Stacks of books, hot coffee (or wine), and a list of things to stream ★
What I'm reading + watching all autumn long.
Hello, my friend.
One of the things I love most about September is that the darkness starts to creep back in. Of course I love the long, light, bright, carefree days and nights of summer, but I love the dark, cozy, candlelit days and nights that begin again in September even more.
This is the time of year that I long for, the time that I seem to feel most alive, inspired, connected, and grounded. Ironic, right? Just as the earth seems to surrender to the cycle of nature, the growing season ends, leaves and apples drop to the ground, birds fly south to their winter home, the air chills, and all of life settles, I feel more alive.
I think it’s because I am an old soul. A homebody. A lover of mystery, quietness, and simplicity. A reflective, creative, mellow soul. Also I am a September baby. Autumn is just me.
What I am trying to say is that autumn is my home. And the chance to return home to myself each year gives me the space and energy to settle and breathe. It feels as if I make a soft landing into who I really am. And, all autumn long, I let my roots just sink deeper and deeper into the earth, into my memories, into autumn’s traditions and celebrations, into my own power and my own wisdom. I ground myself. I rest. I soak in. I return.
That means, right about now, I begin to prepare for weeks of cozy autumn nights at home. And my recipe for autumn nights?! Candles, blankets, snacks/comfort food, a drink of my choice (cocoa, wine, whiskey, tea - my go to favorites), and a favorite book or movie (or series).
So, what do I have lined up for my cozy autumn nights this year? What will inspire me and give me a sense of cozy nostalgia? What will ground me and give me a chance to reflect and rest.
Well, I thought I’d share that with you today. It may not be a list that has you ordering books I suggest (or maybe it will!) or turn on your streaming service to some new, unknown movie/series (hint: many of these are classic autumn “tips” that we all already know about). It’s more of a chance for you to get to know my old soul a little better. 😉
📖 Settling in with a good book
The following books are the ones on my bedside table right now. They are written by old heroes and new discoveries. Perhaps you will find something or someone that piques your interest. All of them are the perfect people to settle in with all autumn long, I think. (FYI, I have provided links to different articles about the authors or books so that you can explore them more, should you be interested).
🌀 The Creative Act: A Way of Being by Rick Rubin | I bought this book in NYC this summer. I saw it on the shelf and literally felt drawn to it. Later on, I found out that it seems to be super popular right now for creatives. Who knew?! So far, it’s an easy read that is like balm for my creative soul. I find myself agreeing with Rick constantly, but also feeling challenged. Perfect combo. And perfect for tapping into my own creativity on these slow, dark autumn nights all season long.
📷 A Book of Days by Patti Smith | One of my heroes. I’ve read so many of her books. But, this one is totally different. I also got it in NYC this summer - ‘cause Patti Smith is my ultimate NYC hero, so why not buy her latest book close to where she lives?! It’s 366 personal photos with short captions. One a day for a year. A look into Patti Smith’s life - her way of being and seeing the world. And, it’s now a short, quiet daily ritual I have. Looking at her photo for the day and pausing for just a moment. Sooooo inspiring. I want to be like her. In so many ways.
🎂 Becoming Who You Are by Alan Watts | Alan Watts is one of my favorite philosophers. Also, he’s what I can an academic mystic from the 20th century. He’s published talks, essays, books all about the purpose, the meaning, and the way to live life. And, with my birthday this season, I thought I’d read this collection of essays and talks. I have always thought of life as the journey of becoming who you are for years. It’s been a cornerstone belief and way of living for me. So, as I celebrate my 49th birthday and enter my 50th year, I felt like this would be a super inspiring book. (Plus, I really don’t want to be Patti Smith, I want to be me, inspired by her).
🐺 Women Who Run with the Wolves by Clarissa Pinkola Estés | A feminist modern classic. If you are reading this letter, chances are you have heard (and even read) this empowering book. If you haven’t, I can absolutely recommend it. Though, it is dense and a lot to take in because it’s so ground-shifting and powerful. To be honest, I’ve been reading it for 5 years. Off and on in chunks. And that suits me just fine. I’m almost done, however, so my goal is to finish it before the end of year. Maybe. Hehe.
