Lately

Lately I have been soaking up autumn, testing my new rainboots, walking walking walking and drinking cocktails.

Four More Years

Yesterday when I heard what had happened in America I almost burst into tears on the street.
I am so so happy with the (resounding) decision my country has made, and so so proud.
Yesterday was a victory for freedom and equality.

They say that a liberal is someone who won't even take his own side in an argument.  The result is that the squeaky wheel in American politics, the loud ones banging on their pulpits, are the Right; the conservative republicans who, despite the fact that our great nation was founded on the principles of equality and the separation between church and state, believe that we should all adhere to a "biblical" code that most of us don't believe in.  That it is more in line with "American Values" to deny freedom to people to do what they want with their lives.  These people think (and proclaim, again and again, loudly) that they speak for the American people.  That they represent all of us.

But they don't.  Because the American people have spoken for themselves.

Insta-Autumn

As I'm sure you can gather from my last several posts, I am kind of obsessed with this time of year.  Fall has been my favourite season since I was a little girl, and I still love it as much as ever.  Here are a few glimpses at what I have been up to, including: Eating Vietnamese food, playing scrabble with my sister, and lots and lots of autumn walks.

Making Plans

I have a tendency (please tell me you do too!) towards panicking when big life changes happen to me.  Not panicking about the change in particular, but getting all like "I need to figure everything out forever, now now now!".  Of course, this is ridiculous.  We don't need to plan the next five years of our lives. 

Breaking up is hard not only because of the breakup itself, and all the practical things you need to think about (House?  Dog?  Will I ever feel able to date again?) but also because it kills the whole future that you had imagined with that person.  Instead of making plans as a 'we' you are making plans as an 'I' which is in some ways easier, but in some ways very sad.

For the last three years I have been feeling super super homesick for America.  It is weird, because I haven't actually lived there full time since I was eight, but I realized a while ago that, actually, living here so far away from our family is sad and pointless.  I have always wanted to raise my (hypothetical) children around their extended family, as I never got to be around mine.  So America is calling me.  However I also have a little black dog to consider in my plans.  Some people have advised me to give her away, but I can't even consider that.  I promised her that I would take care of her until she dies or I die, whichever comes first.

This is going to be a sadly conclusion-less post, but I just wanted to put on a (digital) page what I am thinking about and what is weighing on my mind right now.  I know it will all work out for the best, as it always does.  This planning stage with a million possibilities is scary, but very exciting at the same time.

Autumn Goals

The beginning of October seems like a perfect time to think about how I want the rest of my year to go.
Inspired by Michelle here are my goals for the autumn:

1- Get Rid of Stuff.  I will probably be moving house in the next month or two, so would like to start working towards being moving-ready rather than having that last minute dash of hell.

2- Finish Some Crafts. I actually am pretty good at finishing craft projects generally, but in the summer they all seem to fall by the wayside.  I have a particular unfinished crocheted shawl in mind.

3- Go to Hampstead Heath.  I love the Heath.  My dog loves the Heath.  There are dog friendly pubs that do amazing roast dinners there.  It is far from where I live, but is a trek worth making!

4- Sew a Wearable Garment for Myself.  I am taking a dressmaking and pattern cutting class, and I would love it if in the next few months I am able to sew myself something that I love.

5- Thanksgiving.  I love Thanksgiving dinner, probably more than Christmas dinner, but last year I didn't have one.  This year I am all over it, and am going to cook a dinner for friends.  I love turkey and love being thankful, so it is a win win really.

6- Bake a Pie (see above).  I consider myself an experienced baker.  I will whip you up a cake or some cookies or a loaf of bread no problem.  Pies however (or, more specifically, pie crust) is a terrifying problem for me.  I will probably attempt the 3rd homemade pie of my life at Thanksgiving.

I like these goals because they are fun but also clearly achievable.  Set yourself up for success, that is my motto.

Winter is Coming

It is the time of year when getting dressed involves tights, sweaters, scarves and boots, and dog walks involve lots of kicking through leaves.  Autumn is here.  Winter is coming. 

Change

There is no other way to tell you guys this than to just come out and say it: I am a single lady once again.