October’s Delights: A Curated List of Good Things, Travel Adventures, & Inspiring Reads

Welcome to our monthly roundup of exceptional experiences, thoughtful purchases, captivating reads, and engaging entertainment. As the crisp autumn air gives way to the cooler days of November, we’re taking a moment to reflect on the wonderful things that filled our October.

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November 2019 has truly snuck up on us, bringing with it a perfect opportunity to look back at the array of good things that brightened our October. This past month was particularly exciting as it included a memorable trip, leading to some valuable travel discoveries we’re eager to share. Additionally, my reading list was incredibly diverse, spanning various genres and offering unique perspectives. I’m confident that among these selections, you’ll discover something that sparks your interest or inspires you.

Given our travels for a portion of the month, our screen time was somewhat limited. However, the few things we did manage to watch were absolutely outstanding, leaving a lasting impression. I have a strong feeling you’ll enjoy them just as much as we did.

Looking ahead, we’re fully immersed in preparing for the holiday season, much like many of you. Our family plans for Thanksgiving are taking shape, and our thoughts are already turning to thoughtful handmade gifts. If you’re keen to get a head start on your holiday planning, don’t forget you can download our comprehensive Holiday Planner. It’s an invaluable resource designed to help you navigate the Thanksgiving and Christmas seasons with ease and joy.

Last year, I shared my detailed Christmas decorating strategy in November’s Good Things List. This year, however, my approach is a little different. My primary goal is to creatively reuse and refresh the decorations we already possess. I was genuinely fond of last year’s festive ambiance, so why reinvent the wheel? Instead of a decorating plan, I’ll be sharing a full Christmas home tour later this month. This will give you a glimpse into how I’ve reimagined our existing decor, creating a fresh look with familiar pieces. Be sure to keep an eye out for that!

Alright, let’s dive right into this month’s collection of good things!

October’s Good Things: A Snapshot of Joy, Adventure, and Achievement

Cherished Memories with Our Beloved Dog, Samson

While Samson’s recent passing was undoubtedly a profound sorrow, it feels absolutely essential to acknowledge the immeasurable goodness he brought into our lives for thirteen wonderful years. His sweet, loyal presence blessed us in countless ways, leaving an indelible paw print on our hearts. Every day with him was a good thing, a gift we cherished deeply.

I find immense comfort in recalling our last adventure together: a trip to the breathtaking Oregon coast, specifically Pacific City. The photograph above, capturing Samson right by the ocean, perfectly encapsulates his spirit. Where Brian was, Samson was invariably close by, a constant, comforting shadow. Our home feels a little quieter, a little less sweet without him, but the richness he added to our lives makes us forever grateful. He taught us so much about unconditional love and finding joy in simple moments.

Exploring the Charms of Texas: Austin and San Antonio Adventure

If you caught our latest podcast episode, you’ll already know we embarked on a fantastic week-long journey to Texas. Our trip began in Austin for a work conference, followed by an unforgettable day trip down to San Antonio. The weather throughout our stay was absolutely glorious, providing the perfect backdrop for exploration. We discovered a completely new side of Austin compared to our previous visit, and San Antonio captivated us entirely with its unique history and vibrant culture.

Much of our time was spent immersing ourselves in the local atmosphere, taking advantage of the many free attractions and, of course, indulging in the incredible culinary scene! We savored generous servings of authentic tacos, rich queso, and mouth-watering barbecue, truly getting our fill of Texan flavors. For all our detailed tips and a comprehensive look at our itinerary, you can visit the podcast notes page here. If you ever find yourself planning a visit to these dynamic Texan cities, you might just uncover some inspiration for your own adventure.

For those curious about the captivating images above: the top photograph showcases the stunning downtown Austin skyline and Lady Bird Lake, viewed from the scenic, miles-long walking path we enjoyed daily. The bottom photo captures the serene beauty of Mission Concepcion, a part of San Antonio’s Missions Historic National Park, a truly remarkable historical site.

