On the Coffee Table...

I got out of the habit of reading regularly early this year. Struggling to get through magazines, let alone books. Though I never ceased to be good at collecting both. And I mean the real, bound, print-on-paper deal. No electronic reading devices here. 
There are a couple of books that I started and then put down that I really want to get back to, but I always struggle to revisit books that I've abandoned. Do I start over, or just skim to refresh then pick up where I left off? And what to do in the case of a series left off in the middle of?  So for months I would just surf the interwebs instead of facing my "to read" pile. I take comfort in doubting that I'm the only one that grapples with such debilitating problems related to reading for pleasure. :)
I decided to start this week with a couple of virgin-to-me titles to get past my reader's block. In the meantime I instituted a moratorium on printed word purchases. That calls for a sigh. 

Bye, Fall

The little pile o' pumpkins centerpiece is hitting the compost pile today. Going to start in on the winter holiday decorating. 

We had a very nice Thanksgiving holiday back in Illinois with family and friends. Feeling pretty overstuffed after, I resolved to eat better and get back to regular exercise. Ummmm, that's going ok so far, except for the croissant, bacon, and rum cake-in-a-jar  (first go at the recipe and a baking triumph, so I especially don't regret that one) yesterday. But they were had sort of in moderation and paired with some redeemingly healthy things. 

I've also been looking to do something healthy for what's upstairs, which I do believe trickles down to everything else, so I've decided to give the whole mindfulness/meditation thing a try. I got this app and did day one Monday and really enjoyed it. I missed yesterday, boo, but I think I might restart today and try to get the husband on board.


Last week was a very good week for Unknown Blackbird on Etsy. Adding more things leading up to the holidays.


Our (eight year old) puppy had surgery on Monday to have a couple of lumps removed. She is resting comfortably as is our agoraphobic cat who had her annual trip to the vet also on Monday followed by a very traumatic bath (for she and I) after she wee-ed in her crate on the way home.

One last thing, I changed my user name on Pinterest and something went wrong and now I can't get at my stuff. But they're telling me all is safe and sound and not to worry, they're working on it. So my P button is temporarily (hopefully) broken. Maybe meditation day two now for a little perspective. Back soon.

November Sky

On the way to the gym Monday evening, I happened upon this. Waiting on some answers re. the future at the moment and they are not forthcoming. Related to the husband's career, suddenly a move may be in store, perhaps far afield. Not something I am completely against by any means, but it does have implications for planning for a business that involves growing things. But I am planting those bulbs anyway, hopefully they will be enjoyed regardless.

Last Shot

Final bouquet of dahlias before the were done in by frost a couple of days ago. I'm about to go dig up the tubers for their winter hibernation. And plant a load of spring bulbs.

Gah, I really think dahlias might be my favorite of them all. So perfectly gorgeous.

Vignettes

Here are a couple of little scenes from the week before last that I meant to share sometime before now. The weekend before this past one we were back in Illinois for a Halloween party, and this one just past we had a good friend visiting. And I've otherwise been doing a bunch of running around, and feeling rather like I'm not getting anywhere in any respect. Anywho, above is the neighbor's clothesline looking particularly colorful and below is a little slice of our office.

Peeping at Leaves

Or so they say up the New England way. And as I've heard Granville, OH described as a little slice of New England in the midwest, I suppose that's an appropriate thing to call our activity over there. 

Granville is actually where the better half works, it's about a half hour east of Columbus. My dad is in town, and he's been helping with work on our house, specifically the basement refinish I mentioned awhile back. On Tuesday we took some time off and went over and had lunch with the husband and walked around and took some photos as he has a fancy camera he is learning to use as well.

This is the light post, I guess you'd call it, in front of the Buxton Inn. A cat is involved in their logo, so this is an extension of the theme. A few leaves to see in the upper left corner, but really this one is just for the love of the meows.

It's really been a beautiful fall here in O-hi-o. Will report again soon.

The Older the Better, With an Exception

I've been obsessed with old things for as long as I can remember. Drawn to falling down, chipped tarnished, tattered. This is what led me to get a masters degree in archaeology and also why much of the furniture and accessories that fill my home, some of the places I've called home themselves, and more and more bits of my wardrobe have lived previous lives and have the patina to show for it. One way or the other, I will save ALL the old things.

And so in an effort to do just that, I am opening up a shop on Etsy. It will be primarily vintage for home and to wear, but also some handmade and growing things as well. 

The shop will be called Unknown Blackbird. Surprise! I plan to open my virtual doors in the next day or so and will post a link as soon as I do.

These are my tag/garage sale finds from a week ago Friday. Two coal scuttles overflowing with hens and chicks; a box of pans and moulds to be involved with the aforementioned growing things, perhaps even specifically with some of those hens and chicks, plus bonus potato masher; a photo album with beautiful, perfectly worn green velvet masquerading as moss; and The Complete Works of Edgar Allan Poe in Five Volumes, Centenary Edition from 1903.

I'll share my finds from this past Friday soon.

One last recent acquisition, not of the vintage variety. Finally after a year and a half or so of exercising patience and restraint, a dslr to call my very own! I'm so excited to stop leaning on Instagram (I do love it, I do, but...) and to get more serious about photography. I've got a lot to learn, but I'm trying to do so as I go and just get as comfortable as possible with the camera as quickly as possible.

So that's that!