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#i miss when i changed my alter for the seasons :( and lit candles in my room to feel better
anothermindofwonder · 6 years
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Autumnal nights spent curled up in a sweater, candles lit on the nightstand with a book in hand, and early brisk mornings, walking through the blanket of rich-colored leaves under the cold sunlight peeking through the bare branches. Endless hours spent at the library, looking out the window at the red, orange, green-fading-yellow trees and the children running around, while having a hot mug of tea wrapped in my hands have been some of the many ways I have been spending my autumn.
Each season has a special part about it that I love, but Autumn is definitely the most visually pleasing.  It’s been the most peaceful time so far this year despite how much busier I have been. I’ve been able to explore new things, new ideas, thoughts, and found gems to share:
  Venetia Berry – I only found Venetia on Instagram a few days ago, and her art captured me. It’s simple, and complicated. Her website contains more of her art if you want to look at it more.
Dead Poets Society – The first time I watched this was last year. I didn’t appreciate it enough and knew I hadn’t, which is why when I saw it on Netflix on the night of my birthday, I sat up until 11 p.m. on a Thursday night with my thai food and cake, knowing that I had school the next day. Robin Williams was a master in his craft, and the entire story that is told in this film, is tragically beautiful.
  You Are A Badass – This has become my bible. I have been obsessing over this book to several of my friends. There is so much that this book talks about that I hold to myself. It is empowering, guiding, nurturing, and eye opening to all the excuses we make and silly, dumb, little things that we do that hold us back from thriving. Highly highly highly recommend picking up this book.
The Mothers – A secret romance leading to an unexpected problem, with lingering conflicts after its cease. The first book I couldn’t put down in a long time. Bennet’s writing style is capturing, and simplistic, and her story is obsessive.
Lolita – Such a controversial book; beautifully written, a great masterpiece by Vladimir Nabokov, but the topic is so messed up. But so good, but so wrong. I felt very conflicted while reading this, but loved it at the same time.
The Princess Saves Herself In This One – I spent an hour sitting on the cold shiny floor of Target reading Amanda Lovelace’s collection of poetry, and though I haven’t read it all, I know I am going to really enjoy it from the few that I have already read. Her story is heart-wrenching and capturing, and her words are beautiful.
  Mom jeans – You know the jeans: high waisted, loose, and the most comfortable, fashion sensible piece of clothing ever. Finally got myself four pairs at the thrift shop and they are now one of my favorite things I own.
Red – Lipstick, nails, sweaters, pens, the leaves contrasting against the crisp, blue sky— this color has been haunting me everywhere. It has become a staple to my wardrobe, and is now “my” color. With my blue eyes, it brings a lot of depth to my face that I love, and all I have to put on is a dark or bright red lipstick, and I am ready to go.
A bold lip – Just pop on a bold liquid lipstick, some mascara, put the lipstick in my bag, and I am out the door, and looking good.
  Natasha, Pierre, and the Great Comet of 1812 –  This musical album has consumed my autumn, and it feels so nice to fall back in love with a Broadway musical after so long. I cannot express how many times I have played “Dust and Ashes” over and over and over. It’s stunning, and Josh Groban’s voice is a masterpiece; the cast is complex, diverse, and unique; the entire musical is beautiful. Highly, highly recommend taking a listen to this. My favorite songs are ‘Dust and Ashes’, ‘Charming’, ‘Letters’, and ‘No One Else’.
Dear Hank and John – A funny, random podcast where they answer strange, obscure questions with the best advice they can scrape together. Walking down red and orange leaf-pasted sidewalks, earbuds in while cars pass by in a faint hum, it’s been my favorite thing to listen to for entertainment.
Iron and Wine – In preparation to seeing him in concert next weekend, I have been listening to his new album, ‘Beast Epic’, almost everyday. It’s great for background music, or to play at night, or to just sit with earbuds in, laying on your bed, and closing your eyes, and just listening to.
Slowing down – Despite all of the things I have done this season (which is a lot more than normal), I have finally slowed down and been able to be productive and take in life at the same time. Take a break to breathe, look at the world around you, put time into your work, and suddenly you begin to truly admire each day you live through and all that you do. Life gets too loud at times, too congested, and too fast. Take time to sit and breathe and think, truly listen to people, look at what is around you. Just for a moment.
Playing ukulele – Since school started, I’ve been learning how to play the ukulele as a class, and I have fallen in love with being able to create music. So much so that I have already written a song, and found a ukulele to call mine.
Thrifting – This is one of my favorite things to do now because 1. it’s cheap and affordable and 2. it is amazing for the environment and 3. the clothing there is unique. Rarely will you find someone else with the same piece of clothing or accessory that you find at the thrift. There is a lot of really cool stuff that can completely change your wardrobe.
Walking – I live in a small college town, so everything is in walking distance. Biking is usually my go to, but as the leaves have been changing and the air has altered itself to a comfortable temperature, I have really enjoyed walking. Go to the library, to the quaint little coffee shop, to the park, or just around town for a break from schoolwork. There’s so much more you can take in, more time to think, to experience, to be present, and overall, I have enjoyed it a lot.
Deleting my social media apps – I deleted the apps off of my phone for a week in the middle of October after finding that I was constantly on my phone and I was stressed out because there was so much I needed or wanted to do, yet I would reach for my phone several times, wasting away hours and hours of my. And it was the best week so far. I got so much done, and was happier, and found a love in reading again that I had been missing.
Learning – Analyzing literature, and working everyday to advance my French, I’ve been on a learning kick. I have always tried to broaden my knowledge, learn new skill, and overall better myself. But specifically recently, I’ve been reading a lot, and studying a lot. I’ve been using apps like Duolingo and Tiny Cards, while watching Crash Course on Youtube, and those help a lot.
Library – Probably my favorite place now. I have a little nook beside a large window sill, and a plant behind me, surrounded by the large print books that I have been going to almost everyday after school to get my work done.
John and Hank Green – These two brothers, quickly became a favorite when I came across their YouTube channel, Vlogbrothers, during a time when I was really down, and disconnected. Their personalities, the way they think, and just who they are as people in general.
People – My family has grown into being “people” as I have gotten older. There isn’t the facade that used to always be there when I was younger, but now I see them as the people, the humans they are, the ones that make mistakes, that have history to them, that they are, or were, just like me. And it’s begun to spread to everyone I see. Everyone has a story, a history, things they smile at when recalling the memories, or the regrets that weigh down their chest, and I want to learn more about these people that congest our planet.
Just being, and living – Sometimes, you have to let go of fear; let go of all that you are paranoid— just gone— and be.
  What went up on the blog?
Who are you?// 5 tips to get to know yourself better
Awaiting a dream (Self #3)
Perception
and more! Every week there is a new blog post on Sunday. What were some of your favorite things this month? Let me know what you want to read for future blog posts, and I hope you have an amazing day!
As always,
  Autumn Favorites Autumnal nights spent curled up in a sweater, candles lit on the nightstand with a book in hand, and early brisk mornings, walking through the blanket of rich-colored leaves under the cold sunlight peeking through the bare branches.
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