Tag: halloween

Team Pumpkin Spice

Look, I know it’s 112 degrees outside. I know my car seat belt buckle is hot enough to brand cattle. I know I shouldn’t even be thinking about fall flavored drinks right now unless they come with a hydration IV and a personal misting fan.

But friends, I am deep in a pumpkin spice spiral.

It happens every year—like clockwork, right around August 1st. I’ll be standing in Target, drenched in sweat, buying something completely unrelated like a garden hose or ant killer when my eyes land on an orange velvet pumpkin in the seasonal aisle. The next thing I know, I’m sniffing cinnamon-scented candles like a lunatic and trying to justify why I absolutely need a 5-foot inflatable pumpkin holding a PSL.

Pumpkin Premonition Syndrome.

Symptoms include:

  • Sudden urge to buy decorative gourds
  • Irrational anger when you remember Starbucks hasn’t released their fall menu yet
  • Googling “when do leaves start changing in Texas” (the answer is: never, and you know this)
  • Endlessly scrolling fall craft ideas on TikTok

The worst part is the cruel taunting from stores. Target has started putting Halloween décor on the shelves, but the only beverage option within 10 miles is a coconut cold brew with almond milk. Ma’am, I don’t want my coffee to taste like a tropical vacation. I want it to taste like a haunted bakery.

But I am manifesting fall, y’all. I am changing all my household scents to “Crisp Autumn Leaves” like it’s a sacrifice to the weather gods. I am scrolling past swimsuit sales with the smugness of someone already mentally in a corn maze. I am fantasizing about cardigans, crunchy leaves, and not sweating through my socks.

So while the rest of the world is still living their best summer lives—grilling, swimming, and trying not to melt—I’ll be over here, dreaming in shades of orange, sipping my lukewarm, semi-homemade spice sludge, and whispering sweet nothings to my fall decorations in storage.

Because fall isn’t a season. It’s a state of mind. And I live there #PumpkinSpiceForever #TooSoonButIDoNotCare

Blessings y’all! – Amy

Here Come The Holidays

6 weeks until Thanksgiving. 10 weeks until Christmas. 11 weeks until we say goodbye to 2021 (who thankfully has been kinder than 2020) and hello 2022.

Freakin’ mind blowing. 2020 was a “B”. No way to sugar coat it – it just was. For so many reasons I could write a book about it. But for all the ways 2020 sucked for me (and all of us), 2021 brought about equally as many positive changes to my life. Changes I didn’t know I needed. Changes that giving thanks for them every day takes up part of my prayers each morning.

Even though life is more joyful and happy than I have known it to be in longer than I can remember, my stomach still clenches a little at the thought of the months of November and December. Aside from the fact that for at least the next six weeks work will be insane, Nov/Dec always bring out unrealistic expectations of myself and are flooded with land mines of memories and special dates.

Unlike years past this year I started working through what my expectations were of myself during these trying months before they get here. The answer? I HAVE NONE. I have committed to myself that I will not turn holiday season 2021 into a mental vortex of “gotta do’s”, tears, or judging myself for not being able to do _______________ (insert whatever). Instead I’ve mapped out the things that are important to me and with the fam and the rest will just be taken as it comes. I made plans for both November and December travel that will keep me focused on sandy beaches and frosty cocktails when I feel the stress coming on. My children are all grown so there will be no deck the halls and worrying about what the dogs eat of those decorations when I am at work. No long list of presents to buy and wrap. (hallelujah!)

The goal this year is to spend November taking a moment each day to give thanks for all I have and am blessed with. The goal for December is to remember the reason we celebrate Christmas. God has so blessed my life in the last year! I want to cherish time with family and friends and keep the joy I currently can’t get enough as close to me as possible. THIS is the year I am not a crying puddle of goo by December 25th. THIS is the year that I will savor the good memories, on the important dates, and not mourn what has been lost. THIS is the year that closes a great chapter in my life but starts the next even better one.

Happy Halloween, Happy Thanksgiving, Merry Christmas, and Happy New Year!

Blessings – Amy