September Love

"Autumn is a second spring, when every leaf is a flower."



This morning as I looked outside my window, I was glad to acknowledge that soon, there would be a change on nature's landscape. September has finally arrived at our doorstep. I for one, love Fall and the many events and things to do during this season is what makes it so lovely as well as nature putting on a spectacular display of colour found on the leaves of trees, an orchestrated suite of its departure before Winter settles in.

Why I love Fall:

Sipping on apple cider and pumpkin spice latte.

Decorating my place for Fall.

Making leaf lanterns and Fall garlands- with the leaf lanterns, it's so incredibly beautiful when you light it up at night.

Painting out in my grandmother's backyard, or somewhere in the city like the on the Toronto Islands, High Park, or the Beaches.

Picking apples at an apple orchard.

Biking around Toronto Islands at this time.

Planting bulbs for Spring.

Hosting indoor picnics.

Taking road trips.

Horseback riding.

Making apple pie.
Helping out for great causes as Peace by Peace, and running for the Princess Margaret Hospital's 5K Run for Cancer.

The scent of cinnamon in the air and fallen leaves.

Stepping on crunchy leaves- yes, I love it!

Parlour game nights.

Amazing reads and films to absorb.

And most of all....

Downton Abbey is back on Sunday evenings! It's a special Sunday kind of love.

Series Two is under way and certainly the atmosphere of World War One really adds meaningful moments-no matter who you are, rich or poor, all are affected by war one way or another.

The train scene during the first episode of Series Two was heartbreaking. I swear, this is the only show that gets me a bit teary-eyed in almost every scene.

Out of all the girls though, I especially like Lady Sybil (pictured in the middle). However I like all of the characters in Downton- each have such a unique personality and story behind them- there are no minor characters in this show, which is fantastic.

As well, I was super touched to have been contacted by Laura Godfrey, Assistant Director of Book Club In a Box, to be interviewed about my book club for their September's Book Club Spotlight!
Here is their blurb found in their newsletter:
For this month's spotlight, we spoke to Joanne from Toronto, who founded the Matchbook Book Club three months ago with the hope of sparking "discussions in meetings that would have the charm and feel of a literary salon."

According to Joanne, "during certain months, I add an interesting twist and make it themed. In July, it was mystery-themed and so our pick was a classic: Agatha Christie’s Murder on the Orient Express. For the month of September, the theme will be 'the Nostalgic Romantic,' and for October, in light of Halloween, the theme will be 'Wonderstruck Noir.' During our last meeting (for Murder on the Orient Express), we incorporated a murder mystery game called 'Poirot Investigates.'"

In terms of what I am reading at the moment I am actually juggling two at the moment- one is for my book club and one for leisure:
The book club selection:



England, 31st of August, 1939.

The world is on the brink of war. As Hitler prepares to invade Poland, thousands of children are evacuated from London to escape the impending Blitz. Torn from her mother, eight-year-old Anna Sands is relocated with other children to a large Yorkshire estate opened up to evacuees by Thomas and Elizabeth Ashton, and enigmatic childless couple. Soon Anna gets drawn in their unravelling relationship, seeing things that are not meant for her eyes- and finding herself part-witness and part-accomplice to a love affair, with unforeseen consequences.
A story of longing, loss and complicated loyalties, combining a sweeping narrative with subtle pyschological observation, The Very Thought of You is not just a love story, but a story about love.

And the other:



Have heard about this book, but never really got around to it, until my friend was talking about it and then lend the book to me. He said the book is an eye-opener, so I took a chance. I am halfway through it and every time a chapter ends, I find myself looking up and staring off into the distance, taking in everything I've just read as it's so unbearably inspiring. I love this one quote Morrie says that "sometimes you cannot believe what you see, you have to believe what you feel... even when you're in the dark. Even when you're falling."


Joie de vivre,


Joanne