Autumn

Change of Seasons

Published on September 5, 2022 by Elaina1 Comment

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Yesterday, I was out on my patio watering my plants. I swear I didn’t see this much yellow (there was no red) in the jungly vines in the woods. The heat & humidity are with us & probably will be all month (maybe into October), but there are little signs the seasons are changing. As I started to write this, a stray rainstorm blew in and yellow leaves fell to the ground. It really feels like autumn is on the way, now.

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I always find some renewed hope when the seasons change. There’s not a lot externally that’s changed for me, though change is what I long for. I long for a new place, new people, new relationships and opportunities. I’m waiting for my greatest dream. Usually, when I want something new I just go do it. I go get it. I make the move. I make the change.

For the first time in ages, I feel the pull toward the change, but know my change of seasons isn’t quite upon me yet. There were a couple moments this weekend when that made me uncomfortable. I like change and when I’m ready, I’m ready. It goes against every instinct in me to remain in the same place.

But something is keeping me grounded. Which tells me God is actually at work here. And while I may never understand the reason, I know the timing is off for the change I so long for.

So, if you, like me – are longing for change but it eludes you so far – maybe stop to soak in the change in the seasons. Let nature’s shifting & changing be enough right now (as hard as that may be).

As I enjoy one last day off on this holiday weekend, I wanted to say that I hope you will find the moments to enjoy what each season brings with it – even when it feels uncomfortable.

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Pretty flower photos, from my patio, for no reason…

Fall Decor Inspiration

Published on August 14, 2022 by Elaina3 Comments

It’s still hot in the south – hot and humid. It’s the kind of hot that fogs up your glasses when you step outside. Our reasonable, windows open – kind of weather – is limited to autumn (and the tiny bit of spring when there’s not pine pollen all over everything). So about this time every year, in these dog days of summer, I look forward to the changes that come when the light changes, the air grows drier, and the temperature drops.

There’s a golden glow to autumn, that I adore. As I look forward to the crisper air, football season, and cozy weather, I have been thinking about how I’ll decorate my “new” home (moved in end of January) for one of my favorite seasons. Here’s some fall decor inspiration for your home.* All links open in a new tab/page.

Throws & Blankets

Found on Amazon, here.

Find this cable knit reminiscent blanket, here.

Find it, here.

The two cable knit-like throws, have different color options. But I love the cream because you could use it throughout the fall and winter months. While I love color and can’t get fully on board, with the all-neutral home decor – train, there are some things, like throws, that I would prefer to have as neutral as possible. That said, my favorite blanket of all time – which now belongs to my dog – was very fall-themed and I adored it. I’m thinking about getting a new one (like the one below) this year.

Pumpkin & fall leaves throw is, here.

Table Top & Kitchen Decor

These items would be perfect for vases, baskets, or laying on coffee tables, dining room tables, etc. – as small vignettes, throughout your home. Recently, I’ve bought Milk Glass pieces that are perfect for displaying seasonal decor. See my Pinterest board for examples, here.

Find the pumpkins, here. They are about $1.00 a piece ($16.99 total).

Love these! Find the dried grass, here.

Here’s another great one – it’s an 86-piece package of pampas grass –
for an awesome price.

Here are a few items I love from The Nested Fig.

Find the acorn, here.

Marble Pumpkin Spoon Rest

These pumpkins are sold individually. I love the minis ($8.00). The teal is my favorite.
Find them on Etsy, here.

I have a set similar to these. They’re perfect for your coffee table or a side table.

I absolutely love these!

You can find these, here. I have a set similar to this. I love them!

I love glass pumpkins. I have one that is a peachy-orange mercury glass one that is my favorite fall decoration. I hope to add one like this, this year.

*Post contains affiliate links.

October & Letting Go

Published on October 1, 2020 by ElainaLeave a comment

I love a good adventure. I always have. It’s what gives me the push to keep chasing dreams – even if no one sees or understands those dreams. By this point in the year, I guess the situation in the world would make anyone feel defeated. But I’m just picking up steam.

September was a month full of decisions, clarity about my place in the world, and honing in on what I hope to see happen in my life, as 2020 turns to 2021.

October ushers in a crisp, newness – as the leaves change color and trees prepare for the winter. The light changes – it’s golden and comforting. And as it has before, it signals new beginnings too – at least for me. Last year on October 1st, I started what I thought was my dream job as an Event Manager. I was in heaven. I just didn’t see the whole picture then (or even when I decided to move on). Nothing seemed to make sense. I see it more clearly now and look forward to what comes next.

It has been a year, no? If you’re tired and weary – instead of seeing us as inching toward the dull of winter, in a year that has stunk – maybe take the advice nature offers this time of year? We become more ourselves – our colors deepening and our purpose crystallizing – as we let go of what we thought life was supposed to be like. Let’s let go & in doing so, I think we’ll find some beauty around us and in who we are becoming.

“Autumn shows us how beautiful it is to let things go.”