what i've been up to, fall edition

 

It's been a dizzying fall, as I find myself the proud yet confused parent of a high school senior. If you happen to bump into me in person, you will no doubt note the deer-in-the-headlights expression with which I have been permanently stricken since late August. Shoutout to all of the other parents of seniors out there who like me feel like they missed some critical memo that was supposed to dictate your every waking hour this school year. Am I really supposed to throw a big party at the end of all this? Because I'd rather find a cave and take a long nap.

 

I do love the beauty of this changing season, which seems to echo the changes I'm feeling, especially this year. We had our annual "Up North" trip with friends and the fall colors were amazing. I took the kiddos for cider and donuts and planned Halloween costumes. Meanwhile I'm wondering -- but trying not to say out loud -- "is this the last time we'll do this, with all of us?" with all of the annual traditions.

 

I continue to work from home and am constantly reevaluating my boundaries and expectations around work. I'm pleased with the progress we're making on a new dress pattern which I'm hoping will be ready early next year. Here are some other things I've been into and up to:

 

sewing: Clementine and Elliot both went to homecoming this year and E found the cutest blue suit to wear for homecoming and for his senior photos, and I sewed him a couple of bow ties to match (he picked the pink one!).

 

listening: on the drive home from a college visit we relistened to The Good Circle. Such an interesting episode of Malcolm Gladwell’s Revisionist History about how to make college tuition free.

 

changing: up the color scheme in my living room with a new red rug and pillow cover (here, here).

 

reading: Real Americans by Rachel Khong is such a fascinating intergenerational tale. Also loved Cloud Cuckoo Land by Anthony Doerr (I’m always a sucker for plots that involve time travel and libraries). Sandwich by Catherine Newman really captured motherhood in a way I’ve never encountered before; I just loved it. 

 

donating: like never before to Kamala and Tim’s campaign. Donate here!!!

 

knitting: Besides finishing my bright blue Plant People sweater (above), I picked up a sock project I’d abandoned earlier this year (listen, Second Sock Syndrome is REAL), and am well on my way to completing the pair.

 

watching: Only Murders in the Building, Season 4. No spoilers please — I'm not caught up yet! Also devoured Fargo Seasons 1 and 2 and have just started Season 3. It’s really good but (like the original Cohen bros movie) is not for the faint of heart.

 

By the time you read this, I'll be in the air on my way to Santa Fe for a a fun little crafting weekend with a dear friend. Plan is to take in some galleries, eat some good food, soak in some hot springs, and stitch and/or knit some things. Hoping it will be just what we need right before the election craziness really gets going.

 

Have a wonderful weekend, everyone!

xo,
Rae