Atiliay noun, a play off the French word “atelier”; a workshop/studio, esp of an artist or designer; my creative space
Notes plural noun, a brief record of facts, topics, thoughts written down as an aid to memory; a short informal letter
 

The loose theme for this month's shares are seasons and journeys. I hadn't planned it that way when I was collecting items but maybe subconsciously there was a reason I was drawn to the things I chose.
 
My journey across North America just ended and this season of my life is changing and making way for a new one. Val and I began our road trip in Torrance, CA on September 30, 2023 and it ended in Renton, WA on Sept 27, 2024. It feels full circle to have come to WA in the fall last year and to return again in the same season this year. It's bittersweet--I feel a lot of sadness that this is the end of this particular road but I also feel a sense of pride and accomplishment as well as happiness and gratitude. There's also joy and excitement for the next chapter where we get to call WA our new home! 
 
What season of life are you experiencing now? What journey is life taking you on?
 
I hope you find something below that inspires you, makes you laugh, helps you reflect, or connects with you and where you are right now.

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SEPTEMBER SHARES
  • 7 Days of Autumn Journal Prompts by Marybeth of LivingsWells. I love the idea of a week of journaling (it feels very doable!) and these thoughtful prompts are a great way to ease into the season (and revisit when you need). The graphics paired with each one are really lovely as well.
  • 10 Apple Recipes To Try From tarts to cakes to apple sauce and more, every dish looks so good!
  • One Last Summer Snack for the garden gremlins 🐶🍓
  • Birthday Scavenger Hunt A very thoughtful and fun birthday gift from Ellen, Vanesa, and Susan: I received a sweet birthday text that also included an address and instructions to go to the location and ask for the owner. It took me to a bakery and I had a gift card waiting at the counter for me! It was so fun and I love that even though we weren't in the same place, we were still able to celebrate together in this way. It was the perfect mini Amazing Race challenge and I will be copying them and using this gift idea in the future! :)
  • I Wasn't Sure How To Celebrate Turning 70. Then I Sent An Email That Changed My Entire Year. Such an amazing idea--can we please all do this??
  • Enter your name to see what it looks like in Landsat images. Hover over each letter of your name to see the location and enter your name again for a new set of images! Here's what September looks like:
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  • Handsome Podcast I've been binging this rec from Vanessa (TY!) and this ep featuring Tom Hanks asking about road trips was perfect for my drive! Watch on YouTube or listen on your podcast platform.
  • Oct 1st is World Postcard Day! Send a note of thanks or gratitude, share a poem / something that made you laugh / your favorite prompt from the 7 above or ask your recipient a question so they have a reason to write back :)
  • Go on a Color Collecting Walk Fall seems like the perfect time to do this!
  • Just Binged Watched Nobody Wants That If you loved Eleanor Shellstrop and Seth Cohen, I think you'll enjoy this rom com as much as I did.
  • "When we treat life like a linear path, we miss all the lovely, wandering side trails; we miss the joy of the journey." - AmyAnn Caldwell & The Good Trade Team

Wishing you joy and inspiration on the journey you are on and the season you are in,
 
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PS: A few snapshots from our final leg: cornfields in IA, sunrise in SD, gorgeous skies in MT, you can find Valentine on the Wall of Dogs at the original location of Black Dog Coffee House in Billings, MT!, and our first morning walk in WA!

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