The “dog day” heat has broken here, at least temporarily, which has given me some time to think about fall. I adore fall – I really do. I like crisp weather, the scrunching sound fallen leaves make when you walk through them, digging out heavier clothing, chrysanthemums and fall gardens, cider, pumpkins – the whole thing. It’s an excellent time for reflection and I’ve written before about using September for resolutions and why it’s a much better time for that sort of thing than January is.
So if you were to make a list of things to do this fall to enjoy yourself in all of your “4 rooms,” what would you put on that list? What best suits you, my Diva?
If you’re not sure, take a look at mine.
Make time to be creative by setting aside 30 minutes a day – this little seascape took me two days and I’m thrilled with the results! I also took a leap of faith and joined the Patreon of this artist. For $10 a month, I get access to hundreds of start-to-finish tutorials. I had used the free version for a year and hadn’t gotten overwhelmed or bored, which led me to believe that I should support my local artist. Paint, write, dance, meditate – if you enjoy it, it’s the right thing to do.
Rediscover an old favorite. During the Pandemic, I read Nancy Drew books for the first time. While some have not aged at all well (looking at you, Haunted Showboat), others remain charming. When a friend told me about the incredibly 1970s Nancy Drew Cookbook, I couldn’t wait. Literally. I ordered it while waiting for my eyes to dilate in my optometrist’s office. It arrived just today and I’m looking forward to trying some of these book-themed recipes – maybe “Sleuth Soup” or “Ringmaster’s Secret Chicken.”
Don’t forget the wider community. Food insecurity is a real thing in my little town and the Little Free Pantries (we even have a Free Fridge, too!) are hard to keep stocked. Drop off a few jars of peanut butter or pasta sauce or some snack cakes. Maybe a case of water and a bunch of (washed) grapes. Personal care items go fastfastfast, so think about that and say a prayer of gratitude that you’re the one doing the dropping off – it’s hard out there. (And if you’re fretting that people are using these resources who don’t “need them,” go sit under a leafy tree and think hard about yourself. Divas love and care; they do not judge and condemn.)
Stock your own pantry, too. Are you prepared to make a wholesome, simple meal (I hear that Nancy Drew has some ideas about that!) and enjoy your own company on an evening in? Do you have a few affordable luxuries (like good chocolate) tucked away in the house? Have you visited the library lately for something delicious to treat your head to? (Regency romance, murder mystery, or how-to – whatever you like is the right thing to read!)
If your job is a desk job, set that timer at work! Push away from your desk once every 45 minutes (I really stink at doing this, so it’s on my list FOR SURE this fall!) and let your eyes look at something other than a screen. Walk enough to stretch your legs, then get back to the desk stuff, refreshed and ready to begin again.
And get outside! Take a trash bag with you and go for a walk around your neighborhood while also tidying up. Head for the hills and hike. Watch the sunset over the reservoir. Bonus points for taking a thermos of something hot and yummy with you.
You’ve got this, Divas!
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