Sliding into autumn and savoring the fall hues and cozy moments falling temperatures bring. October's brilliance abounds in Bend at the moment, and I am basking each moment I have outside in some way or another - gardening, walking, sitting on my porch, and when it's too cold, gazing out the window at the sky and the birds losing all track of time. 

I will admit, I do miss writing the newsletter each Friday, but I can promise you two things which hopefully will make up for the change: these new monthly newsletters are overflowing with content to explore. Full of the entire month's posts plus posts which were shared after the last newsletter was delivered even if before the start of October; and secondly, in early 2021, I will be sharing news with newsletter subscribers first regarding a new project I am cautiously confident will be most appreciated by readers of the former weekly newsletter. Stay tuned. I am quite excited to share, but want to wait for a bit more time to tend to a few things. 

~If you are missing knowing what is going on throughout the month, sign up for the free Daily Newsletter which will send you an email whenever a new post goes live on the blog. It is entirely free, and you just simply click the post to read it in full on TSLL.~

The topic of taking risks has very much been on my mind as of late and, to be honest, for the past couple of months. Someone recently described to me our current situation as comparable to being in a holding pattern just waiting to see how so many things in the world and life will work out. Being in the middle of said holding pattern makes it difficult to plan, to know and to make decisions. Especially for planners, which I have a feeling many of you are as I am, this is a shift, and one we cannot change no matter how determined we may be. However, we are being given much time to examine, experience and decide what is of value, what is a priority and what is worth taking a risk for. If that isn't adrenaline heightening, I don't know what else could be. Okay, the US elections anyone? Yikes. Yep, on the edge of my seat with my eyes closed partially (don't worry, I mailed in my ballot two weeks ago - my voice will count!).

Speaking of the adrenaline rush, perhaps it is best that we not make decisions that are life-altering right now so that we can gain our footing first. Largely, I feel such a choice of waiting and seeing would be wise, and if anything, the time between now and when that firmer footing arrives will only solidify decisions that will be made if we are confident in the changes and risks we want to take.

All of this is to say, if your mind has been entertaining new and different ideas or considering changes to improve your life, you are not alone. Our lives have been shook. Our lives have been made ever more clear as to their finite nature, and that is a rare event in most of our lives. I am determined to make the most of it even if I am not quite sure what that "most-of-it" looks like just yet, and perhaps you are as well. Just know you are in good company. 

Now to a super-super-sized monthly newsletter that will no doubt keep you busy perusing for some time. :)

Below you will find the posts detailing the significant, yet quality-increasing changes here on TSLL (the new soft paywall). If you are not already a TOP Tier Subscriber, a handful of the posts shared below will not be readable until you subscribe (I have indicated which ones below next to the title of the posts).  Learn more about why this change occurred in the immediate post below and explore the subscription options here. 

Readers will find posts with more detailed content, more intimate conversations with me in my home, about my home and life and much more. Placing the soft paywall on TSLL gave me a bit more privacy as well as privacy for the subscribers who wanted a more intimate community to talk with in the comment section with each other and myself. The first A Cuppa Moments with Shannon video series exceeded my expectations with readers contributing oodles of ideas and experiences, engaging with each other as well as myself and making me all the more excited for the next A Cuppa Moments which will be posted on the blog this Sunday. With more than 100 comments, it is a fun post to explore beyond just the video and most especially in the conversation afterwards.

And there is sooooo much more. Five cooking show episodes, three podcast episodes, an Outfit of the Month, a British-inspired post, a Monday Motivational post, a tour of my kitchen (the favorite post of readers this month), and FIVE This & Thats to explore. And still more. I do hope you enjoy, and thank you for choosing to subscribe to the monthly newsletter. Your readership is deeply appreciated. Wishing you a calm and restful weekend and an auspicious start to the month of November. 

Until Friday November 27th, I will see you on the blog. 

—Shannon