Hello friends!
It’s that time of year. The days are getting shorter and colder, and it’s getting more and more difficult to get through each day. For you too?
I’ve battled depression for most of my adult life. While I had it pretty well under control for many years, last year was rough. I work from home, so I have to structure my own days. All that time alone can be challenging, especially after a divorce. But here’s what I’ve found works for me: most days after S leaves for school I pull on my running clothes and go out for a jog. Even when I don’t feel like it, I run. I think it’s the combination of being outdoors and the physical exertion, but I always feel much, much better once I’ve returned from my run. I also do yoga on the days when I don’t run, which helps me to stay limber and prevents injuries. I try to keep my running and yoga days on a regular schedule so I don’t have to think about it; the habit keeps me from getting lazy and skipping days.
I also find that it really helps to get out and talk to people. I try to get to our neighborhood mercado most days, where I see my merchant friends and practice my Spanish. We’re always happy to see each other, and I feel better once I’ve chatted a bit, had a few laughs, challenged my brain to learn a few new words or phrases. Then I can go back home with some fresh fruits and veggies, eggs, cheese, or fish, and my mood is elevated enough that I can sit down in front of the computer or the sewing machine and tackle my work for the day.
I know, from meeting quite a few of you in workshops and other occasions, that many of you suffer from depression as well. So tell me, what gets you through? Is it worse in the winter with shorter days and fewer opportunities to get outdoors? I think it’s important to have a plan to get you through the tough times. So what’s your plan for this autumn and winter?
Pinterest Picks
Speaking of winter, I’ve been switching out my closet for the cool weather clothes at long last! My magic winter combination is a pencil skirt and opaque black tights with black booties. Combined with a Gelato Blouse, a Classic Shirt, or a cozy sweater it’s a great uniform. I’m particularly liking the black-and-white in these two photos.
We’ve got a coat pattern almost ready for you, so I’ve been thinking about all the different ways you can sew it. I really like the unexpected details on these two coats.
When I ran across this color palette, I started thinking that you could mix any of these colors and have a fabulous autumn/winter wardrobe. Witness the colors in the outfit adjacent. So pretty, right?
Autumn calls for pretty Playtime Dresses too, doesn’t it? I like both of these ideas, which appear to be made in soft linen. The wrinkles make them even more appealing in my opinion.
What about some Hollywood Trousers for fall?
Weekend Reading
- Are we returning to a more expressive time for men’s fashions? This has been forecast for a while, so I’m wouldn’t be surprised.
- This article made me run a little faster this week. Who knew your walking speed was directly linked to the aging process?
- I told S about dolphin training and how it related to our own behavior this week. I told her I’m going to try it on her, but of course now she knows about it and may be trying it on me as well.
- Halloween in just around the corner. Have you considered protecting your fabric scissors with a curse, much like those used to protect medieval books? Something along these lines, perhaps?
“For him that stealeth, or borroweth and returneth not these scissors from its owner, especially if he useth them to cut other than fabric, let it change into a serpent in his hand & hiss at him. Let him be struck with indigestion and indecision. Let him languish on the sofa crying aloud for mercy, & let there be no surcease to his sadness till he sing in dissolution. Let spools of thread lie under his feet when he tries to walk across the floor barefoot, & when at last he goeth to bed at night, let the guilt of his conscious prevent him from ever looking at or contemplating those scissors ever again.”
I’m sure you can create your own better curse. I challenge you to leave your best in the comments!
Have a great weekend. And come back next week when we’ll have a surprise or two for you! I’m excited.