We moved into our house in mid-September, which feels like just a couple of weeks ago, but here we are in mid-November. There are seasons of life when time ticks by slowly, like when waiting for a broken foot to heal, and seasons when the days and weeks fly by, like when you’re in the frenzied weeks after moving into a new house. In all of the activity, projects, and busyness, I forgot to share my favorites not only for September but for October as well! Fortunately, I do make notes of things I enjoy, so I can share them with you. Here are my favorites from September and October 2022.
home, of course, and everything that came with that
Well, this had to be at the top of the list! After a few uncertain months, we were finally able to unpack our suitcases in a 1970s brick rancher in Maryland. It hasn’t all bee smooth sailing, but it’s been so nice to be in our home. It’s a long way from where we want it to be, but it’ll get there bit by bit. For now, it’s just so nice to have a place that is ours.
our maple trees
We had maple trees in our yard in Minnesota, but they were a variety that was never very impressive in the fall. I’m not really sure why. But, the six maples that flank our new house have put on a gorgeous display. Their leaves have turned a firy orange that are stunning when hit by the sunlight. Of course, all of those leaves did fall in our yard, but we have the most delightful neighbors who helped us mow up the leaves with their riding mowers. That was a favorite thing as well! It’s always nice to have nice neighbors and, as far as we’ve experienced, these are some of the best.
getting out of the boot
Amen and amen! I was finally able to get out of the orthopedic boot. In case you missed it, I broke my foot on May 1 and ended up wearing a boot until mid-October! There’s still a lot of work to do to build up my strength and stamina and my footwear is somewhat limited, but my foot is doing better each day.
lucketts fall market
Of course, Lucketts Fall Market was on the list of favorites. It was so, so good to be out on a gorgeous day, to be surrounded by amazing antiques, and to reconnect with old friends. Not only was it an amazing day out with my mom, but I purchased a couple of special pieces that were perfect for my studio.
duckfeet boots
As I shared, I am limited to what shoes I can wear until the swelling in my foot completely calms down. For now, the best shoes for me to wear are these Duckfeet Roskilde Chelsea boots. They are so comfortable and I was able to wear them all day at the market, which was a little surprising to me since I just got out of the boot a few days prior. To make them work even better, I put a wool insert in my left boot and I don’t wear one in my right to allow more room for my foot if it’s swollen. That combination has worked well. Plus, they are just cute. You can find more styles and colors on the Duckfeet website. (They are currently running a winter 20% off sale, too.)
new studio
The new studio and I are still getting to know each other, but it is a lovely space and I am excited about the things I will create here. I have already started painting on the easel and it feels good. I think that’s the most important, intangible element of a creative workspace. It can have all of the right work surfaces, tools, and materials, but if the room doesn’t feel right, it’s not going to be a good creative work space. Fortunately, this one feels good.
Marshall bluetooth speaker
Shortly after getting settled in my studio, I was gifted the Marshall Stanmore II Bluetooth Speaker and, oh my goodness, I just love it. I have used a small Bluetooth speaker in my studio for years, but it’s been one I’ve always tucked behind things because it’s not very cute. This one, though, can be front and center. Not only is it pretty to look at with its vintage styling, but it is very easy to pair, and the sound is so rich.
As a guitar player, I sort of like that it looks like a little amp, too, along with a toggle on/off switch and knobs to fine-tune the bass, treble, etc.
the rescue
If you have not seen The Rescue, a documentary available on Disney+/National Geographic, please take some time to watch it. It tells the story of the cave rescue in Thailand and it is gripping. I watched it, thinking I knew the story, but I had no idea how complex that rescue was and how long the odds were that even one of the 13 stranded kids would make it out alive. It’s a story of courage, misfits, long-shots, and hope.
