Inspired by: September 2023

We need to talk about the in-between times.

Last week, I had the rare opportunity to enjoy an afternoon of shopping with my sister Lisa. We ended up in Anthropologie (an inspiration haven of mine), where I was delighted to find that the store was not blanketed in pumpkin spice but rather had embraced the in-between shades of purples, blue-greys, golds and greens.

I felt shadows of summer and hints of fall and wanted to bottle up what felt like a discovery. It got me thinking that in-between times aren’t celebrated in the way they should.

Transitions can feel uncomfortable. Often, they involve waiting. We’re prone to ignore the in-between because it’s uneventful and void of excitement — but that gets me excited because it means it’s quiet. I love quiet and the mysteries that are hidden amid it.

There are unearthed treasures in this beautiful stretch of time. If you’re not looking back or jumping forward, what might you find in this quiet in-between?

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Mood Board and Desktop Wallpaper Downloads

Inspired by the in-between. Right click or hold down on either image to download and enjoy.

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Photo by Demi DeHerrera on Unsplash

Petite joys to enjoy this September

SEE: When you think of the transition between summer and fall, what color comes to mind? How might you adopt that shade and incorporate it into your life this month?

HEAR: The reliable sounds of our morning drinks: the drip-drip of the coffee maker, the buzz of the espresso machine, the whistle of your tea kettle, the splash of water sloshing against the sides of your reusable cup.

TOUCH: The studies touting the benefits of being around animals are endless. Even if you aren’t a pet person, look for an opportunity to spend an intentional moment with a furry friend, or even take notice of a bird who frequents your neighborhood.

SMELL: The pages of a book. Notice the way paperbacks are different from hardcovers. Compare old and new. What do you think of when you take in the smell of a magazine? How about a newspaper?

TASTE: What is the most familiar, comforting taste to you? Indulge in your favorite flavor or food and share it with a loved one.

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Photo by Haute Stock / Save 15% off stock photos with code MICHELLE15

Creative Challenge

All this month, anytime someone asks you, “What’s new?” Instead of responding with “not much,” “same old,” or “you know, keeping busy,” tell them about the creative project you’re working on or dreaming up.

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Inspiring me lately

📺 I’ve embarked on a rewatch of Frasier and realized that I’ve never watched with the captions on before. It feels like an entirely new experience.

🎧 How to Tell a Story, from The Moth, is challenging me to become a better writer and presenter and its Audible version unexpectedly keeping me very entertained along the way.

🎞️ I can’t stop watching the gorgeous home tours showcased on the YouTube channel Homeworthy, and I fear it is only a matter of time before I end up wallpapering something in my house.

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Set your intention

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