Since the miscarriage, I’ve been thinking lately how my life is changing seasons. I’m no longer the young woman taking my fertility and youth for granted. I’m also no longer the girl who was so challenged by what other people thought of me, it guided what I did, said and wore. I’m finally comfortable being the person that some people love (xo!), and the same person that others hate (xo to you, anyway!). I am learning to become more content every day with who God has made me to be, and it is a lovely and restful place to be.

So it seems appropriate as I think on things that the leaves outside are about all blown from the trees, and the smell of winter is in the air. Fall is bowing out, winter coming in. And God is so gracious in it all, directing and orchestrating changes both in creation and in me.

I feel I’ve been MIA in these Internet parts. All the blogs I used to read…I’ve sort of forgotten about them. I didn’t mean to. I just decided that not having the computer available when I want it was actually a blessing. And that I could actually do the things I was reading about others doing and blogging about. In fact, if after reading this post you want to turn off your own computer and go to work on your own projects…and then you forget to come back…I wouldn’t be offended. I’m definitely not a “stay on the computer” encourager!

One thing I’m doing more of is reading and writing snail mail letters. I love getting mail in the mailbox! It’s so lovely to see my writer’s handwriting, to steep a cup of tea and then just focus on my friend and her words. It’s so different than reading a blog-click-reading a blog-click-reading a blog… I know, I’m a dying breed. It’s ok. I don’t mind what others think 😉

I’ve been picking at projects here and there, mostly the ones that are stashed here and there. Seems I’m forever dreaming up new projects without completing the ones I’ve started. I think it’s time for a little discipline and to finish up some of these lovely things.

I have a lovely bump of Icelandic wool to spin, but first I needed to get the other spun wool off the bobbins. Like I said…unfinished projects!

One thing I did get done was to harvest a good bunch of herbs before the first frost was due to arrive. I was surprised at how nicely they dried just hanging in my kitchen; usually I use the dehydrator. I’ll have to crumble and jar these up soon, though, to avoid dust collecting on them. Or maybe I’ll just leave several bundles out for good smells and looks. I left the rest of the garden as is. I knew the first frost would kill the tumbling bright orange nasturtiums but I couldn’t bare to pull them out yet.

We’ve had lots of people over, some invited, some surprises, but always a great delight. We keep a puzzle out most of the year (not summer…that is outside season!) and our guests like to pick at them while they’re here. It’s surprising how a simple thing can open up someone to dialogue. Of course, it also helps that we don’t have a TV to distract anyone.

I managed to get some shopping done with my Mom when my parents came to visit. Shopping is not my favorite thing to do; I’m so picky about clothing (no plastic-wear, please) and it is so hard to find basic things to wear. If someone would open a shop that sold wonderful aprons and simple cotton shirts and long easy skirts and shawls for fall and woolen capes for winter and real wool/cotton leggings and homespun knitted socks…I’d be a customer for life!

With the colder weather outside, the board games are coming out more. And books. And elaborate train tracks and baking recipes.

And then, we did get hit not only with the first frost, but the first snow! We got 6-7 inches and the children were wild with pleasure in sledding and snowball fighting. Last year we got not even a single snowflake! Outside, the roads were slick and cluttered with abandoned cars. I was so thankful I had pre-bought snowpants and snow gloves for all of the children, just in case, during one of those rare shopping trips. It was nice to be comfortable in my home, not feeling “trapped” at all….of course it helped that we kept our power on the whole miraculous time. Our visitors from California, however, were freezing!

Our two does (far left and right) are (we hope) expecting kids next month sometime. If these gals actually give birth, it will be the first successful breeding we’ve ever had and what a joy that will be!

Staying snowed in with grandparents keeping the children occupied gave me opportunity to address our Christmas cards. Every year we receive less and less; folks either stop sending them or they transition to e-cards and such. I miss finding my mailbox full of cards, but I realize, as I’ve mentioned, I’m a dying breed of treasuring snail mail.

I’m already in the mood to decorate for Christmas. We bought the largest tree we’ve ever had, placed it in the middle of the room, and brought down boxes from the attic full of lights and sleigh bells and children’s Christmas books. If the Lord sees fit to sell our house this spring, this will be our last Christmas here. I want it to be nice.

So blessings to you, sweet readers! Make sure to make time to sit on the snow chairs your kids make and enjoy the other funny things they like to do.

Blessings,