I know I haven't posted that much this year, but that's because I've been livin' life in the real world! Going to work, doing chores, taking kids to playgrounds, cutting flowers, etc. etc. I thought I would pop in here today because yikes, have you seen the state of the Internet? I made the mistake of logging on to Facebook the other day and was immediately bombarded with fake photos, fake videos, and fake news stories. Pinterest is all AI generated these days which is only the tip of the iceberg. Substack and YouTube are OK, with a little too much of a lean toward "curation" and "aesthetic". If one more 20-something tells me to "romanticize my life" you'll know, because you'll hear my scream wherever you are.
I bought an Oru folding kayak for my birthday - it was a little pricey but 100% worth it. It fits in the trunk of my hatchback sedan and it's easy to store in the house, too. I was a little concerned about floating in what is basically a huge USPS mail bin, but so far so good! I'm looking forward to some colder weather kayaking in the hopes that the crowds are kept away. Fun fact: Maryland is the only US state without any natural lakes.
We went on a few trips, one to a lake in Virginia, and to the Outer Banks in North Carolina. This was Cora's first time seeing the ocean and she jumped right in, fully clothed. A hurricane was brewing off shore so there were yellow (caution) flags up on most days. It was pretty stressful trying to keep 8 children from drowning but luckily our rental house also had a pool which was easier to supervise.
I'm realllly scraping the bottom of the barrel now, flower-wise. My July planting fizzled out due to extreme heat and hardly any rain. I still have 120 dahlia plants but it's been so dry they are not producing like I hoped. I have 8 more flower subscription pickups before I'm done for the season, and boy will I be glad to take a break. I've already decided to scale back next year. So often turning a hobby into a job takes some of the joy out of it, which has happened over the last 4.5 years. Next year I'm hoping to reclaim some gardening fun.
I'm not here to rain on anyone's fall parade, but fall is already nice. I don't need special flavors and decorations, hot books and cozy blankets. Nature is already beautiful enough. So let me propose, let's make winter the special season. After the end of year holidays, it's just dark and cold; Valentine's day is not going to cut it. I'm trying to think of ways to make January-March feel bearable. Maybe a special box of treats that is only opened then? A mission to try new restaurants or visit museums? If anyone has winter traditions, I'd love to hear them.
Until next time... If you have a blog and are a human with a regular life, I am grateful for what you do. I may not always comment, but there aren't many real people on the internet anymore and I appreciate you!
OMG SARAH YOU'RE HERE YOU'RE HERE!
ReplyDeleteI loved this update! I know what you're saying about winter - what I started, during the pandemic when I lived in Calgary, was forcing myself to walk at least 5 km a day, no matter what the weather. And wow, sometimes the weather was really bad. So I bought all sorts of layers and stuff and because I am vain and love clothes, that really motivated me. And you know what, it worked. Also I'm in the stage now where I get too sweaty and hot flashy with red wine, but in the winter it still feels good. So treats and walks I guess. And books! So many books.
BTW I saw your comment on my blog and am going to reply on my blog, but not sure if you check/ get notified by replies...I haven't googled any scandal involving Adichie and I'm not going to. But I'll believe you when you say there's a scandal! I just...can't. You know? THERE IS JUST TOO MUCH LATELY. So I'm going to keep myself ignorant just because I do really love her writing. I'm sorry if that makes me sound like an asshole, I really am. I just have hit my limit on sad/ disappointing/ horrible/ things that make me feel despair. I think it was the school shooting that was down the street from Lisa (do you know Lisa?) in MN. I just can't take anymore.
That's a great tip about getting outside during the winter, I may just do that! I think finding a way to motivate yourself is key, so I will think on that for the next few months. I totally get wanting to remain ignorant, in fact I only have one news app on my phone (NPR) that I only check once a day. We were not meant to experience this constant barrage of bad news. And when it does come to bad news, an author behaving badly is not the worst of our worries.
DeleteYes, Winter it is. Signed, a real person.
ReplyDeleteThanks for visiting!
DeleteLove this post! I've been visiting blogs more and more and trying to post more to my own just to feel more grounded. Your photos are beautiful! I love winter. I'm a knitter, so early nights, on the couch and watching tv while I knit away is my favorite. We also make a point to go to our local Mexican restaurant every Wednesday for 1/2 price quesadillas and happy hour prices all day. It gets us out, have some quality family time and see our regular waitress. Simple, but fun. -Leanne from Arrow Acres Farm
ReplyDeleteI LOVE that winter tradition and that's exactly what I am hoping to start. Thanks for commenting so I can check out your beautiful and calming blog.
DeleteI always enjoy your posts! Matt G
ReplyDeleteAnd I yours! I'm hoping to come to NYC soon and your nature-centric posts are giving me lots of ideas of what to see.
DeleteI wouldn't exactly call it a winter tradition but I try to be outside with the camera as much as possible. While I love sunny "everything's coming back to life" spring fotos and colourful autumn fotos, I must admit that over the years I've come to love the moody, misty "what kind of weather is this anyway" fotos.
ReplyDeleteAnother thing I love is sorting through my fabrics and yarns and planning what clothes I'm going to make for spring and summer. I don't usually make all the things I plan but just the playing with fabric and making colour swatches makes me so happy.
And reading, of course. I pick a favourite series and start binge reading in order. Thankfully, Charlotte MacLeod wrote enough books to tide me over winter.
Oh my gosh, SO many good ideas here! I love the idea of photo walks and book projects. You've inspired me and I will definitely be incorporating some of these ideas this winter.
DeleteCodex: Hello
ReplyDeleteNoticed your blog because I'm a fellow art journal and notebook addict. Restarted a blog it's still a little sparse. Sciencecodex9.blogspot.com
Thanks for stopping buy and sharing your blog, I'll check it out!
Deletethe words in you first paragraph are stellar, just stella. everytime i see something on IG i have to ask my husband if it is "real", most times he says no!! i am on fb but only go on when i want to see if there is anything good - craft shows, festivals, concerts - going on in my area!! i am a knitter and dabble in all things crafts!! i do decorate the house for fall because i like to bring all the colors of autumn inside, my nest is empty and i am really trying to enjoy this part of my life. your pictures are really beautiful!!
ReplyDeleteI too love fall and holiday decorating, but isn't it weird there's no winter decorations? This is something I am going to figure out this year to make the dark season more cheery.
Deletei keep all my snowman decorations out!! and some live elements from the woods, evergreens are still green!!
DeleteYES! We need winter cozy. We need celebration in the dark of winter. Fall does take care of itself. So many words of wisdom here!
ReplyDeleteI'm thinking of making a winter box, filled with lights and cozy decorations, maybe some craft projects... just something to look forward to after all the Christmas stuff comes down.
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