Feels Like Fall
It has been an extremely long time… Do you even remember me? Is anyone out there?
I just looked on the website and it has been a year since my last post… And what a year. I left the company I was working for. Many of my friendships have changed. And I have broken down and grown in more ways than I would have thought possible.
I needed to retreat from this space for a while, in fact I feel like I retreated from many things, and I am just starting to emerge and feel inspiration again. As I emerge, fall has arrived and I couldn’t be happier. The weather here is finally starting to get crisp. And as F. Scott Fitzgerald said, “Life starts all over again when it gets crisp in the Fall.” I couldn’t agree more. Hello cozy blankets and fall scented candles. Hello gooey casseroles and freshly baked cookies. Hello Halloween candy and cozy mysteries. It is good to see you again.
Over the summer I had so much fun making a summer bucket list (perhaps more on that in the future) that I had to do the same for the Fall. Here is a starting list so far:
So far I have visited a pumpkin patch, we will be dressing up this weekend, I’ve decorated my front porch, and I’ve tried one cozy chicken-and-rice-and-broccoli casserole. We also enjoyed the Night Lights Festival this year, and I’ve had a steady stream of cozy or spooky books at hand. My sister and I made a Fall playlist which I have been loving. The Fall cocktails still need some work, and it is finally chilly enough to build a fire outside. If I get to the end of this list before the end of November, I may have to add to it! What activities have you enjoyed this Fall?
In case you care to follow my list and need a starting point for books or movies or music, here is what I used as my starting point:
Books:
(I started with a longer list than I can ever complete in one season, but here is the list of books I started with:)
The House on Tradd Street: This book was recommended to me by Elizabeth Barnhill, one of the fabulous bookbuyers at Fabled Book Shop in Waco, Texas. I was so glad that she urged me to read this book. It is the perfect mix of creepy and charming with a wonderful slow burn love story and lovely Charleston history and detail. So, so good. Now I’m devouring the rest of the series.
City of Ghosts: I love the concept of this middle grade book - a young woman who can see ghosts and spirits (in fact, her best friend is a ghost) travels to Scotland with her parents to film their ghost hunter TV show. They of course are oblivious to the spirits surrounding their daughter. It was a good story but I’m wondering if Victoria Schwab’s writing is not for me? I love the concept of all of her books, but I don’t seem to love them as much as everyone else does. I’m going to keep trying!
We Have Always Lived in the Castle: I have heard wonderful things about Shirley Jackson and her deliciously creepy novels and this was my first of hers. There were parts I loved and it was incredibly well written, but it wasn’t for me. It is quite possible however that I am trying to read creepy books because of the season and I am not actually in the mood for these kinds of stories, don’t let me dissuade you!
The Kindred Spirits Supper Club: Loved this book! Somehow this was exactly what I needed at the time - we have another heroine who can see spirits, in fact all the women in her family can. Her best friend is a Rom Com loving ghost, that helps her navigate anxiety and the changes life is throwing her way. I loved all the characters and could absolutely relate to their struggles, exactly what I didn’t know I needed in my reading life.
Jane Eyre, narrated by Thandiwe Newton: This has always been one of my favorite books and I have been saving the audio version for the Fall. When the ladies of Novel Pairings announced they were reading it in September, I thought it was the perfect time. Thandiwe Newton’s narration was spectacular.
The Jewel of Seven Stars: I really wanted to love this book after loving the audio version of Dracula last year. Simon Vance narrates and he is fantastic, but the story was disappointing to me. There were parts I loved, the suspense and mystery were built beautifully, but then it just ends… There are two endings apparently, I read both and neither were satisfying to me. Anyone else?
Truly, Devious: I didn’t get to this YA campus mystery novel but I really wanted to!
Magic for Liars: Another one I didn’t get to, it sounds like the perfect mix of magic and murder mystery for the season.
The Southern Book Club’s Guide to Slaying Vampires: I read Horrorstor by this author earlier this year and was surprised to have loved it! This novel of his is still on my TBR but if you do pick it up, know that his books are definitely Horror compared to the other books in this list.
Gods of Jade and Sorrow: I tried to read this book over the summer when I was sitting on the beach in Mexico and couldn’t quite get into it. I thought Fall would be the perfect time to try to pick it up again and I still may!
The Ex Hex: My only hard and fast plan is to read this book this weekend and I can’t wait! :) From the picture - Gluten Free Cake Mix Cookies (find a recipe here), my new favorite Harney & Sons African Autumn Rooibos Tea, and no Halloween read is complete without Halloween Candy.
Non-Horror but Creepy or Funny Movies for the Season:
Death Becomes Her: I haven’t seen this one but it looks like fun!
Young Frankenstein: Classic Mel Brooks. My husband hasn’t seen this one and we may try to squeeze it in for Halloween.
The Muppets Haunted Mansion: Cute movie, made me think of the Disneyland ride from my childhood.
Knives Out: Love this movie, have you seen it?
Fantastic Mr. Fox: Classic and charming Wes Anderson, perfect for Fall!
Murder by Death: Probably my favorite murder mystery spoof.
Clue: A classic.
Music:
My sister and I have been making a playlist and she added a song I am newly obsessed with for the season. It is “My Girlfriend is a Witch” by October Country, have you heard it? Here is the song from Youtube.
When I first heard it, I thought it was a new band going for a 60s sound, but they are actually from the late 60s! I guess their production team was spectacular, it has such a modern nostalgic vibe. Upon looking for more of their music, I stumbled upon this documentary on YouTube that was filmed in the late 60s and helped them get signed to a label apparently. Just the first few minutes alone are worth watching for the go-go boots and 60s dance moves.
I have been loving the spooky playlist from Mel and Dave at Strong Sense of Place. Give it a listen and check out all their Halloween goodies while you are there as well.
For more Fall fun, check out this previous post for a delicious Apple Tart that is perfect for the season. Or this one for yummy popcorn balls that always make me think of Halloween and my Great Grandmother.
However you celebrate this season, have a fun and safe season and let me know if there are any Fall activities I missed!