my darling friend,
I was hoping to have a new, charming-though-complex quiz for you to take, and then I was thinking I might tackle an idea that’s been waiting on the sidelines—but my energy seems to have flown south already. however, the nights are getting longer, and if you’re anything like me, you’re trying to meet winter’s eye with a brave face. I think I could use a love letter, so I figure you could too. <3
how are you doing?
have you decided what you’ll be for Halloween? are the trees where you are blushing in reds and purples yet, or are just a few all but bare? I hope you’re taking care of yourself. I hope you allow yourself rest. a long hot shower. a walk in the quiet. an evening curled up without a single to-do.
things will be alright. this slowing down allows time to tend to yourself, your interests, or regaining peace of mind after summer waltzed through and demanded all of your attention. here, there’s no fear of wasted time. there’s no missing out. there’s no rush. (which, ironically, can take a little patience in adjusting.)
it’s not that I dislike fall and winter at all, but maybe the better description is that they’ve proven to be more difficult. despite its allure, my thoughts don’t take to hibernation well. I want to bound out the door without another thought, hop on my bike, and relish the freedom of an open sky. the freedom is still there, but winter requires a few more steps; a little more planning. that seems to be where I get tripped up and end up staying inside. to my surprise, it seems Michigan has skipped the leisurely week or two of 60-70-degree weather—the cozy intermission while the stage is set for fall. instead, temperatures have nosedived into the 40s and 50s already, and with it, I feel that uncomfortable urge to scale back into my corners.
when September comes, I take a quick, panicked stock: what worked for me last year? right, I found how much I love making soup. tea makes the perfect bedside companion. I want to try more herbs, more flavors, more spices. it is okay if the heating pad travels with me from the bed to the couch to the bed again. candles. turtlenecks. mulled wine. jazz. if you wear thick socks in the morning, it’s easier to meet that cool kitchen tile—to dance while the coffee’s brewing if you can.
hibernation tips:
this is the first year I’m seeing the value in setting your dresser/closet up seasonally. I used to let sweaters and long sleeves mingle alongside my tank tops all year, but now that I’m going through the process of changing everything out, I think it allows the brain another step in preparing; a sweet little ceremony, even. plus, it’s nice to reunite with that favorite yellow sweater that’s been out of sight for the last six months.
Carole King’s 1971 masterpiece, Tapestry, is an ideal upbeat autumnal soundtrack
other album recommendations include the Teskey Brothers’ Half-Mile Harvest, Mutual Benefit’s Growing At the Edges, and Billie Holiday’s The Lady Sings (albeit sadder, but perfect nonetheless)
invest in a cozy pair of slippers. even better if they make you smile.
this is my favorite soup recipe (& I’m looking forward to making it 30+ times over the next few months)
bonus: if you’re the witchy type—whispering affirmations or well wishes while you stir ingredients into soup is an absolutely free activity
pro tip: toasted sourdough bread lavishly spread with butter
if you begin to feel a little stir-crazy, it is worth it to pick a day (maybe once a week, maybe once every two weeks) to layer up and spend a few hours somewhere new (the library, a cafe, a corner booth at the diner)
a few desserts I’m looking forward to baking: Cherry Almond Bundt Cake, Warm Gingerbread Cake with Caramel Sauce, and Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies
if weather makes it harder to meet up with friends, or if the cold weather leaves you feeling lonely, try having a movie date over FaceTime or buy the same paint-by-number kit and see which turns out better
enjoy the activities special to these seasons: seek out a cider mill, host a scary movie marathon, try the bakery’s famous pumpkin pie, ice skate, sled, or see if there’s a seasonal show or festival happening nearby.
I’ll sing the praises of public libraries forever, but books are a fantastic solace if you have a hard time during the fall and winter. if you prefer audiobooks, libraries also have apps like Libby or Hoopla (though I don’t have experience with the latter) where you can check out audiobooks to listen to while you go about your day. if you need a few book recommendations, I recently read/loved: Euphoria by Lily King, the Secret History by Donna Tartt, If We Were Villains by M.L. Rio, and There There by Tommy Orange.
during the summer, I like to think about projects I’ll save for the winter. I love crafting with cross-stitches and paint, but pick them up more often when my plans slow down in the fall. I think this year I might try my hand at sewing cushions or making a backpack. do you knit? crochet? ever try to make a hat with one of those starter looms? have you been thinking of making your bedroom feel more fitting? break out the measuring tape.
most of all, try if you can to not frame this as a period to get through, but give yourself things to look forward to—a night you invite a friend over for a sleepover and gift each other a surprise pajama set, find a recipe for an elaborate meal, or pick a corner of the state or the city you haven’t explored yet and plan a walk or a weekend trip.
I hope you find so much to love in the next few months; a few moments you look up to notice how the sun’s hitting the leaves or that snow has just begun to fall. I hope your cheeks fill cherry red when sharing laughter with people you love. I hope you sneak in a snow angel before bed, even if it takes a little longer to dry off when you come inside. and if you make yourself a seven-foot-long scarf, a bookcase, or a French toast casserole, I’d love to hear about it. <3
with love,
schuyler (sky-ler)
craft fund (venmo): schuylerpeck