Hello There! Goodness, am I happy to see you again!

I cannot believe that November is upon us already and it’s been way too long since we’ve had a proper catch up over a cuppa, so let’s jump right in, shall we?

How the heck are you?

Living

Whew! I’m not quite sure where October went, but it was full, that’s for sure!

My wife and I slid out of September and into the first few days of October with the gift of COVID, which was, as I’m sure you know, quite rough and I’m so glad to be on the other side of it all.

Our youngest daughter turned 10 on the 7th, which was quite the affair with a day spent in Albuquerque getting her ears pierced at a piercing studio, eating all.the.food, and visiting the Zoo with one of her wonderful friends.

The farm has put itself to bed with the cooler weather that’s finally found it’s way to our little valley after an abnormally long and warm Fall kick off and we’re happily enjoying fires in the wood stove again to carry us through the coldest months. Although, the next week is forecasted to be quite warm again so, who knows.

I’ve also been spending a considerable amount of time focusing on self-care and my mental health as I’ve really realized that a lot of the patterns I’d established that served me in the past are no longer serving me at all. Additionally, as the Family Historian, I have noticed a pattern of mental health challenges peaking on my maternal line in each generation’s 40s. So, determined to not repeat those patterns, I am focusing on divergence with the help of a solid support system. I won’t say it’s been easy, but anything worth doing rarely is. So far, so good.

Of course, I’d be remiss if I neglected to mention the amazing Solar Eclipse which sailed right overhead or the joy of Halloween/Samhain with all of it’s spooky sweetness, or the beautiful Flor y Canto Celebration of Life we attended for a friend, or the goats we donated to Ember’s old school as we work to downsize our herd, or all the kitty cuddles and copious amounts of cookies we’ve been happily enjoying.

Yes, October was… definitely whew!

What’s new in your neck of the woods?

Writing

I’m pleased to be writing more consistently and to have some new inspirations to share here in the coming weeks and months. In the meantime, here’s what’s gone into this space since we last caught up over a cuppa:

• Finding Phil: Three - Cause of Death - Where I discuss a surprise I received in the mail from the NY Dept of Health.

• Heritage Journal - Intro & Pedigree - Where I shared my first two-page spread in my new creative journal. I am so pleased with how it came together and can’t wait to share more soon.

• 13 Ways to Connect with the Ancestors - Where I listed ways we can all connect with our ancestors that take you beyond your family tree building… though that one’s on the list, too ;-) I included some general suggestions as well as a few more personal suggestions I use consistently.

• Welcome November - Where I gave a quick update and short teaser about some fresh ideas I’m floating for this space as we move through the end of this year and into 2024. I know, can you believe it’s just right around the bend?!

• On This Day: 2 November 1943 - Where I launched one of the above mentioned fresh ideas by sharing some thoughts on what would have been my biological father’s 80th Birthday.

I have plans for this On This Day series to carry us through the next year (at least) as I explore my Family Tree and mark the birth dates, marriage anniversaries, and death dates of direct ancestors who have passed. Of course, if I find other cool dates to throw in the mix, I’ll happily include them, too.

How’s your writing going these days? Are you finding yourself in an ebb or a flow moment?

Reading

Though I didn’t get to all of the books choices I mentioned last time, I was able to dive into and happily finish the following three:

• Witches by Brenda Lozano which is about the life of a Curandera in rural Mexico and the life of a Journalist who is writing an article about her after a traumatic experience. It’s a very moving story that is written uniquely and enjoyably (the translation is wonderful). I felt like I was sitting around the kitchen table with the characters learning about their lives.

• Practical Magic by Alice Hoffman which is very different from the movie in what I think are the best ways possible. If you are a Practical Magic movie fan, I highly recommend this book.

• Starling House by Alix E. Harrow - which is a quite creepy story about a haunted house and town but with an unexpected twist. I actually enjoyed this book more than I thought I would and found it the perfect read during Spooky Season.

What are you reading now or have in your TBR stack? I haven’t yet decided what to read next so I’ll happily take your suggestions of you have them!

Reflecting

All in all, I am so pleased to be heading into the coldest months where time and space allow for deeper rest and reflection.

I hope to read more, write more, create more, and allow myself to go with the flow of inspiration as she rises and falls within me.

One day, one step at a time.

That’s It!

I’m so happy to have shared some space and time to catch up over a cuppa this weekend. I do hope November is treating you well so far and look forward to hearing all about what’s happening in your world.

As always, huge thanks to Natalie the Explorer for offering us a platform to share our lives with each other. Please pop over to her space and around to the other blogs if you haven’t already.

Onward,

Melis