Navigating November...

Whatever happened to November? December's nearly here, and when I am able to dip into the creative online world, it seems full of excited glitzy planning ... In what can feel like chaotic instability out there in the world, and constant unpredictability here at home as we try to find a way forward with Dad's dementia, the wide-angled lens of creative goals for next year and scrapbooking projects for January or beyond feels dizzying. I need the small, the totally do-able, a one-step-at-a-time kind of focus ...

I'm drawn to the old, to things that might be shabby but which have endured despite everything. To simple uncomplicated moments, like collecting the windfalls on our side of the fence. To escapes, however brief, into the consolation of natural world. To things which are warm, comforting. You'll see that my December Days is a traveller's notebook size - that's as good as it's going to get this year :). Missing the camaderie, but hoping to keep in touch with you all through perhaps shorter posts, with warmest regards, Alexa.

Comments

[Ruth]

Those shots are magazine worthy!

[Sian]

What Ruth said!

You and yours are always in my thoughts. But you know that, I hope :)

[Karen]

Ruth is correct---your collage could be the cover of a magazine! The first paragraph pretty well sums up how I feel right now, although I'm not sure I'm as realistic as you are about what I can accomplish. I've never given thought to a traaveler's notebook for my Christmas Journal. If I hadn't already purchased an album and embellishments for this years, I think I'd give it a try. I've really enjoyed using it for our travels the last few years. Blessings to you as you navigate uncharted territory with your dad.

[Missus Wookie]

Lovely photos and have been thinking of you as I work with a client near you :) Hoping things unfold as they should with your family.

[Melissa]

Gorgeous shots, as always Alexa. Take care, I hope this season you'll get a chance to settle and enjoy.

[Mary]

stunning images! I do hope you get to experience the joy and magic of December (even in a traveler size :-) ... xo - Mary

[Debs]

Your words and photos are beautifully descriptive. Thinking of you as you steer your way through these difficult times x

[Esther A]

I am always in awe of your beautiful clean designs. I have been revisiting your beautiful photo collage all day as I ponder how to respond. I admire your kindness in caring for your father, your realism in adjusting your memory-keeping goals and your determination to keep scrapping.

[Mary-Lou]

Alexa as always you write with such feeling & you capture thoughts in a most enviable way. Oh my your photos; everyone is correct, they are of such quality & again reflect back to the viewer such emotion. Sending you lots of good thoughts & as the moment takes you, always so good to see you pop in to my blog.

[Susanne]

I think simple and uncomplicated hold a great deal of happiness. Any post by you, however brief, is a delightful moment in my day.

[Fiona@Staring at the Sea]

I agree with Ruth too. Wonderful shots, beautifully composed. I have no idea what happened to November either (I managed one blog post!) and December is here now. I'll be following your lead, and keeping it simple, when it comes to documenting the month.

[alexandra sirugue-macleod]

What a beautiful post Alexa!
Thank you for your eloquence.
I totally get what you've expressed and sometimes Nature can comfort us like no one can.
Thinking of you and yours~

[Cheri Andrews]

Gorgeous! Love the shot of you hugging your books - I'm not even doing a December Daily this year, but if I were, a traveler's notebook definitely sounds about right!

[Honoré]

Oh my, those photos certainly speak November and cozy and fond memories to me! And they are so comforting...I crave a lot of comfort these days, slow, quiet, comfort. Thank you for giving me this bit of comfort and peace.

I am curious: what is the book beside the Traveler's Notebook you are holding?

I hope you too find comfort these days.

Cheers~