I have been shamefully unproductive this morning, but I don’t regret it one bit.

In the car, I listened to The Invisible Life of Addie Larue, by V.E. Shwab, and wow, what a beautiful book. If there is any story to make you appreciate the fullness of life, this is it. There was a point early on, when I thought it a little slow or long; now I don’t want it to end. I am definitely going to return to it as a physical book and read it again.

At home, I went outside to pick up some windfalls (procrastinating). It was a beautiful morning: September sunshine; autumn leaves; red admiral butterflies; playful cat; and the dog, who just wanted to sit right beside me on the damp grass. There was the sweet scent of apples, the hum of the wasps, and the breeze, gently lifting the pages of the book.

I recorded a poem, from my book, which I first shared here. It has similarities with a more recent piece, which I shared on Substack, reflecting on the grief that comes with aging.

Today, I feel light and free, but I am in the perimenopausal rollercoaster of emotions, so the small joys and restful moments matter more than ever at the moment.

I have been making apple tea, and apple crumble, and eating slices of sweet apples from the trees. I have been reading, and journalling, and playing with the cats. And I have been nesting: tidying, cleaning and sorting. Andrew and I have started re-watching The Lord of the Rings films, wrapped in my favourite blanket. Another story I don’t want to end.

My friend and I have made a playlist together and I have been enjoying her songs and thinking back over music I have liked, to share with her. I was reminded of a few soundtracks I like, including the one for The Lake House.

What small things are you enjoying this Autumn?