November Photograph

Harvest

Building Dreams, Stacking Goals & Self Chat

Some thoughts on how I cope with depression. 

A way of managing boredom, the blahs, a slump, a high tide of meh, is to build dreams. Think of something you would like to do within a real possibility. Research, study and bring yourself as close as you are able to make the dream come true. 

Big as well as small dreams booster hope and confidence. If a dream fizzles, then build another one.

Stacking goals isn’t the same as dreaming. Goals are there to be achieved, a will do vs might happen. Goals require real action effort. They can be anything from not dropping crumbs down your shirt to renewing a registration the day you get the notice in the mail. Organizing things can make life feel easier, less foggy.

Nobody around to talk to, share feelings? Grab a mirror to remind you, you are there for you. Talk to yourself in brain silence or aloud. A nice chat with yourself can be refreshing. 

Having a radio on in the background helps me feel more comfortable in case hearing aids that go through walls malfunction. 🤨 🙄

In all, the diversions are ways of moving away from the sadness. In the cold weather months, a list of enjoyable things to do also helps ease the misery. 

A favorite is to set an alarm for afternoon tea break, a must sit and relax while drinking my tea before it gets cold. Trying out new teas and journaling them is a worthy goal.

 

Sprucing Up Cold Days

 It has happened, on the 

National Weather Service KBTV report, 

there are snowflake symbols! 

As ambient temperatures decrease, the chance of snow in the New England higher elevations is expected. Seeing white on the peaks in the fall is normal. The words snow and November are not unknown to appear together. 

Earth is being Earth, systems moving along as usual. What about our usual? As part of Earth’s biosphere, our weather/emotions can’t be predicted in the way that climate changes are. We, however, can prepare, manage the adjustments each season requires of us.

Out in the wild we seek shelter.  We dust off the thermostat, get out winter clothing, shovels, scrapers, lock deicer, windshield cover, hot chocolate, broth,  brandy, snow tires, emergency storm kits for vehicle and home, reading list, fun projects for indoors and more.

More can include organizing a soup and casserole recipe book. In winter, foods that comfort as well as battle the cold are a worthy focus.

Recipe Book: 

Looseleaf binder

Hole puncher

Colored pens

Sturdy paper

Magazines

Glue

Tape

Title suggestion: Winter Recipes 2025-2026

You can cut out recipes as well as write them down with notes and decorate the page.

Happy Cooking!

Shut Down Woes

Many folks are in desperate need due to the government shut down. Food assistance is a benefit impacted by the lack of funding being released on time. No paycheck impact is horrific. 

In Vermont it has been reported that by 7 November half the 3Squares aka SNAP benefit will be paid by Vermont to the qualifying Vermonters. The other half from the federal government is reported to be released but I have read no information if or when that may happen.

Note, the Vermont funded deposits, according to an AI information, may take a day or two to be posted on accounts. The banks probably have no information when deposits will be posted.

For general programs’ information call:

211 

Nationwide,  211 is a United Way funded number to call for information on the various programs available. 

Day 311 of Week 45 November 2025

Gracious, seeing this is day 311 shivers the thought 2025 is nearly over. 

There are 54 days left before January 2026!

Why the passage of time is so woven into life, methinks, is due to foraging food and growing crops. The ancient gardener in us continues on. It is stronger than the pull of any holiday. 

Speaking of seasons. This autumn I notice there are 2 peak foliage episodes here in northern New England. The 1st is in the high elevation mountains. The 2nd is at the lower elevation Champlain Valley floor. Fall is at peak beauty out my door. The gorgeous color of gold against dark tree bark is stunning. Also, fall feels longer down here than in the mountains. 

Now is the opening of bird feeder season. I deliberately did not look at the prices of the larger bags of seed so as to not hurt my feelings. The smaller bag prices are kinder. 

                  Have a Kindness Filled Weekend!

November Photograph

Branches always have stories to tell.

Thoughts On Napping

First thing Monday morning this week, I had a cataract removal procedure done on one eye. The rest of the day all I wanted to do was nap. I think that is a normal reaction to the release of stress. I had one short nap. 

The next day, I was keen on having a nap after my yearly doctor’s exam. Alas, I had a surgery follow up appointment that afternoon. But, I fit in another short nap anyway.

At 3 AM EDT Wednesday, guess who is still awake. 😂

I’m just starting to yawn. 

Later today, there will be no napping. 

Reflection Monday November 2025

Everything you say, do, identify with and belong to is free range under authoritarian rule. You think you are safe because you aren’t high profile, think again. 

There are people going without in real time today, no paycheck, no food assistance because of the actions of one group led by guess who. People suffering while a ballroom is in construction is the news we hear. 

Reflect on that, especially the people who voted for that kind of leadership.

Welcome To November 2025

Under a partly cloudy sky, the 1st day of November has a crisp and chilly vibe that goes well with hot tea and apple cider donuts.

This is the start of Branch Season. What to do with pencil sketched landscapes all around? There is snow in the mountains, leaves on the ground and birds eager to see the feeders back out. 

I’m thinking organizing photos, changing passwords, reading about cyber security, and such is a plan worthy of being top of a November to do list.

For artists, and everyone who has ever thought or said I can’t draw, putting together an art tote is a good idea: sketchbook. pencils, sharpener, eraser and 2 pens. That is basic sketch set up to have handy whether outdoors or in a waiting room. 

Sketching trees to research the botanical names can be an interesting goal to pursue.

Pick up a yard of fabric to use for hand sewing while listening to audio books. 

Take advantage of that concentration, by learning a new language from an audio course.

November to me is the month of being comfy, cooking and creating. 

Day 304 of Week 44 October 2025

Have a Wonderful Weekend!

Spread Happiness

Cook a new recipe

Tell an apple a scary story

Write yourself a nice letter

Mail your letter to you

Read about pheasants

Talk a walk with friends

Browse hiking poles online

Autumn Photograph: Apples

Posting will resume in November 2025