A Few Fall Things

watercolor workbooks, variety seed packs, and a favorite recipe

As my children get older, time seems to move even more quickly and I’m being whisked right along in the current. Maybe that’s why the river metaphor is so popular. Indi has been applying to colleges and she found out a few weeks ago that she was accepted to her top choice. I’ve glimpsed a different facet of her personality by reading her college application essays and that has been a joy. What a wonder, to witness the metamorphosis into adulthood.

In the midst of all of our comings and goings, here are a few things we are enjoying this fall.

1. My girls are painting through this fall-themed watercolor workbook by Emily Lex Studios. It features 12 lightly sketched illustrations on high-quality watercolor paper, along with easy-to-follow instructions to guide them step by step as they bring each picture to life with their paints.

I loved it so much that I purchased her Winter and Christmas workbooks, too. One of my friends is working her way through the Birds watercolor book and her paintings are heart-melting.

Emily offers a free 84-minute watercolor painting lesson here. I’m excited to try it with my girls! I’m not a painter, but it’s never too late to learn.

2. I’ve been growing flower seedlings this fall and was excited to discover Johnny Seeds variety packs. For a home gardener like myself, it’s nice and economical to get a good variety in a single seed packet. I tried the sweet pea seed mix and a blend of Icelandic poppies. I started them inside and they are all tucked into my winter flower garden now. Another fun element is that the color of the blooms will be a surprise.

3. I took this free seed-saving course offered by Erin from Floret and I was so energized by what I learned. I think seeds make such a thoughtful gift, and seeds from a loved one’s garden are even more special.

4. A friend and I just finished reading Peace Like a River by Leif Enger. It was different from what I was expecting, it had more of a Coen brother vibe. I’m still thinking a lot about the ending. If you’ve read it, I would love to know your impressions.

5. My daughter Iris turned 13 last month, and I am now the mother of three teenage daughters. A few years ago, I bought a hot waxing kit to do my own eyebrows. Now the girls ask me to do a monthly brow bar for them. It was such a great purchase!

6. We’ve been trying some new fall recipes. Everyone in my family loved this Lemony White Bean and Turkey Soup.

I hope your fall season has been peaceful and lovely!