31 May, 2016

How To Make Autumn Soup












 
 
Back in early autumn, we went camping in the mountains. Each night the fog rolled in, and I had a good time taking photos in the morning before the skies cleared. I also went down the creek and found a series of waterfalls, a mossy tree, and a wallaby who didn’t know what to make of me.
Now, autumn is over. The weather is feeling like winter too; I’ve put extra blankets on my bed, and dragged out some oversized wool jumpers. And, it’s caught me by surprise again. Weren’t we just in summer?!
 
I like to do monthly challenges, because I think a month is a good length of time to push one’s self and make changes, yet the end is still in sight, so it doesn’t get discouraging. For March, a friend and I did a photo challenge together, where we took a photo each day. In April, I practiced every single day, tried to send/text/email something encouraging to a friend each day, and also did a #growingtolive challenge for a week. And May: I didn’t have any challenges to do every day, but I did achieve some goals I set, such as make a garment, begin a blog ‘series’, and send some articles (hopefully) for publishing.
 
I’m trying to actively push my comfort zone, or at least, sometimes I try. Other days I’d rather stay holed up and not see anyone. Anyway, this autumn I busked by myself for the first time. It was in my local town too, which made it extra-scary because people I knew saw and heard me. (Does anyone else get more nervous performing for people you know than strangers?) Other than that, I had two articles published in the Grass Roots magazine, and 40cms cut off my hair to donate to the AAAF (don’t worry, I still have some left). I haven’t had my hair this short since I was about seven, and I’m still wondering who I am.
 
A few exciting things happened in the world of blogging this autumn. Janie wrote a wonderful guest post here on Apples of Gold, and I guest posted and shared an interview on her blog too. I found a few new sites to add to my reading list, like Scattered Journal Pages – I like Amanda’s spiritual insights, and thought provoking posts; Storyshucker – his stories had me laughing; and Humans of South Auckland – a website sharing inspirational stories of everyday people. And this post offered another aspect on beingprolife which I really appreciated.
 
I’ve been slow at reading this year, but May was a good month – I read nine books. My favourites would be The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society and The Little Red Writing Book, but Out of the Black Shadows, Horse Sense for People and Love in the Driest Season were good too.
 
I’ve also been reading through the New Testament, and found some incredible promises: But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord. (1 Corinthians 15:57-58) We can be steadfast and unmoveable, because we know our labour is not, and will not be, in vain. Isn’t that encouraging?! I also like 1 Corinthians 14:10, which says, There are, it may be, so many kinds of voices in the world, and none of them is without signification. In other words, chin up chickadee – your voice, your words, thoughts and ideas matter. They’re significant.
 
So that’s my basic recipe for autumn soup – a little bit of whatever’s happening, a few challenges and stretches, some excitement; some relaxing ‘home time’, and a dose of reading, blog perusing, and claiming God’s promises.
 
 
Now, don’t leave without telling me how your autumn (or spring) was! What have you been reading? Have you ever thought of donating your hair, or gone busking, or done monthly challenges? What’s been your latest discovery in the blog world, or your latest favourite promise? What are you looking forward to about winter (or summer)?
 
P.s If you’re wondering where the name autumn soup came from: I tried skeletonizing leaves once - I collected a handful of different leaves, and boiled them in water and bi carb soda. They had a strong smell, and the siblings decided I was making autumn soup. I thought it was a good name for the conglomeration of activities my autumn consisted of, and decided to use it. :)

23 comments:

  1. those photos. oh my gosh. Such beauty God has given us!!!! AND A KANGAROO?! girl, I only have raccoons and wild bunnies here xD

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    1. Thanks. :) Yes, God is an amazing artist.

      I've got the wild bunnies here too, but I've never seen a raccoon. Actually, that's a wallaby not a kangaroo, but they're similar, and they're everywhere here. You'll just have to come and visit. ;)

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  2. Wow, Jessica!! You sound like you've had an amazing past few months. And a kangaroo??? Where do you live? That is so cool!!

