Of Halloween Stars & Cozy Autumn Fireplace

Cozy October is the most wonderful time!

I am here trying to enjoy every morsel.

Apple crisps on repeat, watching the glorious moon, and doing some delightful crafts.

I’ve been making star garlands for years, but I didn’t have a large one for the super tall mantel.

I put on some scary movies and just drew stars onto cardboard, cut them out, painted them in kid craft glue and dunked them in glitter.

A truly enjoyable time.

I don’t know why stars are so magically fun to make and hang, but they just are.

And they are perfect for Halloween and Christmas.

My little guy is finally being treated with the love he deserves.

I got him in 2001 I think, for a party, and then left him outside for years and years.

Until he was aged to absolute perfection.

Boy is he ever.

So well-aged, that I may have to seal him so pieces of him don’t keep falling off.

I was in the mood for a calm and cozy Halloween vibe this year.

I didn’t go super crazy and I’m really enjoying the overall feel of it.

I had ordered the moon and star pumpkins form somewhere this summer, if only I could remember where?

I loved them in orange, but I kept envisioning them in pink with glitter accents.

So, I painted them in acrylic craft paint, and I really love them now.

I added some light brown staining, which isn’t overtly obvious, but made them have a little more depth of color.

All the twinkle lights and spooky magic of the season is just my most favorite.

I’ve really been drinking in the wonders of October.

Fireplace, tea in the dark, with only the candles and twinkle lights illuminating.

Absolutely the best.

I brought out a few of my favorite books.

I’ve never used the witchcraft book, but I got it in the creepiest little hole in the wall bookstore when I was in my 20’s.

I just adored going into that bookstore.

There was a little chair in the way back corner, with twinkle lights and paper ships hanging from the ceiling.

I thought it was the most magical place I had ever been in, surrounded by the scent of old books.

It’s long gone now, but I love the vivid memories I have of it.

I had a wonderful weekend at the country house, reading ghost stories and making ML some rice krispy treats.

Of course, tending my gardens a lot, and Halloweenifying gypsy wagons.

I have all my supplies ready for my mom’s caramel corn, next on the menu for this coming weekend.

If only this deliciously magical month could slow down a little.

I love it too much, I can’t get enough.

The weather is sublime, the garden is in a second spring.

There is so much relief from the hot summer.

The sky is stunning at night.

Please don’t go so quickly Octoberrrrr!

I hope you are having a delightful month as well.

I have so many harvests happening.

I’ve never had such huge endless tomatoes.

I am convinced it was all the rain this summer that got them to set so much fruit.

The flavor of them, just incredible.

I’m bringing in huge baskets full daily.

I normally despise tomatoes, but when I grow them myself, I do enjoy them.

I have made salsas, and pomodoro, and salads aplenty.

Oh and, tomato tarts too.

There are soooo many chilies, and still zucchini and pumpkins.

I have yet to roast my first pumpkin of the season, have you?

I’ve also been working on clay sculptures, but it seems I hardly have time in my life these days.

My day begins, and I am busy busy, and then it is over in the blink of an eye.

I remember when I was a child and days were soooo long.

I know that scientifically time goes faster as you get older, but this is just nonsense 🙂

You’ll have to fill me in on all the wonderful things you are getting up to this month.

What are your favorite must-do’s in October?

It’s definitely time to bake some pumpkin bread.

I just realized I have not had anything pumpkin flavored this month yet.

I must get on that tomorrow.

I hope you are doing just lovely in your neck of the woods, and I hope to see you soon!

 

Lots of love from me to you!

 

Happy pumpkin times!

Love, Vanessa