Triumph Over “The Mound”: A Fall Garden Project Finally Completed

This particular garden project has been a monumental undertaking, lingering on our to-do list for well over a year. It was a prominent feature on our fall yard and garden agenda, and I am absolutely ecstatic to report that it is finally, definitively finished! The sense of accomplishment is truly wonderful.

So, what exactly was this elusive project? I affectionately refer to it as “the mound.” It’s hard to believe, but I don’t possess a proper “before” picture of the bizarre, random brick wall that once stood beside this large earth mound. However, the top photograph gives you a clear view of the mound itself, as seen from our farmhouse. The brick wall was situated on the opposite side, an incongruous feature in our landscape.

Beyond the peculiar brick wall, which seemed to float aimlessly in a landscape devoid of any other brick elements, there’s another crucial detail to understand. The entire area, stretching from our driveway through a cluster of huge boulders to the even larger mound, was completely covered in weed-infested landscape fabric. (You can read my strong opinions on landscape fabric here – spoiler: I’m not a fan). What appeared green was certainly not a healthy lawn.

I believe at some point, there might have been other plants or herbs thriving there. But as soon as the weather warmed during our first year in the house, the weeds erupted with astonishing vigor, transforming the area into an unsightly mess. This section of our property is highly visible to anyone driving in, so my vision was to beautify the part with the boulders while ensuring the rest became incredibly low-maintenance – ideally, just grass that could be easily mowed.

Why Did It Take a Year to Complete?

The journey to completion was multifaceted. While initially removing the surface weeds was relatively straightforward, albeit heavy work (we essentially rolled up the weeds and landscape fabric like sod), we soon uncovered a major obstacle: the mound had been constructed to conceal a massive tree stump.

And, as if that weren’t enough, whoever created this mound had dumped a colossal pile of sand on top of it. Removing this sand proved to be an agonizingly slow process, especially in our region where it’s perpetually wet, rendering the sand incredibly heavy. This was followed by the discovery of yet another large boulder, and then more rocks, adding to the excavation challenge.

We attempted stump grinding, only to realize we hadn’t removed nearly enough. We tried burning, but it wouldn’t fully eradicate the stump. Resourcefully, we even used our Jeep to pull out stubborn, rotten roots. Finally, we resorted to sawing the main stump down to the required level. This grueling work was often interspersed with major farmhouse remodeling projects and the intensive set-up of our vegetable garden. So, yes, by the time all the sand, dirt, and stubborn stump remnants were finally cleared, I was practically leaping with joy:

Bring down that wall!

After all that painstaking labor, the actual demolition of the brick wall turned out to be the easiest part – a genuinely amusing irony! It took less than an hour to dismantle and clear away the bricks. We then offered the salvaged bricks for free on Craigslist, and within no time, two grateful individuals came to collect them, giving them a new purpose.

Mission Accomplished.

The transformation is truly remarkable. The area now looks infinitely better to me, and the relief of no longer battling those relentless weeds (which I still had to contend with throughout the entire project) is immense. The new flower bed is elegantly edged with natural rocks, repurposed from those we unearth whenever we dig anywhere on the property. This thoughtful touch ensures it now seamlessly harmonizes with the rest of our landscape. As you can see in the photograph above, allowing the grass to flow continuously around the bed and connect to the gravel drive creates a much more cohesive and aesthetically pleasing look for the entire property.

There are two key lessons I’ve taken from this extended garden saga:

• Don’t give up: If a project takes a while, it’s not a failure; it’s simply part of the process. Persistence truly pays off.
• Please, please, please avoid landscape fabric: Seriously, it creates more problems than it solves in the long run. Discover a much more effective alternative here for truly weed-free flower borders.

The Essential Travel Umbrella

In the weeks leading up to our Texas trip, rain was stubbornly predicted, prompting me to search online for a reliable, compact umbrella. While the rain graciously held off for most of our trip (appearing only briefly on our arrival day, thankfully), I ended up absolutely loving this little gem! It proved to be a fantastic find, even without heavy use.

