Night Letter

in the quiet moments of nighttime the wind whistles
t h r o u g h the stove pipe
the clock ticks and chimes with every hour
tucked in as daylight shines on the other side of the world
ready waiting listening for tomorrow.

Adieu midterms!

Midterms are finally over. Phew.

After classes I made my way through the cold rain to my car and took myself on a mini-shopping spree. I've had this feeling lately that I'll find some superb clothing treasure or trinket while thrifting, but it hasn't happened yet. I decided to forgo the thrift shops and take on the mall. I ended up paying full price at H&M for what the receipt calls a "fancy jersey." Think: purple 3/4 sleeve shirt adorned with ribbon and some embroidered eyelet loveliness. At first, I thought about buying the same shirt in gray, but when my eyes met the purple version it was a done deal. On to Old Navy where there was a MASSIVE clearance sale going on. After picking through a sea of racks I found a black skirt for $3.49 and a white boyfriend cardigan for $7.24. Not too shabby.

When day breaks I need to get back into focus-on-school-mode and begin writing a paper that is due next week. I've already decided that once it is typed, printed, & handed in I am going to treat myself to watching this version of "Pride & Prejudice" again. I think it will be 4+ hours well spent.

Sensory enjoyment

Sight
This past week my friend Sarah and I went to see Frozen River. Fantastic film! It is loaded with perspective, feeling, and meaning. It felt so real watching it, as if I personally knew the characters. I am hoping it gets recognition during award season. The next must see on my list is Happy-Go-Lucky. It looks so delightful!

Sound
I cannot stop listening to Basia Bulat's album "Oh, My Darling." Give it a listen! Her voice is so richly sweet and she's as cute as a button!

Taste
Last weekend I tried out this recipe for Carrot Honey Cookies. Delicious! I omitted the nuts (because we didn't have any) and the raisins (thanks but no thanks). I want to make them again soon and I'm thinking of adding a touch of either cinnamon or nutmeg to the recipe...

Touch
The mornings are chilly as of late. I love wrapping my hands around my cup of coffee or tea and feeling the heat.

Smell
Take a deep breath and smell the dried Autumn leaves as they fall from the trees. Aahh.

Delicious Autumn!

"O hushed October morning mild,
Begin the hours of this day slow
Make the day seem to us less brief."
- Robert Frost, from "October"

"There is no season when such pleasant and sunny spots may be lighted on and produce so pleasant an effect on the feelings, as now in October."
- Nathaniel Hawthorne

"I sometimes think that the other months were constituted mainly as a fitting interlude between Octobers."
- Aldo Leopold, from "A Sand County Almanac"

"Delicious autumn! My very soul is wedded to it, and if I were a bird I would fly about the earth seeking the successive autumns."
- George Eliot

"The morns are meeker than they were,
The nuts are getting brown;
The berry's cheek is plumper,
The rose is out of town.
The maple wears a gayer scarf,
The field a scarlet gown.
Lest I should be old-fashioned,
I'll put a trinket on."
-Emily Dickinson

Lavender Green Tea

I'm all bundled & layered up and sipping on some lavender green tea I purchased at an Asian market in Albany. The sweet, fragrant taste is really delightful. I am radiantly serene in this moment and not really caring about the work I should be doing for several of my classes. I am not ruffled by anything. With today's temperatures not expected to exceed the 60s, I have found myself wondering why this season makes me so happy. I cannot fully explain the extent of the feelings it rouses inside me. I am cozy and alive and I am satisfied.

Autumn Alive

so brilliant the breeze &
the cloth on my skin
so warm & protective.

pull a little closer as
the air chills
sniffling nose.
clear eyes embracing all that surrounds me.

Anticipating Autumn

Yesterday was the perfect day for enjoying the first pumpkin spice latte of the season. Mmm, so savory! Autumn is just around the corner and I couldn't be happier. My senses are patiently waiting to be overjoyed with the pleasures the season has to offer! A small scattering of fallen leaves, pumpkins, and chrysanthemums have been my sneak preview. Cool breezes and chilly nights are starting to make their appearances as the days of September crawl through the calendar.





The Full Harvest Moon will rise this coming Monday, September 15th. If it isn't silly to have a favorite full moon, then the Full Harvest Moon is my favorite! The Old Farmer's Almanac provides a nice description for each full moon in accordance to many Native American histories and traditions.