Savoring Autumn

September to Christmas has always been my favorite, favorite time of year. Hurricane Gustav stole about 4 weeks of our fall this year, though. The Christmas season is almost upon us, and I don't feel ready. I who usually can't wait for Christmas! I'd like a little more fall, please.

In the warm climate where I've lived for years (three different states, all growing zones 8 or 9), it's finally chilly enough for a cup of tea in the morning. As the season goes on, we pull out jeans and sweaters, and occasionally even coats.

I'm squeezing out the last bit of fall pleasure before Thanksgiving. It's not Christmas yet!

New Orleans Streetscapes

Recently Rebecca posted "Maybe I'm an Impressionist," where she took on the idea of global thinkers as opposed to detail people. I concluded that I'm definitely a global thinker. My (detail-oriented) husband could have told you I'm not about details. It's the big picture, people.

So now I'm noticing this difference everywhere I go. And sometimes, like today, it makes me laugh.

We got new furniture yesterday, a barter with a friend who's moving. It's not what I would have chosen if I were going to pick all by myself, but it's very beautiful. It's definitely Billy's style: traditional and a little ornate. I can't help but love it. Especially since it replaces the freecycle futon we've had for so long.

I told Billy it looks like married people live here now. Now that we have furniture, I'm thinking about paint and curtains. And art. I could picture exactly what I wanted. A New Orleans streetscape. Deep, saturated color. Oils.

So Billy and I browsed Allposters together. "That doesn't match our furniture," he said. "It's sort of weird and ethereal. See?" Then he found some different prints. "This is nice. Clean, straight lines."

And, I noticed, details. Traditional, realistic details.

How funny that this idea of global versus detail thinkers came full circle when we were looking at paintings.

We haven't purchased any art. Maybe another day. Maybe we'll find just the right thing that's a perfect blend of what we both like. Or not.

Blue Autumn Sky

Photo by Elizabeth, age 7

Windows of New Orleans

We went to New Orleans a few weeks ago.

I've only been there a few times, although Billy went a lot when he was in school.

I love the building colors.

I'd love to incorporate them into my home.

I think a New Orleans style house would be beautiful, if it wasn't too stereotypical.

French vintage beauty.

(Photos by my husband)

I *Heart* Bargains

Funky shoes.

$5.00 on clearance.

The pink ones are Keds.

The brown ones were $40 before they went on sale.

I've wanted to buy some cute lightweight shoes for a long time. But I knew they wouldn't last long, so I couldn't even really justify $15 at Wal-Mart. It seemed a little ridiculous.

Isn't it amazing how God cares for the silliest little details of life?

Blessings

I made this simple banner for autumn. I actually started a tutorial, and then forgot I started it and completed the banner without taking pictures of the process. Long story short: Cut paper squares in graduating sizes and glue them together. (Click picture for a better look.) I used a utility knife to cut slits for the ribbon. Easy peasy. However, since I don't have much time for crafting lately, it still took me several weeks to complete! Oh well. I'm just glad I got to make something pretty.

Stunningly Accurate

Your result for Are You a Jackie or a Marilyn? Or Someone Else? Mad Men-era Female Icon Quiz...

You Are an Audrey!

You are an Audrey -- "I am at peace"

Audreys are receptive, good-natured, and supportive. They seek union with others and the world around them.

How to Get Along with Me

• * If you want me to do something, how you ask is important. I especially don't like expectations or pressure


• * I like to listen and to be of service, but don't take advantage of this


• * Listen until I finish speaking, even though I meander a bit


• * Give me time to finish things and make decisions. It's OK to nudge me gently and nonjudgmentally


• * Ask me questions to help me get clear


• * Tell me when you like how I look. I'm not averse to flattery


• * Hug me, show physical affection. It opens me up to my feelings


• * I like a good discussion but not a confrontation


• * Let me know you like what I've done or said


• * Laugh with me and share in my enjoyment of life

What I Like About Being an Audrey

• * being nonjudgmental and accepting


• * caring for and being concerned about others


• * being able to relax and have a good time


• * knowing that most people enjoy my company; I'm easy to be around


• * my ability to see many different sides of an issue and to be a good mediator and facilitator


• * my heightened awareness of sensations, aesthetics, and the here and now


• * being able to go with the flow and feel one with the universe

What's Hard About Being an Audrey

• * being judged and misunderstood for being placid and/or indecisive


• * being critical of myself for lacking initiative and discipline


• * being too sensitive to criticism; taking every raised eyebrow and twitch of the mouth personally


• * being confused about what I really want


• * caring too much about what others will think of me


• * not being listened to or taken seriously

Audreys as Children Often

• * feel ignored and that their wants, opinions, and feelings are unimportant


• * tune out a lot, especially when others argue


• * are "good" children: deny anger or keep it to themselves

Audreys as Parents

• * are supportive, kind, and warm


• * are sometimes overly permissive or nondirective

Take Are You a Jackie or a Marilyn? Or Someone Else? Mad Men-era Female Icon Quiz at HelloQuizzy

This stinkin' two question test is astonishing. This describes me very closely. Probably the biggest thing that's not me is the part about not knowing what I want. I have to mull it over for awhile, but once I make a decision, I stick to it. I don't think I'm overly sensitive unless I'm very tired, but others might disagree. However, I won't open the floor for discussion on that one. *wink* This was fun.

Voting

Well, I typically try to keep this blog a "safe" place from potentially controversial subjects like politics. In fact, I left the days of political activism behind long ago, and I haven't had much interest in politics for years...Until this election. It's been a fascinating one. And since presidential elections don't happen every day, I'm breaking my political silence just for a moment.

As long as I have the freedom and right to vote, I plan to exercise that freedom. My philosophy is pretty simple. I vote for the person whose values and beliefs most closely align with mine.

This year that person is John McCain. I'm not voting for him because I think he'll necessarily be an exceptional president if elected. I put my hope in God, not in politicians. However, I do believe that a person of strong moral principles will be a better leader in all areas than one whose values stand in opposition to Christian moral beliefs. I have always admired McCain's war record, and I'm a fan of Sarah Palin, because of her strong faith and conservative values.

I've heard smart and sophisticated conservatives say that they are bowing out of this election because they don't see any great change that would come out of a McCain win and that Obama is exactly what we deserve. I guess I don't understand that kind of pessimism. Perhaps it sounds as though I'm speaking in platitudes here, but like I said, I'm simple. There are two choices, and I choose the one I believe is the better of the two.