It’s been some time since my last update.
I’ve missed this. Sitting down with a cup of tea, typing, and reminiscing on the previous season. There’s so much to share. The biggest news is that in mid-September, Stephen and I moved back to the RJR building—back home.
THERE ARE FAR, FAR BETTER THINGS AHEAD THAN ANY WE LEAVE BEHIND.
C. S. LEWIS
SEPTEMBER 2023
Most of September was a blur with long nights spent packing and tidying up the little apartment we had lived in for three years.
We did not shed one tear.
From the pandemic, lockdown, protests, losing my job because of a COVID-19 vaccination mandate, drama in the apartment building, to being assaulted on the street (read the news story here)—I was ready to go home.
There was a sweet sigh of relief moving the last box and piece of furniture back home to the Kimpton; and just in time for autumn. I’m so happy we waited, fingers crossed for so long, and finally signed a lease for the apartment of our dreams. Autumn has always been a season of looking inward and focusing on the roots I put down, rather than the flowers that bloom—the seasonal transition was perfect and inspiring.
OCTOBER 2023
… ΤIME, THE IMPETUOUS SCULPTOR OF HUMANS.
ODYSSEUS
There’s nothing quite like watching crimson leaves pirouette in the autumn breeze on my walk to the office. As usual, October flew by far too quickly, but it was enchanting while it lasted. Most evenings you could find me unpacking cardboard boxes with a glass of wine, and rearranging dusty volumes lining our floating shelves. Then there were the nights of enchantment while it rained. The windowpanes were bejeweled with raindrops, refracting the glow of lamplight within. There were a handful of nights where ideas for my novel flickered like flames in the gathering darkness —candlelit séances of thought.
NOVEMBER 2023
“YOU CAN NEVER GET A CUP OF TEA LARGE ENOUGH OR A BOOK LONG ENOUGH TO SUIT ME.” C.S. LEWIS
The aroma of Earl Grey tea mingled with the rich scent of November’s crisp air was a nostalgic embrace from the fading sun. As evenings and nights grew longer, each room in our apartment was bathed in a soft glow.
One night I stared at a family heirloom—a brass-trimmed mirror reflecting the allure of Parisian style. It was then that I finally knew exactly how I would decorate our apartment. I researched velvet curtains with a vision in mind of curtains gently billowing, revealing glimpses of the city view. Muted hues of soft black, green, and gold creating an ambiance of timeless sophistication.
SHE QUIETLY EXPECTED GREAT THINGS TO HAPPEN TO HER, AND NO DOUBT THAT’S ONE OF THE REASONS WHY THEY DID.
ZELDA FITZGERALD
But I had to pause my excitement as I packed my bags and flew to Chicago for LeadingAge with my company. And then later pack my bags again for a short trip to Madison, WI. Both trips were so much fun. I love spending time with clients and even more so with my colleagues; they are truly some of the best people!
DECEMBER 2023
Frost-kissed windows framed the city landscape below as Stephen helped me assemble our pink Christmas tree in the corner facing Fourth and Main. The aroma of spiced molasses ginger cookies (gingersnaps are delicious, too!) and hot toddies echoed throughout most wintry weekends.
“NOT ALL THOSE WHO WANDER ARE LOST.”
J.R.R. TOLKIEN
I packed my bag for one last trip to Atlanta before the New Year and loved every moment. Every day brimmed with shared laughter, the melody that resonates in the symphony of true camaraderie. There’s nothing like it.
The Creative Services team threw a wonderful Christmas party that transformed the workspace into a sanctuary of laughter, office banter, and a celebration of milestones turning achievements into shared triumphs.
JANUARY 2024
BEGIN DOING WHAT YOU WANT TO DO NOW. WE ARE NOT LIVING IN ETERNITY. WE HAVE ONLY THIS MOMENT, SPARKLING LIKE A STAR IN OUR HAND–AND MELTING LIKE A SNOWFLAKE…
FRANCIS BACON
Calendar pages turned like the chapters of a good novel. January’s arrival was quick—a blank canvas, inviting anticipation for the next unwritten story.
A new year means new curtains. Finally, my schedule slowed and I was able to focus more on our home. Stephen helped me hang velvet curtains in our bedroom. They cascade elegantly, cocooning the room, mimicking the enchantment of Parisian nights.
Most January evenings unfolded in slow-motion, a tranquil ballet where time pirouettes at a leisurely pace. I’m not mad about it. I read books in the evening and had the satisfaction of ticking off to-dos, the sweet rhythm of progress—a testament to a day well spent and ambitions pursued.
FEBRUARY 2024
While slippers remain on my feet and leggings under my dresses, spring is on my mind—deep cleaning, clothing I need to purchase for my spring/summer wardrobe, and sewing projects I’ve yet to finish. These sunny February days have inspired me to be more productive. I hope you, too, have been enjoying the anticipation of spring while being refreshed by a restful winter.
And although the landscape without a thick layer of bright white snow has felt unfamiliar, the winds of March are blowing; buds on branches are bursting forth and birds are singing a new song. Spring is on her way to our little city and there’s so much to look forward to. One of those things is Easter.
I PUT BEFORE YOU THE ONE GREAT THING TO LOVE ON EARTH: THE BLESSED SACRAMENT.
J.R.R. TOLKIEN
Like a well-worn book, friendships carry the weight of countless shared chapters and I was grateful to share a page with an old friend who attended Ash Wednesday with me. For Lent I am fasting from wine and Instagram—it’s been a wonderful experience. I’m also reading through Rescued by Blessed Is She.
The contagious happiness of spring spreading throughout the city streets and the dance of daffodils mirrors the budding excitement of Easter Sunday. I hope you take a moment to slow down, too, and enjoy the season you are in.
All my best,
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