Welcome October!
It's busy around here. I look at my month-at-a-glance and see just a few squares free of pencil marks. I'm adding final touches, photographing projects, editing instruction, and assembling kits for three projects I've designed for the Paper & Co. Show. There are two tables and a floor space covered in bits from the flurry. France is just a few weeks away and I'm in the final, exciting push.
However, I don't want to let this season pass me by. I intend to fully experience the fall, and to fuel the spirit I've been scanning my flickr favorites for ideas.
photos: 1.marigold , 2. color and shadow, 3. fall leaves, 4. more after school projects
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Flickr is a give and take, but lately I've been guilty of exercising my reserve; sharing less and viewing more. October is a time to reacquaint myself with my camera. The light is so golden-warm this time of year. Other ideas to enjoy the season:
- make some felted wool leaf-shaped coasters
- cut leaf shapes from remnants or thrifted woolens for a garland
- gather a few branches to bring inside for a vase
- collect acorns. They're usually no where to be found in November when you want some for a Thanksgiving centerpiece.
- make crayon relief transfers with leaves on paper
- try wet felting some wool acorns
- make a few coffee coasters
- change up the grocery list: ingredients for chili, root vegetables for roasting, more flour for bread baking, keep the apple cider coming ...
- begin knitting that creamy wool scarf I'll want this winter
- make a big crock pot full of apple butter. Can it for gift giving.
- Capture leaves on a rainy day. There are plenty of both this time of year.
- Go to a football game. Even if it's just supporting the local high school.
- polish my old boots
- build a camp fire
- wear something flannel. plaid. (or both)
- compare Oktoberfest beers :)
- start a new sketchbook or journal
- Write an old fashioned hand-written letter. seal it with wax. mail it. (seems all the more romantic in the middle of a cool evening.)
- stamp with apple halves. frame it.
- Make an autumn play-list. Mine usually includes vocal jazz.
... and perhaps my favorite: step in the leaves. Absorb the wood-smoke. Take it all in through the senses.
What are your favorite ways to appreciate autumn?