My main criteria were simple: it had to be small, lightweight, and sturdy enough not to buckle under the slightest breeze, as verified by positive reviews. This umbrella not only met but exceeded those expectations. Beyond its practical features, just look at how charming it is! The delightful pattern is subtly placed underneath, ensuring it’s not overtly loud, yet adds a touch of playful fun. There’s a wide array of great patterns and even plain options if you prefer a more minimalist aesthetic.

Unlike many compact umbrellas that often feel flimsy, this one has a reassuring durability. While it doesn’t feature an automatic opening button, the models with that function were consistently larger and heavier – a trade-off I wasn’t willing to make. I truly appreciated its small footprint, allowing it to fit effortlessly into my carry-on bag or backpack without adding bulk. If you’re on the hunt for a dependable and stylish travel umbrella, this one might just be your perfect match.

The Perfect Travelon Cross Body Bag: Style, Security & Space

I briefly highlighted this fantastic bag during our podcast discussion about the Texas trip, but it truly deserves another dedicated mention here, as I was thoroughly impressed with it for a multitude of reasons. It has quickly become an indispensable travel companion.

My quest for the ideal cross-body bag began after our memorable trip to the Bahamas. During that adventure, we explored extensively on foot, and due to the intense heat, carrying a water bottle was an absolute necessity. The purse I had at the time was adequate, but the water bottle awkwardly dangled out, leaving very little room for anything else. It wasn’t the most practical or secure solution.

Upon discovering Travelon bags featured on a reputable travel site, I immediately delved into researching their offerings. I struck gold on Amazon, finding this exceptional Classic Essential Messenger Bag on sale for an incredible half price! As I used it extensively during our time in Texas, these were the features that truly stood out and made it a winner:

• Advanced Anti-Theft Design: This bag provides peace of mind with its robust anti-theft features. The straps are reinforced to be knife-proof, providing an extra layer of security against slash-and-grab attempts. It also boasts clever locking tabs on the zippers, deterring pickpockets, and integrated RFID blocking slots for your cards and passport, safeguarding your personal information from electronic theft.
• Integrated Wallet Functionality: Thanks to the cleverly designed RFID-blocking card and passport slots, there’s no need to carry a separate wallet. This streamlines your essentials, reducing bulk and making everything more accessible.
• Lightweight and Sleek Profile: Despite its impressive capacity, the bag remains remarkably lightweight and flat. This design allows it to sit comfortably as a cross-body bag without ever feeling bulky or cumbersome, even during long days of exploring.
• Surprisingly Spacious Yet Streamlined: Even when I comfortably carried a full water bottle, the bag maintained its sleek appearance and didn’t feel overstuffed. I was genuinely astonished at how much I could fit inside – from my phone and travel documents to snacks and other necessities – all while maintaining a remarkably stylish and organized profile.

While the bag may no longer be at its half-price sale point, it is still currently available at a discounted rate. If you’re searching for a high-quality, secure, and incredibly functional travel bag, I wholeheartedly recommend checking this one out – I’m absolutely loving mine and plan to use it for many more adventures to come.

October Reads: Diverse Stories and Profound Insights

October was another truly phenomenal month for both reading and listening to books! I’ve already comfortably surpassed my annual goal of 75 books, but honestly, at this point, I simply read because it’s a deep-seated passion. Perhaps I no longer even need a specific reading goal, as it has become such an integral and joyful part of my daily routine!

Here are concise reviews for the eight diverse books I delved into last month:

The Stored Life of AJ Fikry, by Gabrielle Zevin. I began listening to this book with very little prior knowledge, and truth be told, its initial chapters weren’t overwhelmingly promising. The titular character, AJ Fikry, is a widower who has lost his way, oscillating between grumpiness and alcohol. However, the narrative soon picked up significantly, evolving into a story that was both surprisingly sweet and genuinely funny in parts. Despite the improvements, I couldn’t shake the feeling (fueled by the chapter introductions) that it wouldn’t conclude with what I consider a “happy” ending, and I was ultimately correct. Nevertheless, it was a well-crafted book with a deeply touching underlying sentiment that resonated with me.