✊🏾 The Last Interview by bell hooks | Also a NYC find this year. It was a small book just laying on a table. I knew of bell hooks, I’ve read many inspiring quotes or blurbs by her, but I don’t know much about her. So, this is my exploration into the person, the writer, the activist, the feminist, the revolutionary. And I cannot wait to get started.
Bonus books - that may end up being my first winter reads.
✌🏼 Slouching Toward Bethlehem by Joan Didion | Another NYC writer. Another woman who’s words have shaped and changed women and society. I’ve read a couple of her books, most well-known The Year of Magical Thinking, which is a journey into grief and finding magic and meaning in it all. The book I have on my bedside table right now is a collection of essays about the turmoil, turbulence, and culture of the 60s (she lived in California then). And 60s culture, life, and society is a huge influence on my life - though I was born in the early 70s. I feel like I can even glean a bit of inspiration that is relevant for today’s society as well - as history repeats itself.
🪬 Hagitude by Sharon Blackie | I don’t own this book yet. It’s on my wish list. As a personal celebration and reflection this autumn, I intend to embrace and let the hagitude years begin to slowly unfold in my life. In other words, I am not fighting aging. In fact, I feel more wise and grounded each year; so I want to begin to explore the shift into the season of the crone, the wise woman, in my life. I’m not old, 49 is not old, but things are changing and shifts are occurring, and I feel that this book just might guide me to begin to explore the magic of the years ahead.
📺 Cozying up with a movie or series
If I’m not reading or writing at night, then you will find me curled up on the sofa or in bed watching one of the these personal autumn classics.
☕ Gilmore Girls. THE classic fall feelings series. Back to school. Small town. Just pure good coziness.
👩🏼💻 You’ve Got Mail. One of my favorite movies ever. NYC, autumn, books, romance. Tom Hanks + Meg Ryan. It’s a must - every single year. And it’s my happy place.
🔮 Good Witch. This series is soooo cheesy and sappy. But, all the witchy sweetness is just too good. It’s streaming on my tv every October. I admit it. I love it.
🎃 Sleepy Hollow. I also love a scary, dark series too. And The Legend of Sleepy Hollow (the headless horseman) was one of my all-time favorite stories as a kid. So, there’s also spooky nostalgia. And that means it’s on my list.
🪄 Harry Potter. I have a goal to rewatch all of the movies this season. I have literally only seen them once. So, HP marathon, here I come. Perfectly magical for fall.
♀️ The Craft. A cult classic. Girl power. Witches. The end.
🧹 Practical Magic. Another cult classic. Sweet, cute, but also just all of the witchy, fall vibes. Who doesn’t want to be one of the sisters?!
📓 Dead Poets Society. Just a pure, real, amazing classic in my opinion. Dark, moody, deep, heady, academic, artsy. Sooooo beautiful and good.
Well, now that I’ve spent all morning writing all about the books and movies/series I am looking forward to, I am ready to dive into one of them! I wonder what I will start with tonight? Book? Movie? Series?
Your turn, my friend. Do you have any favorite books you recommend for the upcoming dark nights or streams that you just can’t live without once autumn starts? What’s on your bedside table or streaming on your device? There’s room on my lists for more tips and ideas!
Alright, first some chores, then a cozy September night. Happy Sunday, love.
xoxo. liz.
I loved reading this and completely relate to the sense of homecoming in September and autumn, (perhaps as a September baby too).
I am heartened to hear that you have been reading Women Who Run With Wolves for 5 years, me too...and counting! It’s so powerful and brilliant, a revelation on every page but a lot to take in!
I really appreciate the atmospheric beauty of your photographs. All of the microseasons that surround Autumn are my special favorites, too. 🍁🖤✨