What I’m Into (October Edition)

Welcome to my end of the month round up, where I share what I’ve been into lately. October’s edition includes:

• Local Love: unique places I visited this month in or near Tulsa
• Things that Calm: what I found soothing and centering this month
• Art Inspiration: new art supplies I am using and artists I am drawing inspiration from
• What Made me Smile: a snapshot of moments I found lovely

Local Love #Hometowntourist

Tulsa Garden Center & Linnaeus Teaching Garden

I visited these two wonderful spots this month. I took so many pictures. If you visit the Tulsa Garden Center or Linnaeus Teaching Garden often  you will find it is not crowded, so it feels like your own secret garden.

Things that Calm

Walks

walks around the neighbor at sunset,  noticing beauty around me, and taking photos. While walking I listened to the Quiet Collection by Emily Freeman. The Quiet Collection is audio Bible devotions written and read by Emily, set to soft piano music  (I think there are maybe 20-30 of them). It starts with scripture, then she shares a devotional piece about creativity and faith.

It has been one of my VERY favorite things this month!!!! Emily made it available to those taking her Create & Complete Course, but I hope she will offer it for anyone to purchase soon.

Sacred Ordinary Days Planner

Following along with the Bible reading plan has brought me comfort. I read a little bit of Psalms and passages from the Old and New Testament each day.

There is also a prayer for each day called a common prayer. It is like a short breath prayer ; inhale with one phrase, exhale with the next.

For example October 26th’s common prayer was “We delight to walk in your way: lead us in your mercy.”

Desk Candle

a candle at my desk is one way I treat myself. I especially love this ritual during fall and winter.

Rereading

I bought two new books at Target this month. The Storied Life of AJ Fikry and What Alice Forgot. I had never read books by either author, so I enjoyed trying something new.

The Storied Life of AJ Fikry appealed to me because the setting is a cozy book store  on an island up north. It reminded me a little bit of my trip to Mackinac Island in Michigan. Here is the book description off of Amazon.com:

“A. J. Fikry’s life is not at all what he expected it to be. He lives alone, his bookstore is experiencing the worst sales in its history, and now his prized possession, a rare collection of Poe poems, has been stolen. But when a mysterious package appears at the bookstore, its unexpected arrival gives Fikry the chance to make his life over–and see everything anew. “

I decided to try What Alice Forgot after reading a review from a blogger friend, Greer Oharah, who loved the book. I so appreciate Greer’s book reviews!

“Among my favorite works of fiction I have ever read. After a gym accident, 39-year-old Alice wakes up thinking she is 29, happily married, and pregnant with her first child. As the story unfolds she realizes she is missing 10 years of memories and her life is much different than she envisioned it would be. I loved the relatibility of the story, the endearing characters, and the way it stirred provoking questions in me about shaping yourself into the person you want to become.” –Greer Oharah

I found both books enjoyable, but not on my list of favorites.

So then I decided to reread a book; A Million Little Ways by Emily P Freeman. Rereading favorites seems to be a calming activity, like coming home or revisiting a familiar place you enjoy.

My Fancy Journal

Back in August I got a fancy journal from Anthropologie for my birthday. And it brings me joy every time I go to use it. The pages are soft and thick.

Soup

I had some great soup this month. Soothing and delicious.

Art Inspiration

New Art Supplies

1.Tombow dual brush markers

2. watercolor set from Target

I had never tried brush markers until this month. Between my new set of watercolors from Target and the brush markers, I was excited to paint, create, and practice lettering.

Artists

For more inspiration I set out on Pinterest and Instagram to find some artists I could draw ideas and styles from. Here are a few of my favorite:

Ruth Simons @gracelaced

Alex Estes @prairielettershop

@emily_jeffords

Jennifer Orkin Lewis @augustwen

@mollyhatch

@alizalatta

@lulliewallace

What Made me Smile

Meeting my niece, Gouldie.

Fall Football

Saturday morning football game with family at my old high school stadium. The picture is of my older brother, my sister-in-law, my niece Gouldie in the baby sling, Oliver and me. My niece Coco Mae is in photo on the left.

A Day of Anne

My friend Brenda hosted an amazing Anne of Green Gables themed party. You can read more about it in a post I wrote this past month; Day of Anne

*I will be linking up with Leigh Kramer.