Goodness, I feel like I'm writing to an old friend to tell them what's new. Where do I begin?
It's been a few months since I last wrote, although I haven't exactly been short of things to write about. Quite the opposite. Between life at Tahilla Farm, the garden, photography, creative projects, volunteer activities, the pleasure of gathering people together, and time spent with our one-year-old granddaughter, Sloane, and her parents, there's rarely a shortage of ideas. Finding the time to sit down and write about them is another matter.
So I've decided to try something new. You may have noticed a few changes to my website, including a new page called Daily. It's a place for passing thoughts, observations, and whatever catches my attention. Some might shape themselves into Instagram posts, others may find their way into longer stories. Some may go nowhere at all. And that's perfectly fine. I set my own bar on this one.
I've missed the simple practice of writing without necessarily knowing where it will lead. In October, I set myself a goal to write something every day on Instagram. I missed one day, which I consider a pretty good effort. More importantly, I enjoyed it. With a little help from my creative friend and mentor, Kim Klassen, I now have a lovely way to continue that practice here on my website.
In my Daily entry this morning, November 2, I wrote about setting aside a small corner of each day for creativity. A little writing, time behind my camera, a project I've been meaning to explore, or simply the freedom to wander and see what comes to mind. I like the idea of having a creative touchpoint, something to return to without turning it into another obligation. Perhaps that's what I'm enjoying most. Not everything needs to have a purpose or become something bigger. Although, knowing me, I'll probably try to turn a few of those ideas into something. It's a habit I haven't quite learned to shake.
I've also been thinking about future Tahilla Gatherings. I've been meeting so many interesting people with wonderful ideas I'd love to share with guests. Over many cups of tea and coffee, conversations are turning into possibilities, and I'm curious to see where they lead. Looking back on the gatherings we've enjoyed this year, I'm eager to explore more ways of bringing creativity, conversation, and the landscape together. More on that to come.
In the meantime, life is about to take me away from Tahilla Farm for a while. First, Arizona at the end of this week, where I'll spend two weeks with my daughter, son-in-law, and seven-month-old grandson, Fletcher. They've recently bought a house, and I'll be helping them unpack, settle in, and begin making it their own.
I've always loved that early stage of moving into a new home, when everything feels full of possibility. You wake in the morning and notice where the light falls. You listen to the unfamiliar sounds of a house and begin to understand its rhythms. You stand in a room, coffee or a glass of wine in hand, imagining where things might go. Perhaps the Christmas tree will look lovely by that window. A few days later, you've changed your mind. There's something wonderful about those first discoveries, when a house slowly begins to feel like yours. I'm looking forward to being part of that experience, particularly with two people who are excited to put their own creative stamp on it. And, of course, there's Fletcher. I suspect he'll have plenty of ideas about how we spend our days.
After a little time back at Tahilla, I'll be packing again, this time for Australia in early December. My son and grandson are there, and I'm looking forward to slipping into their everyday lives for a couple of weeks. My grandson is now eight, and I haven't seen him since September 2025. I'm hoping to be there for his last day of school festivities, a reminder that the Australian school year follows the calendar year.
Australia holds so much of our family history. We spent many years living there, and returning always brings a lovely mixture of familiarity and discovery. Friends to see, places to revisit, and the pleasure of stepping back into a life that was once our everyday. I love going back, and I love coming home again.
Looking ahead, I realize how much of this season is about family, connection, and the pleasure of being present in someone else's world for a while. Perhaps that's what will find its way into Daily while I'm away. A few observations from a new house in Arizona, a morning in Australia, or something entirely unexpected. I don't have a plan for what I'll write, which rather appeals to me.
For now, I'm enjoying the return to a creative practice, the opportunity to follow an idea, and the possibility that something small might grow into something more. Much like our fourth grandchild, due next spring! :))
P.S. A Few Things I'm Enjoying
I'm having a bit of a Jane Austen moment. On my bedside table is Louise Penny's latest, Miss Wolcott's Ghost, and before that, Introducing Mrs Collins by Rachel Parris. I can't seem to get enough of these Austen imaginings, particularly after watching The Other Bennet Sister more times than I care to admit. I also loved seeing Pride & Prejudice at our local theatre. The cinematography is gorgeous. Clearly, Jane Austen is keeping me good company these days!
For the creatively curious, have a look at Kim Klassen's White Space Studio. Kim is my creative friend and mentor, and she has a magic touch with everything she does. If you enjoy photography, writing, and exploring new ways to create, there's always something to inspire you.
And one more for book lovers. I recently read Ann Patchett's latest novel, Whistler, and loved it. I was delighted to come across a conversation between Ann and her dear friend Katrina Kenison, a wonderful local author I'm fortunate to call a friend. I have several of Katrina's books on my shelves, and there's something especially lovely about listening to two friends talk about books, writing, and life.
A Conversation with Ann Patchett and Katrina Kenison
One last thing. I've added a little questionnaire at the bottom of my website, asking what you might enjoy reading more about. If you have a moment, I'd love to hear your thoughts. After all, some of the best ideas begin with a conversation.
