Returning

September is almost over and the leaves outside are turning. It's a beautiful time of year here, in the high desert - the weather is perfect for long walks and lingering at the table long after the dishes have been cleared - doors open to the cool night air. To me Autumn feels like a return. A return to the heart of all we aspire to. As the days grow shorter and the nights close in earlier, it seems natural to turn inward and look at what brought us here. Now. To this place. As I prepare my home for colder weather, I am reminded of all I am so grateful for as I move through the process; always returning, full circle, to the centre of Self.

Time For Dreaming

The Summer has flown and Autumn has arrived. I brought my plants back inside yesterday, after temperatures fell to 35 degrees the other night. I miss my kitty cat and faraway friends and my thoughts turn to nesting as the weather changes. More time at home means more time to visit you and update this more often. I've been beyond busy this summer, with writing work, film stuff, helping a friend with her new gallery and providing a place to stay for my daughter, her boyfriend and their puppy! Genevieve and company have rented a house nearby and will move in during the first week of October. Meanwhile between house guests and special guests (not least of whom are my granddaughters) my time is filled with love, life and not much over for dreaming! Only the quiet sanctuary of my bedroom, gives respite from this hectic schedule - and my gratitude for that small mercy, is immense! Surely our bedrooms are indeed, the cradle of civilization - the one place we can retreat to for rest, reading, meditation, contemplation and renewal. Every woman needs a bedroom she loves and can dream in!

Season Change

It's quite crisp outside in the mornings and my thoughts turn to the cooler days of Autumn. I've had an incredibly busy (and heavy with loss) year so far and am looking forward to long nights, curled up with a book, near the fire. We still have a good month and a half before the cold weather truly sets in. Our first snow comes around Halloween, like clockwork, each year. Now's the time to get the garden ready for winter and begin thinking about bringing the plants inside before the first freeze. Within the month, leaves will turn and fall. Right now, I'm spending more time in the kitchen, cooking and baking. Cooler weather calls for warm food, good friends and conversation.

Texture

While puttering around my house on Sunday, I realised that texture is an imporant factor in creating interest in a home. Much like paint applied to the canvas with a knife as opposed to a brush, different textures used in a room, bring dimension, comfort and warmth. A room that is devoid of texture, lacks sensuality and depth. Some of my favourites are sisal rugs, nubby silks and cottons, woven textiles and wicker.

Home Again

After returning from the DNC in Denver, I had articles to write, grandkids to visit, a house to clean, plants to water and of course, a little rest and relaxation for moi! There is nothing like finally having a little alone time at home, to remind us that this is why we nest; to provide comfort, sanctuary and solace for weary bodies and souls! Relaxing in my living room yesterday, I was so grateful for the opportunity to simply sit and do absolutely nothing, but gaze around the room, full of reminders of a lfetime of loving, living and dreaming!