the beauty of september

musings about ordinary days

I am my truest self in September. Long gone is the optimism of January. My carefully plotted intentions have faced the fire of the summer, far separated from my holiday soaked mind of January. I have cycled through goals of earlier alarms and careful budgeting, intentions to reflect and socialize more.

My September self has been molded by the routines of ordinary days. I pay attention to my September self. Her voice is measured and meek, aware of the limitations and expectations that face her. Her desires are grounded, though occasionally one flies like a shooting star, burning out by the end of the night.

The year more than halfway over, its tone has been set. There is yet room for surprises, though they are not expected. The coming days and weeks will soon roll into holidays. Family gatherings and gifts and traditions. These events will also turn into the desire for routine. Work and tasks and schedules. I hold these upcoming events loosely, reveling in the normalcy of my September days.

I am more relaxed in September, having shed my summer skin—gone thanks to hours spent in florescent light. I no longer carry the awareness that soon I will be wearing swimsuits, vulnerable to judgement and the elements. Weekends are for gathering strength, not wasting it out in the sun.

The fall is for falling into place. Placing myself among recent accomplishments and mistakes. Placing myself among those who are still here in these September days. These days are for orienting to Truth, discerning what, who matters and what, who can fall away.

The darkness of 5pm swiftly approaching, it is time to ensure that the lights inside are guaranteed to last—to last until spring brings lasting light and later adventures once again. Until then, we will huddle around screens and bulbs, some of us even attempting to replicate the sun’s effect due to our failing affects.

These September days are lapping me faster than I can count, already halfway through her race. I’m trying to pay attention to her, to embrace her lessons and reflections. She is also embracing me.

---

Beauty from the week—

This song by Noah Kahan featuring Lizzy McAlpine—two of my favorite artists.

These jeans from Urban Outfitters. I never shop there but saw someone wearing them on TikTok and I had to get them. I would wear them every day if I could. Thank the Lord low rise jeans are back.

“The Story of a New Name” by Elena Ferrante. This is the second book in a quartet. These are sweeping epics that are brilliantly written. If you like intense, intricately detailed literary fiction these are for you. (These are written for adults and so contain some adult content and themes such as domestic violence).

This ice cream from Trader Joe’s is a new staple for me. I love coffee ice cream and this one is another level.

Sorry it’s been a minute since I’ve written a newsletter. I hope to resume writing them twice a month.

Thanks for sticking around and reading!

Catherine