SEPTEMBER
Shifting-shuffling-transforming
We are in the thick of it
The process-The unfolding-The metamorphosis
The small symbols of change begin to reveal themselves
All the intent and work begins to alchemize and materialize
With each deep breath we inhale the sweet scent of “arrival”
Although we are not at the beginning there is newness being born.
What is coming into our life? coming alive? giving life?
What deserves to be greeted with celebration?
Have you fully released what needed to depart, in order to receive what has yet to arrive?
Any departure brings a version of loss. There can be peace through that loss when we see it in relation to making space for a sweet arrival. In order for something to come in and occupy space that space must be made vacant, but the process of vacating is not easily metabolized. Some grieve, some distract, some seek meaning. We all cope with the vacancy differently. Can we, despite our coping, come to see past the present loss to the grander narrative of gain? Can we, eventually, see our loss as gain?
We mustn't forget that rather than one anticipated arrival there might be small arrivals happening all along. Celebrate these arrivals all the same. celebrate the ever-evolving. Perhaps it is happening around you or perhaps it is happening within the walls you have built into “self”. Focus your ever-shifting gaze on the arrivals that persist with or without you. Join in on the process and decide to welcome, to enjoy & to celebrate.
We enter a season where the world around emulates the world within. Just as the earth begins to dew and the grass begins amber, we too, experience a gradual “becoming”. The intangible begins to take form. We may wake up one morning to find that change has taken place and newness has arrived. It may seem sudden, but if we tune in to this subtle & sacred season, we may find much more work being done than we dared to notice. Delight in the moon-- the waxing and the waning. Delight in the tides--the rising and the falling. Delight in that sun that faithfully moves through dawn and dusk. Those rhythms that march on around us, so effortlessly, remind us of the work happening all along, the beautiful becoming.
Listen to this playlist. I promise that Earth, Wind and Fire are nowhere to be seen:
SEPT 7th is Labor day. This holiday historically marks the end of summer & wearing white?!
We need to know once and for all, is wearing white after Labor day a societal faux pas? I am tired of wondering what people-group am I offending by doing so. I did thorough research (google) and found This article that helps put this burning question to rest.
SEPT 12th is national chocolate milkshake day!!! I love an old-fashioned, johnny Rockets shake—circa 2002. but what can I say, this Gal just can’t metabolize them like she used to. These days I opt for a dairy-free version with none of the post-shake delirium.
CHoco Fudge Shake (Earthy Andy)
Creamy Chocolate Breakfast Shake (minimalist Baker)
Vegan Chocolate Milkshake (My Vegan Minimalist)
For The simplest option blend OATLY chocolate ice cream with homemade almond milk. Hot Diggity dawg!
Apparently september 29th is national coffee day. What a fantastic excuse to delve deep into the smooth waters of a good brew...Hot or Iced?
““I’d rather take coffee than compliments just now.”
Louisa May Alcott, Little Women”
In great honor of this sacred holiday:
SOCal coffee guide…Although it definitely needs an update.
There are many ways to make a good Brew, below are some stylish options to keep you cool & caffeinated.
I never met a better month for a Picnic.the air is a delectable 70 and the grass isn't quite dead just yet. Grab a frisbee, grab a pet, grab a friend and migrate to your nearest piece of land.
Consider this a solution to all your picnic ponderings:
Play this Picnic in the Park playlist on a Portable waterproof speaker.
The single-most defining factor in whether-or-not your picnic will be successful is undoubtedly the basket with which you carry the picnicking items.
Will it be Option 1? retro, traditional, and nostalgic—probably spotted on the opening title of full house.
Will it be Option 2? modern, spontaneous, and carefree—Just like you!
Or, will it be Option 3 // Option 4? a minimalist, picturesque dream- just BUILT for a photo & makes you want to say. “This Ol’ thang?”
For a paradoxical addition, Use these Fancy plastic cups for an elevated experience…while you dine on the ground.
Look at Love & Lemons, 51 Easy Picnic Food Ideas to figure out what in the world you are going to pack.
And finally, here are three blanket options to lay your royal rump on,
#1 Classic
#2 Care-Free
#3 Dreamy
don't forget your shade!
“To sit in the shade on a fine day and look upon verdure is the most perfect refreshment.
Jane Austen”
For a majority of our lives September is recognized as the “back to school” month. For some, this is a painfully vivid reminder of the cruelty of a classroom but for others this month holds nostalgic reverence and the fragrant aroma of fresh starts. Whether this season holds delight or disdain, it is a reminder that we are endlessly enrolling as students of life—Always growing, expanding, adapting and learning.
Here are a few Scholastic Classics to make you want to go out and buy a pack of #2 pencils:
“We don't read and write poetry because it's cute. We read and write poetry because we are members of the human race. And the human race is filled with passion. And medicine, law, business, engineering, these are noble pursuits and necessary to sustain life. But poetry, beauty, romance, love, these are what we stay alive for. To quote from Whitman, "O me! O life!... of the questions of these recurring; of the endless trains of the faithless... of cities filled with the foolish; what good amid these, O me, O life?" Answer. That you are here - that life exists, and identity; that the powerful play goes on and you may contribute a verse. That the powerful play *goes on* and you may contribute a verse. What will your verse be?”
― N.H. Kleinbaum, Dead Poets Society
If you find that this September you don’t quite know which direction to place your next step, this poem may be for you:
Do the next thing
From an old English parsonage down by the sea
There came in the twilight a message to me;
Its quaint Saxon legend, deeply engraven,
Hath, it seems to me, teaching from Heaven.
And on through the doors the quiet words ring
Like a low inspiration: “DO THE NEXT THING.”
Many a questioning, many a fear,
Many a doubt, hath its quieting here.
Moment by moment, let down from Heaven,
Time, opportunity, and guidance are given.
Fear not tomorrows, child of the King,
Trust them with Jesus, do the next thing
Do it immediately, do it with prayer;
Do it reliantly, casting all care;
Do it with reverence, tracing His hand
Who placed it before thee with earnest command.
Stayed on Omnipotence, safe ‘neath His wing,
Leave all results, do the next thing.
Looking for Jesus, ever serener,
Working or suffering, be thy demeanor;
In His dear presence, the rest of His calm,
The light of His countenance be thy psalm,
Strong in His faithfulness, praise and sing.
Then, as He beckons thee, do the next thing.
May this September be one to remember!
XO Rachel
