The first few weeks of school were marked by the typical feelings of transitions. Fatigue, joy, confusion. I had one goal: to create peace, calm, and joyful order to our days and nights. I wanted the mornings to run smoothly, a doable after-school routine, and dinner on the table every evening. In the midst of change and new schooling situations, I wanted home to feel solid + stable. And I did it! In spite of it being challenging to get up early each morning, I have found myself again.
The role of homemaker is an energizing vocation for me. I like creating systems and order, choosing menus and ingredients, nurturing comfortable spaces, surprising my family with goodies, and keeping the schedule running well. I view this role as laying a solid foundation for my family to remain steady + healthy as we live, move, and work in the world. With the removal of my homeschooling hat, I feel emotionally expansive, and my husband has seen how much more open I am, happy, and energized. I feel grateful for this season that I am in.
I have begun adding fall touches to my home. I prefer to do this through menus, fresh hand towels, touches of copper, browns, golds, greens. I will bring in more orange as we near October. I remove the seasonal vignettes from my kitchen and dining room that were the patriotic colors of summer and add moodier shades of books and candles. I’ve started playing Autumn-inspired playlists when I cook dinner at night. I made a delicious Overnight Cinnamon Apple French Toast that is a lovely addition to a fall brunch menu. I added two fresh plants to my front porch, including a deep yellow/burgundy echinacea, and filled countertop wooden bowls with apples and pears. It doesn’t require a trip to Michael’s or Hobby Lobby to add some autumnal vibes to a home.
My goal for the rest of the month is to reintroduce movement back into my life. Ever since my son had his car accident back in March, I haven’t been able to find my way back to life-giving exercise. Walking feels too hot. The pool feels too messy. Pilates seems exhausting. I am driving my youngest to a new swim team about 20 minutes three afternoons a week. There is a Planet Fitness about 30 seconds away from where he swims, and I think I will join again and walk for 20 minutes on a treadmill while he swims for an hour. Starting small. Air conditioning. Not taking away from my mornings at home.
I am watching older seasons of The Great British Baking Show, which brings me peace and joy, and Mike and I are watching Madam Secretary a few nights a week. Just one episode at a time because I must go to bed early! Football is beginning again, which my home is thrilled about, and down here in the South, we are yearning for the temperature to drop and the humidity to abate. Fall cooking and baking brings such joy, but even more so when it’s not 92! Perusing through cookbooks is an endless source of joy even if I don’t make the ideas in them. Fueling creativity and possibility by what I read is important to me.
My schedule will be getting busier over the next month, and I realize that as usual, I think I can accomplish more than is wise. Margin is very important, and I am starting to see the open spaces close in. In the past, I limp into January very tired and ready to become a secluded Hobbit for two months. I don’t desire that anymore, but sometimes as a matriarch, you realize that mothering, managing, and creating meaningful holidays will push you. Add regular service to others along with a solid sports schedule, and life becomes full.
How is your early fall shaping up? Have you found the routines that serve you and your family well? Where are you noticing beauty and joy? What is delighting you? In light of the Queen’s passing today, I am drinking Earl Grey and pondering what makes a good life as hers was, imperfect but admirable. What kind of women do we want to be if we are granted 96 years? What is our legacy? Her life is one worth pondering.
I'm working on menus and a grocery list. Aldi has A LOT of fall foods and drinks (and candles) right now!
I love how you easily change in to the next season with different objects, textures, and color. Like you said, no need to go to the craft stores for decorations.
Good thoughts for the Autumn, thank you for sharing. God bless you as you transition from a homeschooling teacher to "just a mom, wife, friend" now!! 😀