Autumnal Delights

one hundred years of solitude

by Gabriel García Márquez

It is taking me so long to read this, it’s embarrassing. But, the classic, ground-breaking novel is worth the work. Known for establishing magical realism, García Márquez writes with such passion and artistry it haunts me. The reason for its acclaim is evident from the first page. I have read many books, but nothing quite like this.

With Love, Meghan

As I watch the Duchess of Sussex softly move through the kitchen or garden, I find myself grinning from ear to ear. As my husband said, this show is so joyful. Each episode embodies my current pursuit of slowing time down. Meghan steps into each moment fully present, delighting in the company of her guests and sharing something special with them. I just cannot get enough!

The Sauna

Truthfully, I visit my local Korean Sauna & Spa year-round, but something about this autumn has me craving more frequent visits. Alternating the hot and cold plunges, resting in a sauna, and being completely disconnected from time is such a gift. Visits there are a practice of being present and appreciating one’s body. A practice I have come to love.

Tiny Desk Concerts

What is it about these cramped sets at the NPR office that are just magic? Intimate, candid, raw, solid, fun… all of the above and more. There are SO MANY amazing sets in the catalog, I often peruse their library to find someone I don’t know or haven’t seen yet. And, truthfully, I have a few favorites I rewatch often. This one by Raye, Tom Misch, Tank And The Bangas, Idles, Anderson .Paak, too many to list. A Tiny Desk Concert is always a winner.

The Woman in cabin 10

by Ruth Ware

I have jumped on the bandwagon and so far, so good. In order to trick myself into being a consistent runner, I try to select an audiobook (which I can only listen to while running) that is suspenseful and will keep me hitting the track to find out what will happen next. The Woman in Cabin 10 has been perfect. Ware has me hooked. Though I know film adaptations can rarely be as nuanced as a book, I am the type to enjoy most renditions of a book I like. So I am hoping my runs will take me to the end soon so I can enjoy the new movie (with an excellent cast) that just dropped.

Strava

On the running note, I have loved diving into Strava. The application helps me track my progress, log the miles on my shoes, and connect with my friends who are also running/walking. With all the other social platforms being overrun with ads, it is so nice to have a space to connect over a hobby and cheer each other on. As evidenced by the screenshot here, I am slow. But having Strava to help me along keeps me consistent, which for me is half the battle.

Running outdoors, while a year-round activity, is one I simply love in the autumn. The crisp air, the changing leaves, the ability to breathe!

Apple Picking

Apple picking, for fall? Groundbreaking!

Give me a hayride, a morning in an orchard, and the fun of the hunt any day. Look, it’s not just about the experience (which is delightful), it’s also about the best apples ever. Once you have sustainable, local apples, you will never go back. If you live in Georgia and have not been to Ellijay for apple picking, you are missing out. My husband and I make it an annual date/day trip, but it can be fun for the whole family.

We even took a page out of Meghan’s book and immediately made apple hand pies when we got home. And since then, we’ve incorporated apples into as many meals as possible. They really are delicious, versatile, and quintessentially fall.

I hope your autumn is filled with special moments, beautiful art, and laughter.