*end of October

In recent years, it has often happened that it gets really warm again at the end of October, and this time was no exception. On the weekend, we worked a lot in the garden, watering our hedge and all the trees before we have to deactivate the garden fountain for the winter. We also went for a walk in the forest, which actually felt more like summer, and accidentally found some mushrooms that I later cooked for lunch. But now it’s colder again. I’ve been busy at home, wrapping gifts for a friend’s birthday, which I always love to do. Let’s see what the last days of October will bring!

☙

*bullet journal

For the past three years, I’ve been experimenting with a way of bullet journaling that works for me, and only in the last month did I finally manage to puzzle it out. For the past five years, I’ve been using a little notebook called "One Line a Day", where I write down the most important happenings of each day. But it ends in December, and I don’t want to start a new one, even though I really liked the idea and it worked really well for me.

I also have another journal on the side where I write to-do lists, important addresses, books I’ve read, ideas, and all sorts of other things. Since I don’t want to carry around two journals anymore – especially when traveling – I want to combine everything into just one journal starting in 2020, in a visually pleasing way.

Do you use journals? Have you found a method of journaling that works best for you, or are you also always trying to improve and find the ultimate way to stay organized?

☙

*apple red

The apple season is over, and only now and then do a few lonely ones still defy gravity.

This morning, I left home early and took the longest walk in the morning mist. I lost track of time, and by the time I returned, it was already midday – so I skipped breakfast and made some oven-roasted butternut squash for lunch, the perfect meal for autumn days like these.

In the afternoon, it became really warm outside, but soon the weather will change. I’m curious when the first snow will arrive this year! Until then, let’s enjoy these late October days.

☙

*dreamy autumn days

I still like to take pictures with my old zenit-E camera the most, especially with my 29mm lens. Those photos have such a dreamy atmosphere and the colors are softer than with other cameras. Unfortunately the shutter curtain does not work properly anymore, especially when it gets colder outside and I have to fall back on more reliable cameras.

☙

*a second moon

I love how the summer colors are fading more and more – everything feels ready to turn inwards again. For several days now, we’ve had morning fog that slowly dissolves around midday. But soon there will come those days when it will stay foggy all day long, and the sun will only now and then shimmer like a second moon through the grey sky.

We carried a big load of wood into the cellar to be on the safe side for the coming season. I lit the first candle before going to bed, and when I blew it out, the smell brought me back to all the winters I’ve experienced in my life.

In the past days, I’ve also been clearing out things that will serve others better than me and did a bit of fall cleaning. I scanned some new analogue pictures and worked on new illustrations.

Are you prepared for the cold season ahead? In any case, I wish you a cozy autumn weekend!

☙

*the greenest of greens

Where the greenest of greens are to be found

I put my naked feet on the ground.

Where the reddest of reds manifest

I lay down my head for a rest.

Where the light touches only the mist

all my worries cease to exist.

{Claudia Voglhuber}

☙

*nature journal

First pages of my nature study sketchbook. I mainly used watercolors and brought out the details with colored pencils. Let’s see if I manage to stay on task – it would be lovely to have this journal filled someday!

☙

*forest being

Amongst forest spirits.

☙

*mountain river

At the end of August, we visited a beautiful mountain river. I loved wading in it, and I even washed my hair in the cold, clear water, which was no warmer than 12 degrees. It was one of my personal highlights of this summer – it made me feel instantly alive, as if my soul had been purified as well.

☙

*forest harmony

This forest was just perfect – the light, the warm colors that blend so well together, the atmosphere, the scents, the little birch trees scattered throughout. I could stay there all day without getting bored. Hopefully, I’ll get to see this place in winter someday!

☙