It’s fall, it’s my saturn return, a lot is changing…I’m preparing for a full and busy month ahead, traveling (all over the gd place) in December, and a move in January. I’m planning, saving, and serving…working, hustling, and grinding. October wasn’t much different, but I actually enjoy these short little seasons of grit. They bring me back to what’s most important, what/who is worth my time and energy, and how grateful I am to live the life that I do. Intentionality and self-awareness become my default setting as life continues to forge me through the fire. That being said, I make sure to prioritize fun and savor every moment of peace along the way, too! Here’s the best of what October had in store!
Books!
Beautiful World, Where Are You? by Sally Rooney: 6/10
Rooney’s most recent works, Conversations With Friends and Normal People, are two of my favorite books EVER, so I was beyond stoked to read this one. However—and maybe this is due to how much I adored the last two—this book was a story about…nothing much, honestly. It follows four friends through their daily lives via conversations, emails, and reminiscent stories, with profound, sophisticated, and intellectual bits sprinkled throughout…which is what ultimately got me through to the end. The author’s ability to create complex and deeply real character personalities, along with the occasional spark of relatability, were enough to override the undercurrent of boredom I felt while reading it. However, if you’re into twisted psychology and wholesome endings, give this a read!
The Daily Stoic: 366 Meditations on Wisdom, Perseverance, and the Art of Living by Ryan Holiday: 10/10
In the mornings, I like to read something that sets my mind right for the day ahead. The menu often consists of philosophy, poetry, devotionals, new-age, or inspirational memoirs/biographies…but I return to this book the most. Studying Stoic philosophy has served me greatly—it’s the reason why I have ‘amor fati’ tattooed on my arm—and continues to renew my mind as I change and evolve. Reading one page a day is something I’ll always have time for, and reflecting on its applicability to my current reality keeps the message fresh as I revisit them year after year. Can’t recommend this one enough!
ps. there’s a podcast format, too!
Moments!
Camping
Western North Carolina boasts some of the best landscapes and seasonality the country has to offer. So when my friends invited me to a weekend-long camping trip high up in the Appalachian Mountains, I didn’t think twice. Three serendipitous days parked next to a creek with no service, tons of good food, great conversations, and the best company was just what my soul needed. It was cold—quite literally freezing—but walks in the woods and listening to The Alchemist on audiobook around the fire kept us niceee and toasty! Go outside, ya goonies.
Gregory Alan Isakov Concert
I’m a biggg Greg fan. This was my fifth time seeing him in concert, and I’ve been lucky enough to catch each performance at a different venue. However, this one was at Rabbit Rabbit, an outdoor venue in Asheville, and watching him perform outside was a game changer. The weather was perfect, the sound was incredible, and he blessed us with three (yes, 3!!!) encores.
Movement!
In busy/chaotic times, making my yoga practice a part of my morning routine is essential. Since 2018, this 30 day yoga series has been one I return to when self-care needs to be practical and remind me of what’s, well…true. It’s free, every practice has a theme, and every video is less than 30 minutes. I can just roll out of bed and onto my mat, select the day I’m on, and go to yoga town. It’s an easy-peasy and surefire way to maintain (or start) a positive habit, and I always finish this particular journey with a new perspective on life. Give it a try if you’d like, and sign up for the daily emails too…they’re full of guidance and golden nuggets!
Fall Walks
The crisp air, the colors, the crunchy leaves, the sunshine…need I say more? I love walks regardless of the season, but damn. Being in the tropics at this time last year made me all the more grateful for the changing of the seasons. I’m a summer girl through and through, but I can’t stop looking around. Wow.
Media!
While driving, working, creating, and cooking, I’ve been listening to so many podcasts…here’s a few of my favorites!
Updates!
Pledge + Paid Subscription Options.
First of all…THANK YOU! I’m overwhelmingly grateful to have a supportive subscriber base that shows up to read my posts every week. I started The Freckled Heron in January to share my thoughts and start a consistent writing habit, with the intention to grow and build a connected + interactive online community along the way. That being said, now that I have a clear vision of what I want this space to look like, I’ve recently opened up the option to upgrade your subscription.
All of my content will still be available for free, but starting in 2024, you can upgrade your subscription from ‘free’ to ‘paid’ for $50 a year (that’s $4/month)…or pledge/donate what you can afford. Paid subscribers will have access to special content such as recipes, journal prompts, community chats, a monthly book club, and more. They’ll also have the ability to leave comments, talk one-on-one with me, engage in group chats, and respond to a reflective questions at the end of each post. My intent is to know, serve, and encourage my readers to take on life with self-awareness and the support of a like-minded community. Championing each other through the ebbs and flows, the highs and lows of existence.
By upgrading your subscription, you have a say in what that looks like. And if money’s an issue, send me an email, I gotchu! All are welcomed here…the monetary support simply means I can spend more time here, and less on the clock (:
Music!
Lucius
These angels opened for Gregory, and quite frankly blew my mind. Put on your finest pair of headphones and really listen to this one…your dopamine receptors will thank you.
October Playlist
from me to you…all of my favorite October bops!