November Journal

November is one of my favorite months of the year. Maybe I am biased because it's my birth month. But, also, it's when people really start to hunker down and get into the holiday spirit!

We began the month with my birthday. I got two new children's books that I had been eyeing and a cozy chunky cardigan to wear around the house! The two books I got were My Little Brave Girl by Hilary Duff and illustrated by Kelsey Garrity-Riley. Kelsey's illustrations are so pleasing to look at! She is very talented with the paintbrush and soft color palettes. The second book was Nina by Traci N. Todd and illustrated by Christian Robinson. Christian's illustration style takes us on a complete 180 by showing us vibrant colors, messy lines, collage, and everything in-between. So inspiring!

Todd and I decided that this year (for the first time) we were going to decorate for Christmas before Thanksgiving. We were just needing something a little holly-jolly in our lives. And, since we are spending the majority of December out of town we decided we should at least get to relish in our own Christmas decorations for a little bit! I'll admit that I started listening to Christmas music since before Halloween...

Of course, then there was Thanksgiving. The Shumway's do Thanksgiving SO WELL. Homemade everything, lots of family, an unreasonable amount of pie. Todd got to visit with uncles, aunts, and cousins that he hasn't seen for many years. We played lots of games and shed many tears, both happy and sad.

To finish up the month I sent off the final art to a self-published book project and Todd is beginning finals at school!

Things I've Been Enjoying:

-These two songs, Change on the Rise: Avi Kaplan and Come Over (Again): Crawlers

-I started watching Anne with an E when Todd leaves for school during the day. I am on season 2 and really like it so far. I had heard bad reviews about it in the past, but I am pleasantly surprised with it.

-Lately, I've been enjoying an oat milk matcha with sweet cream cold foam from Starbucks on special occasions!

-Spending time at our local antique store. This is where I got my sisters their Christmas gifts! There are so many hidden treasures.