Sunday Snippet: The September Resolution (And Birthday!) Edition
Our winner is Joanna Mallozzi Owen! I’ve contacted you on Facebook, Joanna, so watch for a private message from me.
I read an article a few years ago that talked about September resolutions–how they’re much easier than New Year’s resolutions because they’re inner resolutions. A fall renewing of your spirit and determination. I like that idea, just a quiet resolve to do better. The worrying thing will need work this fall–the knot in my stomach is back, I think mostly because of politics. That whole situa
tion terrifies the tar outta me, but outside of voting, what can I do? Just live my life, love my family and friends, and try to do good where I can. Oh, and remember to breathe . . . Good resolutions for September, don’t you think?
Fall has always been my favorite time of year, maybe because I was born in late September, and I think of myself as a fall baby. But since we got the lake cottage, summer has ranked pretty high on the favorite seasons list, too. This year, though, I’m kinda ready for cooler nights and crisp days, jeans and sweatshirts, and apples from the orchard. Tuesday is my 70th birthday and I’m full of wonder about that. First, that I made it to 70–genetics does not play in my favor when it comes to a long life, and second, that I feel really good. I’m so grateful to my cardiologist and the miracle of modern medicine. I will continue to do exactly as she says, take my medicine faithfully, and move, move, move my body.
I’m hoping that fall will bring more writing time. I have a deadline coming up soon and although I’m not stalled out at all, I just haven’t made time for writing as much as I should. I’ve let book promotion and editing work get in my way, even in the early mornings. Liz and I have a writing retreat coming up in a couple weeks and that will be devoted to Kara and Joey’s story.
I will also be getting back to the gym as fall progresses–lake swimming is out of the question now that the lake has cooled down so much. I miss swimming, so the gym pool will take priority in the mornings, plus afternoon or evening walks around the ‘hood with pal Mary, who keeps me moving.
GIVEAWAY!
I’m also going to be getting back to book promotion because my latest book releases on October 23. In that spirit and because it’s my birthday on Tuesday, how about a giveaway? If you’d like an e-book ARC of Christmas in River’s Edge, in the comments below, tell me your favorite thing about fall or if you hate fall, tell me why. I’ll pick a winner on Tuesday evening–my birthday.
Gratitude for this week: Fun visits at the lake with neighbors and family; got two editing gigs completed, returned, and invoiced; two boat rides this week and Husband’s face so full of joy; time with Moe at the lake; and I’m finally almost done with Go Tell the Bees That I Am Gone, a book I’ve had on my Kindle to read for a couple of years and just haven’t gotten to it. It’s just as good as all the other Outlander books and makes me anxious for the other half of season 7 on Starz.
So, mes amies, stay well, stay safe (get out those masks–flu and other nasty bugs are in the air), be kind, keep reading, and most of all, stay grateful!
45 Comments
Elisa Weaver
Love fall; the leaves changing and cooler temperatures.
Glenda M
Happy, Happy Birthday Nan!!
My favorite thing about fall is that the temps start to cool down! That said, we had 3 days straight of 100+ with higher heat indexes over the weekend (after high 90s all week). We do have thunderstorms rolling through and next week we’re supposed to be back into the low 90s.
Nan
Funny how “cooling down” is relative, isn’t it? In the Midwest, cooling down is nights in the 40s, days in the 60s… Thanks for stopping by, Glenda!
Patty Fontenot Duplechin
Happiest of birthdays. Hope you have a wonderful and blessed day. What I love about fall is the beginning of the holidays. I get so excited. Starting with Halloween which is my husband’s birthday
Debra Pruss
Happy birthday! My favorite thing about Fall is being able to have the windows and doors open to enjoy the fresh air. I can see and talk to the stray cats and kittens. The leaves turn such beautiful shades of read, orange and yellow. The sky has been such a vibrant shade of blue. Thank you so much for the opportunity. God bless you.
Nan
So totally get how great it is to open doors and windows! I love the fresh air and the openness of the house!
Kathleen Bylsma
Happy Tuesday Birthday!
Those are wonderful things for which to be grateful… Yes, meds and proper exercise are paramount.
Fall is my best time of year for summer garden planning… I have naturalizing daffodils to plant, variegated!, and tulips to put in the ground as well.
Have a lovely birthday week.
Nan
Thank you, Kathleen! My neighbor is a great gardener and is already planning next summer’s garden. I’m more of a perennial live-and-let-live gardener…
Joannie Sico
I love the cooler weather, apple pies from our apple trees, pumpkin bread, fall foliage, & that winter is next!!
Nan
You have apple trees? How cool! And yes, I do love winter!
