feeling fall
how everything lives, shifting / from one bright vision to another, forever / in these momentary pastures
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The equinox was yesterday, which means it's officially fall.
On one hand, I'm your basic white woman with one too many scented candles. I love autumn leaves. I love sweaters and boots and patchwork quilts. I'm my mother's daughter, which is to say I await fall foliage with all the anticipation of a kid at Christmastime. September hits and I'm dreaming of Vermont, apple orchards, freshly-powdered doughnuts.
On the other hand, I'm a freeze baby. Fall, with its cozy clothes and crisp air, doesn't agree with my poor circulation. Dreams of Vermont are well and good, but reality hits different—I'm usually so bundled up that I can't move, let alone navigate the uneven grass of my favorite orchard.
Regardless, fall is in the air. I'm going apple picking next Monday, even if it kills me. In a couple of weeks, I'll be dragging my parents to a local arts festival, half because I like buying local—there's no shortage of Christmas gifts in downtown Red Wing—and half because the atmosphere is impeccable. I'll be missing summer like mad by the time November rolls around. But I'm content for now.
Describe the trees where you are. Are they bare? Lush? What about the air? Does it sting when you breathe? If fall was an emotion, what would it be?
Updates
🐺 I've published two columns so far this month: "Today and Every Day, I Choose Rest" and "I'm Worried About the KOTOR Remake." Next Monday, the 27th, my column about the Philips recall will go live.
🥼 If you follow me on social media, you'll know that I've been posting a lot about the recall. For the uninitiated: Earlier this summer, Philips Respironics recalled 13 respiratory devices, including BiPAPs, CPAPs, and ventilators. As someone with SMA, I am dependent on my BiPAP—I would've died from pneumonia a long time ago if it wasn't for my machine. Philips has instituted a repair and replace program, but has offered no time frame and no alternatives. Our only option is to continue using the affected equipment, despite the health risks, which include sinusitis, headaches, and potential exposure to carcinogens.
Disability Visibility Project drafted an open letter on behalf of the disability community, in which they outline Philips' culpability and the ways in which they've failed their patients. Please consider signing the letter and sharing the campaign with your network. If you have been affected by Philips' recall, I encourage you to share your experiences on social media with hashtag #SuckYouPhilips.
🥀 I'm ~33k into #Ouroboros and really hitting my stride. My goal is to finish the first draft by the end of the year, revise during the winter, and share with betas by the spring!
📽️ I might be obsessed with Reels? My first post was a digital resting point, and my second was an #Ouroboros graphic I made in Canva. I wasn't expecting to love Instagram—and Reels—as much as I do, but I won't say no to extra creativity!
Ko-fi
I launched my Ko-fi earlier this month and am loving it so far. I've posted everything from playlists to Notion templates—and I have some exciting things in the works for October!
As I mentioned in my last newsletter, most of my Ko-fi content is available for free. If you like my work and want to keep up with what I'm doing, following my Ko-fi will send most of my updates straight to your inbox. If you want to support me financially, there are three options to choose from:
A one-time donation 🍫
Membership at the Sun 🌞 tier ($2 USD/mo)
Membership at the Moon 🌚 tier ($5 USD/mo)
At the end of the day, I appreciate any and all support. It means the world to me that you're here!
That's it for this month! As always, thanks for letting me into your inbox. Stay safe, and don't forget to indulge in all your favorite fall rituals.
Boots, apple-scented candles, and a trip to the orchard,
🐝