired to read. I pick up a book and get about a third of the way into it, then stress or anxiety floods over me and I set it down. I repeat that several more times and here I find myself with a stack of almost half-read books and another that is nearly done that I'm needing to finish this weekend because I'm supposed to be posting a review for it very soon. (And another one, too, that's in the same situation.)
I do, however, have a Christmas novel that I hope to read...in fact, I have a few of them. I'd love to read a wonderfully Christmasy story. Part of my problem, which I'm fully aware of, is that I can't seem to find a book that can suck me into it. You see, I read three completely amazing books in the spring and ever since no other books can compare, so that really puts a damper on things. Anyone else relate? I'm hoping that a Christmas novel will be the antidote.
in the world of TV and movies
While I may not have read much lately, I have been having just a little bit of fun with new shows and movies. Here's what I've found here recently:
~ Call the Midwife ~
I just randomly watched one episode of this show last month after hearing about it for literally years. Well, that one episode turned into my binge-watching all eight seasons in a month. Oh, it was so good and I am beside myself anticipating the new season next year. I really love that it's a show with both drama and heavier moments and topics, but also some of the most hilarious scenes as well, especially with one particular nun. And I have to say that the teatime desserts that the nurses and Sisters enjoy during their daily afternoon tea look absolutely delectable. So much so, that after watching an episode one night in which the nurses partook in eclairs, we went to the store the next day and I picked up a package for us to enjoy as well. This is a new favorite show of mine and I highly recommend! It is delightful in every way!
And a few new-to-me movies that I've enjoyed...
~ The Time Traveler's Wife ~
This was a different type of movie than I usually watch, as it had a sci-fi element to it, but I thoroughly enjoyed it. I give it 3.5 out of 5 stars, but it is one that I'd watch again.
~ Under the Tuscan Sun ~
I've been wanting to watch this movie for months and finally found it on Hulu. It was such a good movie and almost takes you to the beautiful countryside of Italy as you watch it. It had kind of a magical feel to it, which I loved. I give it 4 out of 5 stars.
~ You've Got Mail ~
This is one movie that I'd seen talked about for literally years, and I finally watched it. My, it was a charming one! Everything people said about it was true and I heartily enjoyed it. And true to many opinions, it is the perfect autumn movie. I give it 4.5 out of 5 stars. The only thing that would have taken it to 5 stars would have been if there had really been a bouquet of freshly sharpened pencils in the movie. {{smiles}}
~ No Reservations ~
If you know me, you know that Julie and Julia is one of my favorite movies of all time. This one had a similar feel, so obviously I loved it. It was a really sweet movie, with a tenderness and gentleness to it. Then there was, of course, good fun and laughter which almost always had to do with food, of course. I give it 4.5 of out 5 stars. Highly recommended!
Have you seen any of these movies before?
a grateful heart
My heart overflows with gratefulness to the Lord for allowing me to complete my October blogging series. I had set that as a challenge to myself back in June and began work on it in July. I put a lot into it, and honestly didn't think I would be able to pull it off. I thought about throwing in the towel many times but I am very thankful that He gave me continued inspiration and ideas and the ability to write and energy to do so as well. That was a major accomplishment for me, as it was the first time in nearly seven years of blogging that I wrote 31 days of entirely new content and that feels like a HUGE accomplishment. All glory to Him...thank You!
from my kitchen
Cooking has been rather fun lately, but then again, I love cooking so it's almost always fun! Hee! A few favorite meals from the last while include our first stew of the season with homemade crusty bread; my mom's chicken and stuffing with gravy and mashed potatoes and veggies and cranberry sauce; and finally, a creamy chicken vegetable soup that we enjoyed on Sunday. It was magnificent and such a comforting meal...we served it with homemade biscuits and enjoyed them with homemade apple butter and Irish butter. It was heaven on a plate!
fashionable fun
Seeing as how it was a chilly and rainy day, I am wearing layers. A corally colored sweatshirt and a cami under with skinny dark blue jeans. My hair is pulled up in a messy bun type thing on top of my head...because, little fun bit of randomness, I cannot write if my hair isn't pulled up. Weird, I know.
home and hearth
Our home really shines in the autumn and winter, in my humble opinion. We pull out all the stops with coziness this time of year and nearly every day I wake up, as I'm coming down the stairs, I am met with scents of cinnamon and vanilla wafting through the air, coming from diffusers, candles and stovetop potpourris. Blankets galore are draped over our sofa and chairs. We are enjoying our autumn decorations for a few more weeks before all the Christmas things come out the day after Thanksgiving.
my cup overflows
I've been enjoying nightly cups of fruity herbal tea in a new "cozy" mug this week. My favorite blends are strawberry raspberry and then a blend of too many berries to name. Ha! These cups of tea keep me company as I watch Call the Midwife. {{heart eyes}}
these are a few of my favorite things
Right now I am absolutely loving warm, cozy flannel pajamas and cups of tea at night and the new season of Blue Bloods each Friday night.
for the love of words
I've always got a million quotes that I'm loving at any given moment, but here's one that I particularly love:
Everyone should regularly have themselves overwhelmed by nature.
(George Harrison)
That quote has been on my mind, especially as we enjoy the wonders of autumn and prepare to welcome the beauties of winter. Truly, there are so many ordinary little miracles in nature if only we open our eyes and ears to them.
creating and crafting
So far this season I've knitted two cowls, one for my sister and one for myself. Next up is a cowl for my mom once she chooses the color yarn she wants and then I plan on making one for our friend's Christmas gift. I also have a smallish list of projects that I want to work on throughout the winter months, so I'm hoping to get started on them after Christmas, because I may have an idea or two for the holidays.
Goodness me! This was one heck of a rambly post, but those are fun sometimes, don't you think? Thanks for coming by to visit with me for a bit today...I hope you are enjoying a lovely November so far. And I'd love to hear what's going on in your corner of the world, so do share below!
As always, may your day be a wondrous beauty!
♥