One thing I've learned, but then forget frequently, I am at my most level headed, content state of being when I have a nice balance of activities, people and down time. Even in the midst of the most restrictive lockdown times, if I scheduled calls or Zooms with family or friends, met someone for a walk, invested in an activity I like but put off, I didn't get so moody. While the weather report for the week doesn't show it-I swear I do live in Minnesota, the cold days where we're all likely to hunker down more will be coming. I don't need something every night and what I scheduled doesn't need to be long, but I know I need to vary my routine of wake up start coffee take care of pup, shower, work, make supper walk pup, watch tv, go to bed. Three of my soup sister mom friends have kids who are seniors and one of them just went full time with her business instead of it being a side gig. They are busy, so getting any time on their calendars is a gift. I threw out a suggestion of meeting for a Tuesday night walk, and it actually works for four of us!
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| Mantel updated with harvest pumpkins and little white versions. |
I'll also try and do ventures out of town a few times a month. Masked and distanced, it still felt good doing a short browse at Target. I decided anything I purchased food wise would be considered entertainment, or retail therapy. I splurged on two avocados and cheddar/caramel corn mix. I also hit a clearance sale on summer toy items, which Ill share Thursday. While I said I was not going to buy any fall decorations, I saw a mesh bag with six small white paper mache pumpkins. I think they are adorable and at $3, not a budget breaker. I'll have for years. I added a few to my mantel, and three to the table where I also have my pumpkin and owl salt and pepper shakers. My ceramic pumpkins are the last of my fall décor items in the house and I put them on the ledge of my china cabinet. It's a hint of fall, not a full on pumpkin explosion. I have a few things for Halloween I'll add in another week or so. As for other out of town trips, I want to bring DD2 a Trader Joe's care package, so heading to the big suburb to my North on Wednesday or Thursday night.
With that, I'll have quite a bit of variety to my week, and my work days won't feel like the sole of my existence. We've also got my brothers party on Saturday and the road trip to see DD2's concert. Here's a couple other snap shots of my minimal fall items. I was supposed to give a retiemtn gola progress report, but we are still closing out September, so likley next week. I hope you have a good week; one that ends one month and starts another.
I like your fall decorations! I have to admit that I only decorate for Christmas. We do have Halloween lights, but no one trick or treats at our house (top of a hill), so it never really seems worth it.
ReplyDeleteThis is not much decorating-just a few pumpkins and salt and pepper shakers. I just like a little change with the season.
DeleteLook how cute that all looks, and I am sure it cheers you up a bit. I just love decorating for the Holidays as it forces me to CLEAN, and it cheers my soul.
ReplyDeleteClean first? I probably should have done that!
DeleteI saw on a u tube channel where someone had used brown wrapping string, and tied it to the stems of each of the white pumpkins and then strung it across her fireplace in lieu of bunting, for Fall/Halloween decor. A cute simple idea that looked nice. I have put out a few things also, but with 4 cats (2 of which are fairly young and curious), I keep it down to a minimum or I will either end up with broken things or have to pick up 400 times a day. :) Glad you've found a few easy, fun things to help keep you feeling better balanced. I, too, look forward to making more comfort foods, especially soups. Also looking forward to getting some seasonal squash to cook for sides and may finally get around to trying to make soup from one. Our leaves are turning and dropping already. I think the drought has affected their Autumn glory somewhat. 'tis Summer again, for a few days and then back to cooler temps. Eventually the cooler temps will stick and then we will be talking about the "S" word. Have a good week. Ranee
ReplyDeleteI have heard cats and decor do not go together! That bunting ideas sounds very sweet.
DeleteI hope you have a good week too, Sam. I was looking at the calendar the same way, one month ending and another starting.
ReplyDeleteLabor Day seemed late so all of September was a whoosh!
DeleteI agree with you - we need to do something "different" occasionally, otherwise days just run one into the other and life just passes us by, doesn't it. It doesn't have to be anything particularly spectacular, but variety certainly makes us much more aware of the passing of time, I think. And your fall decorations are pretty (haven't got mine up yet), but I had to laugh when I saw the word "mantel". As you know, my kids are bilingual but bilingual kids, when they are young at least, usually don't have the same vocabulary as non-bilinguals. Anyway, one day years ago Jordan asked where my keys were, so I told him "inside, on the mantel". He went indoors for a few minutes, then came back out and said "mom, what's a mantel"? It still tickles me to this day!
ReplyDeleteI think that is when I get down-the monotony of days running together. Perhaps if I did more outside stuff-force myself to try and like gardening, or cross country skiing or those things other enthusiasts do, I'd never be lonely in my head. Great mantel story.
DeleteI'm not a naturally social person - I like to be around people, but not necessarily interacting (which I find exhausting). But I do agree that having an activity every day does keep me focused and balanced as well.
ReplyDeleteI like your wee pumpkins! I don't do seasonal décor other than my Xmas stuff, but I appreciate it when others do. Have a great week, Sam!
A right balance is what I am looking for. Walks with these ladies is calming. Both my friend JA and S, are so mellow, they keep me mellow. My fall decorations fit in a small cloth bag so it is not very much, but enough to look fun. I have some Halloween stuff for outside but I'll wait on that.
DeleteGlad you will be getting together with friends! Definitely a mood lifter. Love your fall decorating. I think there is something cozy about fall, and I'm really enjoying the season and cooler weather. I'm definitely not a hot weather girl.
ReplyDeleteHope you have a good week.
Well, Minnesota thinks its still summer, but I'm not complaining. It cools about 6:00 so the walk will be perfect weather wise.
DeleteI love the little pumpkins. I may need to get a white pumpkin this year. I can understand not having variety and working, too. I still don't want to be around people, so limit myself which does not seem so claustrophobic.
ReplyDeleteMy daughter bought a white and an ugly pumpkin-the ones that are very bumpy and gourd like. They look so rustic sitting on her porch.
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