The weather shifted in a blink.

It went from being in the 80s, to a swift dip into the 70s, and now it’s roughly 59. Rain is hovering on the horizon, and I am wearing a hoodie.

It’s boot weather. And sweater weather. And even though things have been cuckoo bananapants (lol, SOB), something in my heart has shifted, eased. Fall is my favorite season.

I love the crisp air. The bright surge of leaves. The way things feel like they’re hovering on the possible. I’m ready to embrace the things that are meant for me and bury (figuratively) the rest.

Halloween is around the corner, but it’s already Spooky Season. I’ve seen some cool decorations—literally left me cackling. You know those giant skeletons? Someone had a WEREWOLF wearing shredded clothing. It was brilliant. There was also a small dragon. (I hope his name was Spike.)

I’ve already planned part of this weekend’s meal prep: roasted butternut squash and roasted sweet potato soup. And I’m going to make some form of pumpkin bread. I can’t decide between cream cheese filling or streusel topping, so I’m 90% sure I’m gonna Frankenstein’s monster two recipes and do both.

I love baking. I love making food. (I don’t cook every day, but I do meal prep.) It helps shut on my brain in the way that running does. It’s just me and the task, not the 43 million thoughts that are usually swirling around my head. Not the worries or the anxieties. Not the endless interrogates of past conversations or actions.

Just me and the task. And it’s a task that I get to eat afterward, so a win.

And with fall here, I have an eye toward soup season and cozy things. I’ll watch Practical Magic (no, I haven’t seen the sequel yet), When Harry Met Sally, and maybe Dead Poets Society. Not to mention all the Halloween movies. Because yes.

I think rituals are important, both in terms of grounding and intention. Fall brings change, but it’s beautiful change. Even though I will complain my way through winter—that’s tomorrow’s problem.

For this coming season, I hope you find joy in unexpected moments. I wish you softness and laughter and comfort. I hope you find space to breathe and space to dance. I wish you love and safety—the kind of electric, easy sweetness that makes your heart sigh a little. May you surprise yourself in good ways. May you make time for adventure.

And, as always, look for the magick in the world. Because, despite the horrors, the magick is still there.

XOXO

Bits and Bobs

• I’ve almost gotten to the end of the Peacock show Five-Star Weekend, and it’s excellent. And Timothy Olyphant looks like a good kisser, which…acting, yes. But daaaamn, dude.

• Are you local to Philly? There’s a rally this weekend for the Academy of Natural Sciences.

• Did I ever link to this video of me reading “Medusa Writes Her Own Story” from Offerings for Ordinary Gods? Genuine can’t remember, because a girl is tired. (And if you have read it and loved it, please leave a Goodreads/Amazon review. <3 )

• Remember to be brave enough.

• A very good doggo, via a friend of mine, could use your help.

• The Dragon Has Some Complaints by John Wiswell is an excellent book. I loved the audiobook.

• This is how you govern.