Joannie Sico
Yes the apple trees are amazing and doing really well, which means more apple pies and there are still plenty of apples left over for the deer too. We tried a garden one year but that didn’t go so well for us. We didn’t see many vegetables at all. It went really well for the deer though. We have a plum tree too but it doesn’t produce nearly as much fruit as the apple trees but that’s okay.
Hope you have a Happy Birthday(sorry forgot earlier)
Latesha B.
Happy early Birthday to you, Nan! I hope you have a wonderful birthday week. Fall/Autumn is my favorite season because of football, sweaters, leaves changing colors and when I was a kid, going back to school.
Nan
Thank you, Latesha! I’m planning a busy week that ends with a book signing, then Liz and I are off to our retreat! Can’t wait for that!
Kimberly Field
Happy Birthday! I love fall, my second favorite season. My mom’s birthday is Thursday, she will be 75. I know how lucky I am to have her. Her brother and sister in law are going to be visiting for a few days from OR. When I took vacations, to take care of gram, or just visit my family in Indy, I always planned the trip for Oct. I loved seeing all the leaves changing and the smell of crispness in the air.
Nan
Thanks, Kimberly! I do love living in Indiana and the fall colors is just one reason. Soooo ready for fall–it’s been a hot dry summer.
Janine
Fall is my favorite time of year because Texas summers are brutal. I look forward to when it starts cooling down. But it’s not here yet. Yesterday we had another record breaker of 101 and today doesn’t feel much better.
Nan
Texas summers sound brutal. In the Midwest, we may get into the hundreds but only for a day or two. Summers can be hot and often dry, but hot here is when it’s in the nineties. I’m sending you cool-down energy!
Wioletta Slyk
I love Fall. Cooler weather and trees changing colors
Nan
Hi, Wioletta! Me too! Our little sweet gum tree is really pretty right now. I can’t wait for it to become an adult tree and shade our front yard.
Denise
I love everything about fall. It’s my favorite season.
Nan
I do love fall, too, Denise! Thanks for stopping by!
Nancy Zimmerman
I also love autumn best, probably also because of my birthday which was yesterday. I have always identified with fall, even before I looked back & discovered I was born on the equinox. And yesterday it was the equinox again. Another reason I always loved fall was the start of school made me happy. I enjoy cooler weather, wearing jeans & a jacket, walking through fallen leaves, eating soup, watching campfires burn, hearing the barred owl return to our yard, and of course, being awestruck by trees changing colors. It’s just magical.
Nan
Happy birthday, mon amie! So with you on all of your favorite fall things! And so glad you stopped by! Hugs!
Liz Navarro
I love the crispness of the morning , the change in leaves and sweater weather ! Fall feels slower, calmer with a chance to rest up after a fast summer .
Nan
Fall does feel slower, Liz, you’re so right!
bn100
cooler weather
Nan
Yup! 😉
Linda May
My favorite thing about Fall is the cooler weather and leaves changing colors on the trees. Thanks for your great generosity.
Debbie Tyler
No bugs, beautiful colors, pumpkin and apples Halloween. lots to love
Nan
Yes, lots to love–apples! You said the magic word!!
Nan
Linda, our little sweet gum tree is full of color right now!
Johanna Mallozzi Owen
I love all the colors and aromas of Fall
Nan
Me too! Cinnamon, nutmeg, campfires, and just the clean air!
Melinda Kirkpatrick
I love fall because you can be outside more.the leaves colors and you get to have things like apple cider. I just love everything about fall football, s’mores, pumpkin spice, you name it!! Oh and hoodies!!
Nan
Oh, apple cider! Yum! Husband and I are going to hit the orchard today, I think… I need cider! And yes to hoodies!
Tracy Friits
I love fall I like cooler weather and leaves changing
Nan
Yes, the cooler weather is always welcome! I’m ready for sweatshirts!
Rhonda Gothier
I love the cooler weather and we can open up the windows and get fresh air!
Nan
Opening up the windows is the best part of fall! The house feels refreshed!
Julie Barrett
First, happy birthday enjoy your special day. An arc digital would be great, tx for the chance. Fall in northeast is about leaves, cider and apples, donuts especially.
Nan
Thank you, Julie! Fall birthdays are terrific because we can celebrate with apple pie! 😉
Kate
When the humidity levels drop! And I love the changing colors. Sleeping with the windows open and the return to hearty meals like chili, potato soup, etc.
Nan
Hey Kate, I hadn’t thought about the food, but Husband has been hinting about chili! It’s that time, isn’t it?
Liz Flaherty
Everything about fall (except for wind and rain) is my favorite thing. The entire season is a sensory delight for sooo many reasons. Looking forward to retreat!
Nan
I love, “The entire season is a sensory delight…” Yes! In a week, we’ll be on our way!! YAY!!