A Cozy Autumn (and a Giveaway!)

We are in the midst of Autumn here in the Pacific Northwest...In fact...There is a Winter Weather Advisory active for this week! Ahhhh!!!! (Although I secretly love it!*) And I thought to myself..."What a wonderful world"....Ok, not really....But I do think that it is time for another giveaway! So, make sure you read to the end of the post to enter via the Rafflecopter form.

*Ok, not so secretly...

Photo by Alisa Anton on Unsplash

Every year...about this time...the endless debate begins. You know which one I am talking about...WHEN TO START PLAYING CHRISTMAS MUSIC!!! I am happy to say that I am slowly (with silent manipulation) converting Zach (the husband) into an earlier Christmas music listener every year hehe!

But in truth, Autumn is my absolute FAVORITE season of all. The rich, warm colors...The crisp air...The significant symbolism in the world around us. Fall may be the forbearer of winter...The harbinger of death and isolation, however, I choose to see it in a different light. Autumn, to me, represents new beginnings. Ok, wait....don't leave me! Finger OFF the scroller(I will know if you breeze through this and head straight for the giveaway here....just sayin').

Photo by Chris Lawton on Unsplash

Autumn has been a season that has brought many, MANY changes into our lives over the last 4 years. It has represented the end...the death if you will...of one season of our lives and the beginning of a NEW life. We moved...A LOT! First, in the fall of 2013 we left our hometown with our 1 year old and moved across the state. In October of 2014, we moved back home...this time with 2 kids...One needing loads of medical care (yes, Ezra). Then in 2015 (with a lot of little moves in between) we finally settled into our first house. And oh.....What sweet relief and joy that was. Last year, no moves thankfully, but we did get the "all clear" to basically live normal lives again. We could take Ezra to church. We could have friends over, and I didn't have to freak out if they had a runny nose (still did...but you know...). It was a HUGE change...and I honestly, didn't handle it super well. Emotionally, spiritually, ya, no...I was happy being a hermit. I talked to my doctor and we agreed that a trial of anti-anxiety meds might be in order. Mostly because I couldn't go to the small town grocery store without having a panic attack. Now, thankfully, it has been months since my last attack. And I am able to go shopping alone...woohoo! And now THIS year....oh man...One of the BIGGEST changes of all! (Shhhhhh you don't have to shout....I am NOT PREGNANT.)

Photo by Daiga Ellaby on Unsplash

I have started a business! Ahhhh! Yes....that's right! You are looking (um reading the words that are spewing out of my brain) at the newest stylist with Premier Designs!

I am SO excited guys! This company is phenomenal and I would never have partnered with them if they were anything less than that.

Back to new beginnings....So you see...Autumn brings a lot of change for us. Not all of it is pleasant, but every single step has been necessary. And as we approach the coldest part of the year (put your hand down Katie...I know it's not fall in Australia right now) can we remember what this season symbolizes? That yes, things are dying, things are changing...But without death, there can not be new life.

So enjoy it! (Yes I said that) Even the hard times...(ya, I said that too)...Because you know what? This season you are in won't last forever. And before you know it, it will be spring and life will take yet another dramatic turn. So be free to enjoy life! Be happy in where God has called you to be. And always, ALWAYS, remember this: Jesus is waling with you EVERY.SINGLE.STEP of the way. All you have to do is acknowledge Him.

 "No trees grow to the sky"

Lynn Austin Where We Belong

Did you notice that there is another name attached to this post? The Vintage Owl is owned and operated by Rachel Avey. I have known her pretty much my whole life. She is talented in so many areas (music, crochet, knit, cooking) and she has generously donated a gorgeous triangle scarf for the giveaway this month! (Can I enter this giveaway???? Oh my goodness!!!)

About The Vintage Owl
The Vintage Owl was founded in 2011 in my living room. I’m a small shop located in Eastern Washington.  I base my shop around creating custom work specialized to the individual. As of Fall 2017, I have started adding knit items to my shop. I was taught to crochet by my mother 23 years ago and I’m a self taught knitter. It has always been a passion of mine to work with fiber arts, like sewing, crocheting, quilting and embroidery. I love to combine my love of handmade with my love of fashion. I create timeless, feminine and practical items of everyday wear. Simple, classy and chic with attention to the finer details.

This is the scarf I purchased today from her....And I ADORE it! ------------>

Giveaway
Open till 11/17 11:59pm Pacific

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Items included in giveaway:

 

1. 1 Handmade Triangle Scarf The coffee shop wrap made by The Vintage Owl. From the designer: “Whether you’re warming up to a hot cup of joe or popping in to cool off with an iced coffee, the Coffee Shop Wrap, has you covered- literally. Wear it wrapped like a scarf in front or draped over your shoulders for two different looks.”
2. 1 PRINT copy of The Reluctant Duchess by Roseanna M. White
3. 1 PRINT copy of Hope Harbor by Irene Hannon
4. 1 PRINT copy of NLT New Testament, Psalms, Proverbs, "Faith" Devotional
5. 1 bag Hershey's Kisses
6. 2 Stash Earl Grey Tea
7. 2 Alpine Spiced Apple Cider
8. 2 Swiss Miss Hot Cocoa with Marshmallows
9. 1 Rhubarb Crisp scented candle
10. 1 signed book mark from Jen Turano
11. 1 coffee mug (green)
12. 1 Gold Tennis Bracelet - Premier Designs

Retail value estimated at $120.

All items donated by Bookworm Mama and The Vintage Owl. We were in no way compensated for items donated. Open to  U.S. mailing addresses only (sorry...shipping 😩). Void where prohibited. Please see Policies & Disclosures for more information.