September celebrations
“We throw a wet blanket of ho-hummery over our lives when we live in fear of what others might think, instead of celebration of who we are.”
~Jen Sincero
I chose CELEBRATE as my 2026 Word of the Year (WOTY). One way I’m putting that word into practice is to take note of the many things I have to celebrate…large and small…during the month and to share the highlights with you on the final Tuesday of each month.
Pretty nail art from my new nail lady
My previous nail lady…whom I loved…recently closed up shop. It was with some trepidation that I tried someone new that I found online, but we hit it off right away, and she did a great job! Change is hard…but pretty nails are worth it.

Leisure time spent reading
I actually read several books in September. These two were my favorites. Both cover heavy topics, but in a thoughtful way. In an Instant was a can’t-put-it-down type of book, while Falling Apart and Other Gifts from the Universe was a beautiful, uplifting read.


New leggings for fall
Fall is my favorite season, and CVG leggings are my favorite clothes. What could be better than combining the two?
Grandchildren
I love spending time with my grandchildren in person. The next best thing is hearing about the fun things they are doing and receiving cute pictures like this one. Seventeen-year-old Piper was the only “child” on this flight, so they invited her into the cockpit and presented her with the wings usually reserved for the little ones.

Enjoying the many faces of Mother Nature
We were blessed with so many beautiful clouds and sunsets this month, it was a challenge to whittle the photos down to these five.





Another jigsaw puzzle complete
Finally, not all my down time is spent reading. I also enjoy doing jigsaw puzzles. This one was challenging, but I did it!

Your turn
- What did you enjoy in September?
- Have you read any good books lately?
- What else is on your mind? Anything at all; I just love to hear from you.

Oh I read In an Instant years ago and it was soo good, heartbreaking but good. Your nail art is fabulous.
It was a heart-wrenching story, Joanne, but so well written. I’m glad you liked the nail art. I was really pleased with it.
You have the best nails! What fun! I gave my presentation at my women’s retreat last weekend (I think), and it went so well. That was one of the best things. I think the absolute best was the opening of the Giants exhibition at the art museum. I’m so excited about it!
https://marshainthemiddle.com/
Thanks, Marsha. I do have a lot of fun with nail art. Congratulations on your successful presentation!
What a lovely month of small joys – I think appreciating the beauty around us and how blessed we are just makes us so grateful for the life we get to live every day. x
I couldn’t agree more, Leanne.
I’ve been doing an “I did it” list every month which does allow me to celebrate even the small things I accomplished. I tend to “exclamation point” the biggies on the list as I write it. This month was filled with mostly small things – many house related. Only one exclamation point actually – we went to see Come From Away (the musical) live on Sept 11th. It was simply amazing. I had not seen the musical before but others in our group had and said this was the best performance of it they had ever seen.
I’m glad you found a new nail person you like! I like the dark blue. My last pedicure I got “natural” and will never again! I might have to try a deep blue!
I’m so glad you got to enjoy a live performance, Pat. That’s definitely exclamation point worthy. I too like to go bright on my toenails. I rarely share those pics on social media, because last time I posted a picture of my feet, I got some very interesting responses! 😳
I would say your new nail gal is a pro. What a pretty combination of colors and I love the nail art. I did paint mine!! Yay me!!
You guys have had so lovely skies. We rarely have clouds but with this tropical storm that came through, we have had dark, ominous, gray clouds. Today the sun is out but there are still clouds, so I bet we will have a pretty sunset.
Glad you liked In an Instant. I have pinned the other book for the book club. Thank you for sharing.
You look sun-kissed and very fit in your pumpkin activewear. Those are really cute. Fall is my favorite season, too.
Lots to celebrate this month.
Go you…painting your nails, Leslie! I just love clouds and what they do to enhance the colors of the sunset. Thanks for hosting the book club. I’ve read so many good books as a result of the group’s picks.
What beautiful shots from around your place Christie! I remember reading In an Instant a few years ago, a good read! Love your leggings for autumn. We’re well into spring here and the weather is starting to warm up as the garden comes alive. We’ve had two of our grandchildren here for school holidays this week and have enjoyed spending time with them immensely!
Thank you, Debbie. We do love this area. There is so much beauty all around. I’m glad you got to enjoy the grandchildren. Is there anything better?
Looks like September was good to you, Christie. I loved the video of your new fall CVG leggings! So cute!
Thank you, Cindy. September was another good month. Here’s to a fun October!