September 2023 // A List

September, September.

What a month you have been.

Started off a bit rough but is coming to a gentle end.

I learned so many things this month.

Realized so much.

I'm closer to making a big decision, and I'm excited.

September was a month of contemplation.

A month for spending time with my family.

A month of seeking and finding comfort.

A month filled with good books and good music.

September was a month of letting go.

A month of thinking, "What will be, will be."

A month of taking care of myself.

September was an emotional month.

Anger.

Fear.

Hope.

Joy.

Love.

September, you were a whirlwind.

The month went differently than I had planned and hoped.

But I'm thankful for everything (yes, the bad and, of course, the good) that has happened during this month.

So thank you, September, and goodbye.

Hello, October.

I've been waiting for you.

Photo by Katie Moum on Unsplash

Currently: September 2023

Currently...

Watching: Michael and I have been watching some videos we need to edit for the Hispanic Heritage Month school project he's working on. His class has to make a dish or drink and record themselves making it. I remember having to do this project in middle school, so it brought back memories.

Reading: All the romance novels. I'm also reading Dear Medusa by Olivia A. Cole and How We Got By by Shaina Feinburg. It's taking me longer than usual to read both books, but I'm almost done reading them.

Listening: I laughed when I wrote down the names of the artists I'm currently listening to. My playlists are so unpredictable, but I love it. Anyway, I'm really loving Crimson Apple's Noises and War With My Mind. Nina Simone's New World Coming (darkDARK remix) has been on repeat. Kennie's Pretty is another new favorite.

Making: I've been working on my Project Life album and was so excited to put my new supplies from Paper Person to good use. I'm still making one-line drawings in my journal, and it's been so much fun. 

Feeling: I'm feeling so content and hopeful. This week off of work was just what I needed. 

Planning: I have a few big plans in the works. I'm more hopeful and excited than anxious about these plans, which is great.

Loving: I'm loving Fall Break. We went to the fair and had a blast. John and I also went on a date and tried a new restaurant. I'm loving the plans we have for the rest of fall break. We still have a few places that we're hoping to visit before the break is over, so I'm excited about those plans. 

What are you currently up to?

Thanks for visiting!

Until next time...

10 Things That Made Me Happy This Week

Happy Sunday! Today, I'm linking up with Charlotte, Lindsay, and Beth for their weekly grateful and happy list link up.

1. It's finally fall! I love this time of year!

2. I found my Halloween costume!

3. Celebrating the first day of fall with a pumpkin spice latte and a pumpkin spice bundtlet.

4. Fall Break has arrived. I'm excited to spend time with my family and get some much-needed rest.

5. Cooler weather

6. Sleeping in

7. Visiting Mami

8. Making Morir Soñando with Michael and Mami (I love that Michael's class has a project for Hispanic Heritage Month)

9. Golden Hour by JVKE

10. Getting so many new books to read (I'm really grateful that I received so many arcs I wanted to read.)

What made you happy this week?

Thanks for visiting!

Until next time...

Fall 2023 Bucket List

Happy Saturday and First Day of Fall! I am so excited that it's finally fall. It really is the best season and the most wonderful time of the year. The signs of fall were already here, but it feels so much better now that it's officially fall. I always get struck with a hint of magic on the first day of fall.

Today was an amazing day. We're currently on fall break so it'll be nice to start doing our traditional fall activities. We spent the day with Mami and had so much fun. To celebrate the first day of fall, I bought a pumpkin spice latte and a pumpkin spice bundtlet. I also played a few fall themed songs and even bought my Halloween costume. Since today was a great day, I'm taking it as a sign that this season is going to be amazing.

Of course, now that the season has changed, it's time to share my fall bucket list. I absolutely love making seasonal bucket lists. As usual, I have my favorite things on the list, but I also included a couple of new things. I can't wait to start crossing off some things and maybe I'll even add a few more things to the list in the coming days.

• Read 10 books

• Read 4 spooky books by October 31

• Watch a new-to-me scary movie

• Visit a haunted house

• Go to the fair

• Try 2 new recipes

• Go on a staycation

• Document fall in my journal 

• Submit two pieces to online or print publications

• Complete my Little Summer Joy mini book

• Participate in a Fall reading challenge

• Complete 2 months in my Project Life album

• Complete 1 creative course

• Declutter the closets

• Participate in more blog hops

• Publish a photo essay 

What is on your fall bucket list?

Thanks for visiting!

Until next time...

Photo by Dave on Unsplash

10 Things That Made Me Happy This Week

Happy Sunday! Today I'm linking up with Charlotte, Lindsay, and Beth for their weekly grateful and happy list link up.

1. Nina Simone's New World Coming (darkDARK remix)

2. Celebrating John's birthday

3. Celebrating my coworker's birthday

4. Apple Cider and Subterfuge by Elise Kennedy

5. This video has had me laughing way too hard

6. Ordering some new scrapbook supplies from Studio Calico and Paper Person Shop

7. Continuing to try one-line drawings

8. The slightly chilly air in the mornings

9. Carvel ice cream cake

10. Naps on the weekends

What made you happy this week?

Thanks for visiting!

Until next time...

If You and I Had Coffee

If you and I had coffee...

We'd meet at our favorite local coffee shop that sells books and is pure perfection. We'd check out the books while waiting for our pastries and seasonal drinks.

If you and I had coffee...

I'd tell you that I'm so excited for autumn. Most stores like Target have all of their fall collections out. I'm shocked I haven't bought a mug or two from Target. However, I did buy an iced coffee cup at the Farmers Market. While at one of the farmer's markets, we went to over the weekend, the boys tried a sample of pumpkin bread and loved it. Of course, I bought a loaf. I've also been consuming too many pumpkin spice lattes, but I have changed it up and made some pumpkin spice hot chocolate. Honestly, I'm surprised I'm not tired of pumpkin-flavored drinks and food.

If you and I had coffee...

I'd tell you that I think I'm finally getting out of my creative block. I've been working on my journal every day. I'm working on Liz Layne's Side by Side prompts in my journal and have been trying one-line drawings. I'm currently working on blog posts and some pieces for some upcoming Exhale blog hops. This creative burst is just what I needed, and I'm so grateful for it.

If you and I had coffee...

I'd tell you that I've been reading so many good books and newsletters. I just read Ella Frances Sanders' latest newsletter, and the first line, "This month landed with a gulp," was so relatable. I keep finding so many written words that are hitting close to home. I'm going to take it as a sign. A sign for what? I don't know, but I should keep paying attention to those little words. 

If you and I had coffee...

I'd tell you that I'm so glad that we were able to catch up. I know we've had to meet towards the end of the month lately, and things have been so busy, but I'm happy we could meet earlier. These little coffee chats mean so much to me. I can't wait to meet up again soon. I hope you enjoy the rest of your day and have a great month.

What would you tell me?

Thanks for visiting!

Until next time...

Photo by Joshua Hill on Unsplash

10 Things That Made Me Happy This Week

Happy Saturday! Today I'm linking up with Charlotte, Lindsay, and Beth for their weekly grateful and happy list link up.

1. Happiness is a Butterfly by Lana Del Rey

2. These modern times we're living in (Seriously, thank goodness for healthcare and medicine)

3. Raphael is feeling much better after being sick for a few days

4. Daily journaling and drawing

5. New books

6. Going to the Marietta Square Farmers Market

7. New books

8. Lunch at Lucky's and Cousins Maine Lobster

9. The two nice women who offered to take our family photos so I wouldn't be left out of the pictures 

10. Lists

What made you happy this week?

Thanks for visiting!

Until next time...