September! What a month, school’s started and fall is supposed to be coming. (It hasn’t. It wasn’t even cold the day I took this picture with my hot latte and sweater. I just like to walk around pretending the leaves are changing colors and the weather is below 70. You feel?)
Not much has occurred in the way of daily life, but I thought I’d catch you all up on my recent reads, listens, watches, and musings.
School
Bleh. I have very fixed feelings about school this year. Half of me appreciates having a routine, and half of me wants to ditch my homework and take to the mountains.
In all actuality, school hasn’t been that bad. There is a ton of work, but so far (so far lol) it hasn’t been too mentally taxing. (*my mind sings* just you wait just you waiiiit – what has Hamilton done to my brain?)
Music
Nothing particularly new here, but I created one of those windows-rolled-down-hair-flying-around-your-face kind of playlists. And another called “pathos,” for more melancholy moods. My friend created a wonderful playlist called “heart sigh;” I found some good artists and songs through it. It also just has a lovely feel to it. You can find my spotify at shelbido1 and her’s at little_blue_bird.
At the moment I’m listening to this album by Drew Holcomb, a new artist for me, but I’m liking what I hear!
Books
Most of my recent reads I’ve mentioned here. These are my latest reviews:
Review: Between Earth and Sky by Amanda Skenandore
There are a couple books I haven’t put up here, mostly because I was trying to find the write words for my feelings toward them. You can check out my Goodreads for my mini reviews!
Currently I’m reading Gilead, Marilynne Robinson’s Pulitzer prize winning book. I’ve heard wonderful things and so far they are all true. While I don’t completely agree with all the narrator has to say, this little book is so poetic and wise. Just my kind of book.
My Birthday!
Saturday was my birthday! I’ve never thought too much about how old I am, but this year, I feel older than I ever have been before. College and adulthood are tangible now and honestly that’s a wee bit frightening. Exciting too.
The day itself was very relaxed, my three best friends spent the night, my best best friend hung around for the whole day. We had waffles for breakfast, walked to the bakery down the street for coffee, got groceries for my mom, watched a movie, went to the bookstore, and had my absolute favorite tortilla soup for dinner. ‘Twas all very relaxing and lovely. It’s nice to be reminded of the love that surrounds you.
Movies
The Last Song
Such a sweet movie! The love story, while sometimes just a bit cheesy, was really cute and somewhat more real than most. (That moment when Will quotes Tolstoy to Ronny I just ’bout lost it. *squeals into pillow*) What I really appreciated was the family aspect of this chic flick. The growth in Ronny and her father’s relationship was very touching.
I have only one complaint – this movie makes divorce look somewhat functional. It’s not. Divorce rips families apart and leaves waves of hurt in its wake. It’s not what God intended and it does not represent the fidelity of Christ’s love for the Church, His bride.
The Man From U.N.C.L.E
I’m always a wee bit wary about spy movies, but this one surpassed my low expectations. Essentially it’s about a KJB spy, American spy, and a Nazi scientist’s daughter who team up to stop former Nazis from making an atomic bomb. That’s the short version of the plot anyway. The humor, the aesthetic, the characters, the plot, and the music was on point. ‘Twas excellent. (Also the two spies are exceptionally handsome.)
A note: There was some *ahem* content in this movie. Mostly with one character who is very much a ladies man. Other than one rather blatant moment, the movie was fairly tame.
Purcheses
I just bought two Etsy tee’s, one that says “careful or you’ll end up in my next novel,” and another that reads “always be a poet, even in prose.” I also bought a button up corduroy skirt, long sleeve lettuce trim tee (that’s what Romwe calls it, don’t ask me), and a delicate pearl choker. (Paid for with birthday money.😋) I’m very excited because they’re supposed to be arriving today! Something about a new age, new clothes, and deep cleaned bedroom make me feel like a new person.
Bedroom
My room hasn’t changed all that drastically, but I gave it a much needed cleaning and decluttering (honestly there’s probably more I could do, but I don’t feel like crawling under my bed to dust). I took down some pictures that had been up since middle school, which gave the room a fresher look. A couple weeks ago I put up a quote wall, which, at least I think, looks very aesthetic. I also rearranged the things one my dresser and got rid of some nick-nacks. It’s all very tidy now. For my birthday my parents got me a little spoon chair, which has become my favorite reading/homework spot. It also makes the corner it’s in very cozy.
Coffee
There’s this amazing cold brew from Nestle that my mom, sister, and I have been enjoying. It’s absolutely delicious. (I think they sell it at Target… this flavor is called Sweet Cream.)
‘Tis the time of year for Pumpkin Spice Lattes, and I believe, Pete’s Coffee has the best (yes, better than Starbucks).
I also discovered Trader Joe’s powder chai mix, which is very creamy, but somewhat thick. It’s hard to dissolve, but it makes for a good latte. (The other day I accidentally made my chai with water instead of milk and didn’t realize till I was in the car, driving to school, ’twas a grave disappointment.)
Writings
My editing of Meg and James has been put on hold due to school and my own procrastination. Pssshhhh Pinterest is definitely not a distraction. I do have about 70 pages of edited manuscript, so there has been some progress. I have been brainstorming and working on character development though. All very important to the authenticity of a novel.
Besides Meg and James I’ve been developing a story set on the American frontier. But that’s all you get to know for now. 😉
I have written a few poems/vignettes in recent weeks too.
Writing has been hard lately. I’m not sure why, I think I’ve just been distracted. When my mind and heart aren’t in the right place, the words don’t come as easily.
Friends and Family
This year has just been so wonderful in terms of friendships (well except for… well never mind. let’s just say I did something impulsive, and it hasn’t quite been resolved yet. *bangs head repeatedly against keyboard*). I am closer than ever before to my sisters and brother, and to my best friends.
Together my church leader and I are reading through the whole Bible, we’re only in Genesis, but I’m excited for the what God has in store as we read! I’m honestly so blessed to have such great souls around me. The Lord has been more than good to me in giving me the people he has.
Excited For…
- All that the Lord has for me this year. If I’m honest this makes me a little nervous too, but I’m learning to trust in Him and let go of my own expectations day by day.
- Closer, deeper friendships.
- The new Little Women! It comes out tomorrow on the big screen! I’ve already heard amazing things from Eva’s review.
- All the books I have lines up to read! In honor of the new Little Women and the 150th anniversery of the book (I always forget how old it really is. It’s just so timeless.) I’d like to reread it, along with some other favorites.
- Studying for the SAT… just kidding I dread nothing more. My brain cells are already throbbing.
- Fall! The weather here hasn’t cooled much, but it’s beginning to show hints of autumnish weather… sorta… hopefully. Nevertheless I enthusiastically will continue to wear my knit sweaters, sip my pumpkin and chai lattes, and butter my toast with pumpkin butter. (*whispers* I believe in you fall. I know you out there.)
That’s all folks! How’s your September?
The Bookshop Barista 