The Upside of Falling Down, by Rebecca Crane. What can truly be said about this particular book? My initial expectation was a light-hearted, romantic comedy-style read, but it didn’t quite fit that mold. The story centers on a young American woman who emerges as the sole survivor of an airplane crash over Ireland. She awakens with complete amnesia, unable to recall anything about her identity. Frankly, the book was merely okay. I found myself questioning the protagonist’s actions (a young girl, completely devoid of memory, money, or even appropriate clothing, decides to simply wander off on her own? It felt quite unrealistic) and perceived them as rather selfish. While it wasn’t terrible, and it did contain some genuinely light-hearted moments, it ultimately ended well. (And you know what “ending well” signifies for me, right?)

Dream More, by Dolly Parton. Goodness, how could anyone possibly dislike Dolly Parton? I had come across mentions of this compact audiobook, lauded for its inspiring nature, and I wholeheartedly concur. Dolly has achieved an astonishing amount, both in her illustrious professional career and through her significant personal contributions, giving back to so many. It’s simply impossible not to feel inspired by her journey and philanthropy. While a print version of the book exists, having Dolly herself narrate this to you is an absolute delight. Therefore, this is one instance where I would strongly advocate for choosing the audio version for the full, immersive experience.

A Mind of Her Own (Marie Curie), by Paula McLain. This concise book is an Audible Original (meaning it’s one of two complimentary audiobooks you can select each month with a membership – if you’re interested, you can use this link for a free 30-day trial, which includes 2 audiobooks + 2 Audible Originals). As a historical fiction enthusiast, it was right up my alley. My knowledge of Marie Curie was limited to her groundbreaking discovery of radium (which I’d learned in Radium Girls) and the tragic fact that years of radiation exposure eventually claimed her life. This book delves into her early life, chronicling her journey to study in Paris and her subsequent meeting with Pierre Curie, who would become her husband. The narrative was wonderfully engaging, as such historical accounts often are for me. However, I was entirely unprepared for its abrupt ending, occurring just as her pivotal relationship with Pierre was beginning to blossom. This left me somewhat disappointed, but it did motivate me to conduct my own research into the remainder of her remarkable life. Perhaps someday I’ll discover a book that completes her extraordinary story.

The Royal Nanny, by Karen Harper. Here’s another historical fiction novel, this time based on a true story surrounding the British royal family and their long-serving nanny, Charlotte Bill (affectionately known as LaLa), at the turn of the 20th century. While it offered a fascinating glimpse into the time period and the unique lifestyle of the royals, I found the book itself to be rather slow-paced and somewhat disjointed. I never truly developed a strong investment in the characters, and towards the end, I confess I found myself skimming just to reach the conclusion – never a good sign for an engaging read, right?

Great Courses: Reading Biblical Literature, Genesis to Revelation, by Craig R. Koester. This selection marks a slight departure from my usual reading habits, but I make it a practice to listen to Christian or Bible-based books in the mornings after my journaling time, seeking continued spiritual learning. While this is essentially the audio from a college-level course, it adapted exceptionally well to this format. It provided a truly insightful way to engage with the Bible, offering a different perspective, and going through the entire scripture from Genesis to Revelation significantly broadened my understanding of its overarching scope and fundamental themes.

I filled my book notes journal with numerous insights from this course, but the most profound takeaway for me concerned Jesus’s “new commandment”: “As I have loved you, you are to love one another.” Professor Koester brilliantly highlighted that the core idea wasn’t entirely novel – back in Leviticus, we are instructed to “love your neighbor as yourself.” He then explained what made Jesus’s commandment truly new and revolutionary:

The basis of the new command is not self-love. Instead of telling them to love others as they love themselves, He tells them to love others as HE did. We are to see ourselves as recipients of a love that comes from outside ourselves and are to bring that love to expression.

And with that profound clarification, my world was truly rocked right there and then. It shifted my understanding of love and its source in a deeply meaningful way.

