Here we are in late-ish October. If we could meet up, I’d suggest Sagebrush Coffee where I went for the first time this weekend. I had their signature “cloudy” shaken espresso drink with orange, orange blossom, and creosote (an iconic Arizona desert plant). It was interesting and tasty. I always notice design and branding and theirs hits a great note.

So, with coffee or tea between us, let’s catch up!

Blog refresh!

If you’re reading this post anywhere other than risingshining.com, please pop over and see my new space! Many, many thanks to Amanda whose website design and technical skills seem wizard-level to me. Not only did she pull over years and years of content and even threaded comments (a beast!) from the sinking ship of Typepad (RIP), but she so perfectly captured the welcoming, optimistic, and whimsical feel that I want my corner of the internet to have.

So, welcome! I hope you’ll be enticed to explore a bit and read a few posts from the archives, as they should be much more accessible.

Spooky season

October came in hot, but we were blissfully drenched in rain towards the end of fall break, and the heat broke as well. Hurrah! We’ve enetered my favorite stretch of the year from now through February!

With the weather change, it feels more appropriate to embrace spooky season, which my household does quite enthusiastically – lead by Chris.

Our yard is full of undead beings, and this year Chris rigged up a ghost in our front window with a flashing light and it looks quite convincing.

And, of course, Maeve has been reunited with her undead bestie, Annabelle. Annabelle has even gained a brother this year: meet Luther!

Other spooky happenings include witchy book club at Erica’s house where the decor and spread is straight out of a magazine. I love book club all year, but especially Spooky Book Club, Pie Book Club, and December Book Club with food and favorite things.

Protecting my peace

This month I’ve felt even more drawn to protecting my peace and energy. I loved two episodes of the A Beautiful Mess podcast for inviting me to think deeper about this: What We Learned Offline, and I relistened to One Year Without Social Media with Elise Cripe.

A reflection that really struck a chord with me is how scrolling is not mindless at all. It actually sends your mind racing down so many paths: “Should I do that/buy that/go there/parent that way/try to grow my business like that/make that…” and on and on.

As a result of reflecting on my time on my phone, I deleted my Substack app and my Feedly app where I read blogs. I haven’t checked or scrolled Instagram for personal use since the beginning of the year, when I felt ready to pull back more and haven’t missed it. But I have found myself reflexively checking Substack and Feedly. Both are curated to content and people I want to follow and inspire thoughtful reflection and feelings of connecting with other women, which I really value. And also I need less input into my mind in this season.

It’s been a good change and my mind does feel quieter. Now when I need a moment to zone out, I work on the games on the New York Times Games app most days (my order is: Wordle, Mini, Connections, and Strands).

Other bits and bobs

We celebrated the half birthdays of our April babies this month: five and a half and twelve and a half. I’m also really appreciating that all the kids are in great places right now and doing really well in school. Peaceful mornings and evenings are not out of the norm although not always the norm. But I’m thankful to be where we are, and to see where we’re headed!

Also! Chris and I saw Suffs and why is everyone not talking about this incredible show? I learned so much about the women’s suffrage movement (that I really should have known) and we were both so moved. If you can see the show: do it.

How’s your October been? Do you play NYT Games and if so, what’s your favorite? I love to browse their cheeky Games merch if you haven’t seen it, or if have a Games enthusiast in your life. And, who has seen Suffs??