    And I definitely understand about trying to get out of your comfort zone. That's something I'm working on as well. =)

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    1. Yes, it was good, thanks Hannah! How was your spring? That's great you're working on extending your comfort zone too - it's not always an easy thing to do!

      I live in Australia, so kangaroos and wallabies are pretty common sights around here. :) Haha, I forgot the rest of the world doesn't have them..

      Anyway, thanks for your comment, and happy June!

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    2. My spring was great! Lots of things to do, but good things. :) Thank you for asking! =)

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    3. That's good! I know what you mean - mine was similar.:)

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  3. Sounds like you've been pretty busy lately! (Also incredibly brave. Good job on busking by yourself :) And those photos are incredible! I especially like the one with the waterfall. It's so pretty <3

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    1. Thanks, Autumn! I just realized - look at your name! It fits this post perfectly! ;) (And I've always liked your name too.) Haha, thanks for reading and commenting. :) How was your spring?

      The photo with the waterfall is my favourite too. :) I got excited when I discovered that waterfall, and the mossy rocks, and everything - it was really pretty.

      Oh yes, busking - I'm still wondering how I actually had the courage to do it! Obviously, God helped me a lot. :)

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  4. Oh Jessica! These pictures are gorgeous! I've never really been camping, but I've always wanted to, and that place looks so beautiful. That wallaby caught me by surprise too! Neat! :)
    I've never heard the term "busking" before, so I looked it up - and it is so awesome you're doing that! That's one of those things I've always seen as kind of an impossible, scary bucket list thing, so you are definitely inspiring :)
    I love your title too; it's gotten hot fairly quickly here, and the water and coolness in your pictures, and the idea of autumn soup are both so refreshing. I hope you have a happy winter!

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    1. Thank-you Mary! Hopefully you get to try camping sometime; it is enjoyable. :) The first time I went busking, I went with a friend, and that was definitely less scary, and a good way to start. I wouldn't have gone out alone without having done that first!

      Thanks for reading and sharing - and you have a nice summer! Have you got any exciting plans?

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  5. :) I enjoyed reading this post. (And your other two before this.. I think I didn't comment on them but I did read both of them.)
    I really like the Bible verse from 1 Corinthians. Sometimes as humans we really feel insignificant. I mean, there ARE 7 billion of us. Thankfully we are each unique and no one can ever replace another.
    I liked the photos. You will have to send me one of yourself with short hair. I want to see what you look like :) I have thought about donating my hair but I think my hair never got long enough to be able to donate it even if I did a drastic hair-style change.
    Anyway, I will see you very soon :)

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    1. Ha.. So I did comment on the last post. Not on the one before though.
      I seem to be forgetting quite a bit these days...

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    2. Thanks; I'm glad you enjoyed it, and got something out of it. :) (And I like how you began your comment with a smiley. :)

      Yes, it was a nice surprise to find that verse when I was reading in Corinthians.. and reassuring to know that we all matter, even if there are so many of us.

      And yes - it will be really good to see you soon. :) Thanks for commenting.

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  6. That place looks really beautiful, and of course your lovely photos have captured it well.

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    1. Thank you Clare! It was a lovely spot. :)

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  7. Wow, your pictures are amazing!! And that little wallaby :)

    That's super cool that you're trying to push yourself out of your comfort zone. It's probably something I should try more often :)

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    1. Thanks - praise God. :) Haha, I think the wallaby and I both got a surprise when we saw each other.

      All the best with getting out of your comfort zone more often! I find it really rewarding, so I hope it's the same for you. :)

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  8. Those pictures are Gorgeous!!!!! I am so wanting to go there right now!!!! Great job on this post!!!

    http://thecountrygurl.blogspot.com

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    1. Haha, thanks Kiley! It was a really nice location. :)

      Thanks for commenting!

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  9. Those photos are so pretty O.O
    Love it

    //Hannah
    Furiouseverafters.blogspot.com

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    1. Thank you for reading and commenting, Hannah! I had fun taking all the photos. :)

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