mrs. harris goes to paris
I’ll start this movie review by saying that this movie wasn’t as good as it could be. There was something about it that fell a little flat, but the heart of the movie is lovely and I was willing to overlook the parts that were a bit slow, lackluster, and even silly. The story of an English-cleaning woman who saves all of her money so she can go to Paris to buy a Christian Dior is right up my alley. I enjoyed the dream-chasing, the determined hopefulness, and how those qualities can be powerful for others to witness. It’s also fun to watch the fashion and, of course, Paris!
spray bottle
You have to just trust me on this one! I used this spray bottle at my mom’s house and decided I needed to order one, too. It’s a mister spray bottle that is perfect to use to dampen fabric when ironing or to use if you need to wet your hair before styling. This is particularly nice when I’m trying to wear my hair curly and I need to get it shaped before it dries. This mister puts on just the right amount of water.
hymn of heaven
This was another song I was introduced to this summer and I just loved it! I have listened to it over and over again. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do…
I have been sick this week (I think it’s the flu and it’s been really kicking my rear), so I didn’t post yesterday, but I hope I’ll turn a corner and start feeling much better soon. Today, I have to be out of the house because we’re getting our new electrical panel installed. It’s not exciting or a photogenic before and after, but it is exciting nonetheless and an important part of updating our house. I crashed on a couch at the church where Jeff is the pastor but I can’t wait to get home and snuggle back in bed.
I love the song and I hope you feel better very soon!
Wow! Thanks for sharing that anthem. Gave me goosebumps and then tears. ?
Yes, it’s so good!
Agreed!!
You should know that Disney is not as advertised…and should take care to keep your children from being exposed to that….Not only is it a very radical leftist agenda, but their programing has very satanic undertones as well as grooming. Read more about it- the truth is out there. Also- they arrest many pedophiles each year that work for Disney
Actually, a lot of the conspiracies around Disney are rubbish. Also anti-Semitic and full of hate, and can have dangerous consequences for innocent people.
I am not trying to promote Disney specifically, but just this excellent documentary. There is terrible programming on all networks. I don’t want to throw the baby out with the bath water, though. There are some wonderful movies, shows, and documentaries with beautiful themes. I completely understand, though, and respect everyone’s decision as to what they watch and allow in their homes.
So much negativity and divisiveness. We all have opinions, but some, unless truly vetted should be kept to ourselves.
There are things we should be divisive about. Christians are called to use discernment. We are called to be in the world and not of the world.
Yes, Disney is on a bender to twist the minds of the young people and groom them, I was watching cartoons with my grandchildren one morning and I noticed scantily clad elderly people jiggling and wiggling their wares, I brought this to their parents attention, we must be vigilant!
There is another version of ‘Mrs. Harris…” that you might enjoy. It is from 1992, “Mrs. ‘Arris, Goes to Paris” . If I recall correctly, it was actually a made for TV movie. It had an awesome cast, with Angela Landsbury as Mrs. Harris and Omar Sharif and Diana Rigg in supporting roles. Very hard to find it now, but I think Amazon may still have it on DVD or VHS. It was really lovely.
We enjoyed The Rescue immensely! I too thought knew the story, but oh.my.goodness – what meticulous planning it took to get those children and their coach out of that cave! Brave scientist to think outside the box.
I clearly remember the TV movie of “Mrs. ‘Arris Goes to Paris,” and really loved the delightful tale. I later came across the book by Paul Gallico as well as a sequel, “Mrs. ‘Arris Goes to New York.” They are still sitting happily on my bookshelf!.
Thanks for this. I will look out for it
I bet your son Marshall loves that speaker, too!
Thank you for sharing that beautiful hymn, it is powerful! Your home already looks like you but I can’t wait to follow along as it evolves. I wonder if you & your family might grace all of us with another group song this Christmas? I know I have enjoyed your past selections!
Your movie and spray bottle reviews are spot on. I could have written the same.
Thank you for sharing with us as always, Marian!! Yes to all of that! I finally watched Mrs. Harris goes to Paris, and I too thought it was cute but not fabulous! And that song is the song we sing at church. And boy, the words are so beautiful and God honoring! I am so so glad your foot is healing up and we all are just so excited to watch you use your gifts to make that home another gorgeous abode!
