This September has been a dream so far, with cooler and dryer weather – the final warm summer days and the first sweater-donning mornings. I am anticipating autumn while still enjoying the last sip of summer. Here are three more things I’m loving this month.
The lush end-of-summer flora
In our backyard, I have been watching the hummingbirds on the lantana, our last tomatoes ripening, and the wild growth and final blooms of flowers around town before the first freeze. I am savoring all the green before the leaves begin to turn and fall (which I love, too).
Rifle Paper Co. Home
I love Rifle Paper Co.’s home items. For our wedding, we received this blue and this cream hydrangea pillow, which we had on our bed. When we moved to our new house, I snagged this gorgeous, ultra-soft rug on sale, and found this embroidered teal pillow, also on sale, to match. (The hydrangea pillows are now on our living room couch.) I have been so happy with these beautiful, high-quality items; they bring me joy.
The Whalebone Theatre
A wonderful, epic, near 600-page read, The Whalebone Theatre took me all of August and the beginning of this month — not the best pick while going back to school and moving, and thus being really tired all the time. It’s a sweeping, whimsical tale with great characters that spans from 1919 to 1945. The story starts with the young Cristabel Seagrave, growing up at her family home Chilcombe in the English countryside, along with sister Flossie, brother Digby, and their parents, as well as the staff and guests. The children find adventure and escapism through their Whalebone Theatre, constructed with the bones of a beached whale where they put on plays. As they grow up, they are thrust into World War II — Cristabel and Digby off to war as British secret agents in France, while Flossie stays at Chilcombe.
I recommend this book to lovers of historical fiction, imaginative narratives and dreamy prose, and theatre. Ensure you have the time and space to soak in and enjoy this one, as there’s a lot of characters and rich, descriptive writing. Reminded me somewhat of Still Life and I Capture the Castle. Tuck this beautiful story away for chilly autumn days.
Since finishing, I’ve started Tom Lake, which I’m already in love with and delighted to keep reading.
What little things are bringing you joy this month?
P.S. Labor Day weekend reflections, our screen porch, and 5 things to love about September.
