Thoughts On a Saturday Morning

The first time I ever heard the word blog, I thought, Well that's a stupid word, and, what the heck does that mean?  But when I actually learned more about it, I thought it was a really cool idea and maybe I'd like to do it someday.  Someday.  Just one more thing that I wanted to add to my life but didn't have time for.

Over the years I have had these recurring thoughts and ideas for a blog if I ever decided to write one.  Inevitably it would involve animals in some way or another.  I've always had a kind of obsession with my dogs, horses, and (to a slightly lesser extent, sorry Harley) cats.  At one point there was a ferret blog in my head, but that phase eventually passed.  

Then all of a sudden a few months ago, the blog idea became a little more inspiring to me.  I think the main thing that spurred it was becoming a single woman.  Before this I was used to sharing my experiences with my significant other, but now I'm realizing the opportunity to share with the rest of the world, as well. 

So, what do I do with this new blog I've created?  So far, this makes my fourth post.  My fourth post!  Short and sweet maybe, but I'm proud of myself for making it past one and not giving up!  I'm pretty sure this niche that I'm creating with outdoor adventures is where my heart is, and it's even inspiring me to get out of the house more.  

The part about it that I'm trying to wrap my head around is knowing that I'm not making a diary, I'm sharing something with the world.  These things that are kind of like diary entries in a sense are now out there in space, exposed and vulnerable.  That's a little scary!  

We get so comfortable with the internet and social media.  It's second nature now.  But do you ever just stop and really think about it?  Remember when there was no internet?  I mean, here I am, sitting on my bed drinking coffee and sharing my Saturday morning with you.  My Saturday mornings are a pretty personal thing, and you are all joining me.  That's powerful stuff.   

So, internet community, be gentle with me as I explore this new avenue of expression and expose my blog naivete.  Every day I learn a little more about this whole thing and how it will apply itself to my life.  I'm looking forward to seeing where it goes.  I am honestly really excited to write whatever blog post spills out of me next.

For now, though, my coffee cup is empty and I'm off to spend the weekend seeing what kind of fun I can scrounge up with the K Dog.  Enjoy your Saturday!  🐾

Hello, September!

Something happened today.  Something that happens every year like clockwork... September rolled around.  This may not seem significant to many of you, but to me it marks the beginning of my favorite time of year.

My relationship with September is difficult to explain.  I adore summer for countless reasons.  I suffer from seasonal affective disorder, so the longer days and sunshine do wonders for my mood.  Longer days also mean more time to do outdoor activities.  More time on the trail, more time at the dog park, more time at the barn with my horse, just more time in general.  I never really want summer to end.  

That is, I never think I want summer to end.  Then September rolls around and everything changes.  

I first noticed the leaves changing a few weeks ago.  My heart was broken because summer had just really gotten started around here.  June was miserably rainy, and this July was the gloomiest July I can remember.  Sure, the days were longer, but it just didn't feel like summer.  The second half of August was really the only hot weather and reliable sunshine that we got.  

This year I thought for sure that I would definitely not be ready for autumn to come around. Then today happened.  Today was overcast--grey, grey and more grey.  Around 4 pm, the clouds opened up and dumped rain on us.  Right around the same time, one of my co-workers walked through the door with fresh baked pie.

And that was all it took.  Rain and pie.  Not just any pie, either.  I jokingly asked her a few weeks ago if she would make me a gluten-free, dairy-free, sugar-free pie.  I figured there was no way she would make one that would fit that bill and still be edible.  Today she rose to the challenge, and kicked that challenge's ass.  

Summer may not be officially over, but I am comfortable letting it go now.  I am disappointed, though, because I thought I would have time to get a few more camping trips in before the weather turned.  Life just kind of threw itself at me this summer and  I suddenly had every weekend filled with stuff.  

But now that September is here, my longing for autumn has returned.  It's the same every year.  I fight the end of summer, and then when it breaks me I remember how much I am in love with Fall. 

September has that perfect combination of remnants of summer mixed with flavorings of autumn.  Fall is my favorite time of year to hike, too.  Colors!  Oh, the colors.  And days that are still warm but not melting, with crisper nights that beg for a fuzzy blanket and a pair of fuzzy socks.  

And of course, September also signals the time for me to bring out my all-time favorite candle scents. Various themes of pumpkin pies and apple orchards.  Did I mention the fuzzy socks?  Apple scented candles, fuzzy socks, a snuggly dog, a hot cup of tea, and a book.  Yep, that's about all I need for the next 3 months or so.  

My family is taking our annual camping trip on the eastern (read: hot) side of the state next weekend.  That's summer's final hurrah for me.  After that, you'll probably begin getting tired of hearing about the apple-scented candles and seeing me post countless photos of Karma sitting regally in piles of leaves.  

This weekend, however, I need to find a good hike.  Let me know what your favorite September hikes in the Seattle area are!  🐾