The Screwtape Letters, by C.S. Lewis. I felt it was high time to revisit this classic, some 30 years after my initial reading. I remembered thoroughly enjoying it and gaining significant insights the first time around. For this re-engagement, I chose to listen to the audiobook (a preferred method for revisiting familiar texts, as the different experience can be quite illuminating). However, I was somewhat disappointed with the narrator; his accent occasionally made it challenging to fully comprehend, and I found his inflections to be rather overwrought and dramatic for my taste.

Despite the narration, the book itself has undeniably stood the test of time. It’s fascinating to ponder the contrast between what resonated with me as a college student versus what strikes me now. At this stage in my life, the part where Screwtape advises Wormwood that it’s more effective for his subjects to live to an old age particularly stood out. This extended lifespan, he argues, provides ample time for life’s gradual course to unfold, as:

The safest route to hell is the gradual one, soft underfoot with gentle turnings, without milestones, without signposts.

Yikes, indeed, right? That chilling realization certainly gives one pause.

The Hired Girl, by Laura Amy Schlitz. Reflecting on my fiction reads this month, I can confidently say this was my absolute favorite. I don’t believe I realized it was a Young Adult (YA) book when I acquired it as part of a 2-for-1 credit deal on Audible, but it was an utterly delightful listening experience! Set in the early 1900s, the story follows a spirited 14-year-old protagonist whose mother has passed away, leaving her solely responsible for all the demanding “women’s work” on the family farm for her father and brothers. The description alone paints a grim picture of relentless drudgery, bordering on abuse, exacerbated by her father’s truly terrible verbal treatment (though not physical). Driven by desperation, she eventually runs away with money her mother had secretly stashed for her, embarking on a new life as a hired girl in the grand home of wealthy store owners in a bustling city.

The true charm of this book lies in her fresh reactions to this entirely new world, her wonderfully flowery language (a testament to her extensive reading), and the surprisingly insightful, sometimes naive, ideas she develops. Written in a diary format, the entire story unfolds from her unique point of view. You’ll find yourself both laughing at her observations and shaking your head in wonder at the conclusions she draws. She emerges as an incredibly strong character, forging her own path in a manner that, while challenging to imagine now, was remarkably common for many young people during that era. Her story, though personal, wasn’t that unusual for the time. Even Brian, who listened to parts of it with me, was completely charmed by her narrative.

Watching: Engaging Stories and Thought-Provoking Entertainment

TV:

The Good Place, Season 4 – NBC & Netflix We’re genuinely saddened to know that this is the final season of this brilliantly smart, incredibly funny, and remarkably thoughtful sitcom. Finding sitcoms that truly capture our attention and feel worth our precious time is a rare occurrence, so its absence will certainly be felt. Its unique premise and philosophical humor made it a standout.

And, of course, football – Go Ducks!

Movie:

Yesterday – (Amazon $5.99 to rent) We absolutely adored this movie! It was a delightful blend of fun, lightheartedness, and a truly fascinating premise: the entire world experiences a bizarre, momentary blackout. Afterward, a multitude of things are completely forgotten by everyone, except for the lead character, who was hit by a bus precisely when the lights went out. Among the forgotten items are iconic brands like Coke (only Pepsi exists now), the entire Harry Potter series, and most significantly, the legendary band The Beatles.

The protagonist, an aspiring musician, soon realizes that no one else remembers The Beatles’ timeless music. He begins performing their songs, rapidly achieving widespread success. However, this triumphs comes with a growing sense of being a fraud. We found ourselves laughing out loud at many parts and thoroughly enjoyed the music and the clever themes explored throughout. Plus, it concluded on a wonderfully positive note (a definite hint from me!). If you have the opportunity to rent this film, it comes with our highest recommendation for a thoroughly enjoyable and thought-provoking watch.

That concludes another heartfelt edition of the Good Things List! If you’re keen to explore more of what I’m enjoying and discovering, you can browse all past Good Things Lists here. I’m always eager to hear your thoughts and recommendations – whether you’ve tried any of these items yourself or have something wonderful to suggest. Please feel free to leave a comment below and share your insights!

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