I’m not much of a movie watcher, but the book Mrs. Harris goes to Paris is delightful!
Thank you so much for sharing the song by Phil Wickham. What a wonderful inspiring singer!!!
I love Phil Wickham’s It’s Always Been You. I’ve had it on my YT playlist now for over a year. Love this song you posted too, now and will have to add it as well!
I hope you feel better soon. It’s terrible when you’re feeling under the weather. You are making so much progress with your home. Next year at this time you will be amazed when you look back on how far you have come. Of course, this isn’t your first rodeo. You have experience and everything will fit into place. Can’t wait to see the end result. I’m sure you are anxious to have your new kitchen finished. Thank you for the hymn. I loved it. Very moving.
Yes I agree with Jane about how left Disney has become. Just look at what happened in Fla. Parents today have so many issues to deal with to protect their children even in schools esp what they are taught. Then to worry about a company that was geared to entertain children but with their current management it is such a big concern. Oh Well just had to vent about Disney not what it used to be !
Your maple trees are just spectacular in both size and color! And to have wonderful neighbors is a priceless gift. So many good things in your post today and such good comments already, so I will just add that your art studio is so stunning – it must be so inspiring to be in:)
Beautiful song!!
Mrs. Harris with Angela Lansbury is also on YouTube. I loved the book, though! Hope you’re feeling better soon!
Marian, your post was so full of things I need right now. First, I loved the tree, as an East Tennessee gal living in Texas, I miss the fall colors so badly. So thanks for sharing. I broke my ankle four weeks ago and am so tired of the boot. I will definitely be ordering the spray bottle, the one I was using quit working and the only one I have found just shoots spray of water on my hair. The song…I was listening in tears and with chills, what an awesome song about our awesome God! So sorry you hae the flue, will be praying you are well soon. Thanks again.
I mean sorry you have the flu!
Amazing song from Phil Wickham. Thank you for sharing it.
Get well soon,and thank you for the song choice. LOVED IT❤️
Magnificent song, tree and spray bottle recommendation! I will seek out the documentary- I remember feeling so terrified for those boys. Always love reading your blog.
Regarding the documentary, please notice that Marian wasn’t endorsing Disney, she also mentioned it is available on National Geographic. If you have Prime or watch on YouTube, you can find it there for free. Look for the story under other titles such as Thirteen Lives, The Cave Rescue, and others.
Marian, even though I don’t always agree with your “favorites” (for various reasons), I look forward to them and always find something to check out. I like almost every song that Phil Wickham puts out. I think that Phil Wickham has an amazing voice; another artist whom I enjoy is Andrew Peterson. Peterson’s “Is He Worthy?” makes me cry every time I hear it, truly uplifting. Have you read any of his books? I haven’t, but hear that they are very good.
Good morning from Australia. Enjoying your blog. We too are moving / the first in thirty years. We are moving to a retirement village. Much smaller / so are having to downsize, what does one keep and throw out. A whole new experience for us.
As far as your documentary / it was an Australian doctor
( who is also a diver that organised the whole operation of the rescue / so
we are very proud about that fact,
Hello to everyone in the states and good luck with your next president.
I totally agree with you on the spray bottle. I bought one at a quilt show (at a higher price) for my Best Press. It is awesome for misting a large area and saves on my starch. Who knew?? I broke my bottle recently and will be ordering another one at a lower price. Thanks for sharing all your favorites.
oooh, I didn’t think about putting Best Press in my misting bottle! and I also bought an overpriced one at a quilt store.
You amaze me that you were able to create this blog content feeling as bad as you do! I so enjoyed reading all about your favorite things that happened in September and October! Your house is so charming already with the things that you have done, and I look forward to seeing all the things you plan to do in the next few years. It must be so nice to be closer to family and friends once again. Feel better!
Thank you for posting the song. A dear friend died this week after a two year battle with cancer. The lyrics reminded be of the good that awaits us all. Feel better.