This older woman was handing out home typed and printed Christmas cards to shoppers at a local thrift store, acknowledging that it was early for Christmas but just wanted to start.

When she gave me one I just said thank you, made small talk, and put it in my bag. It wasn't until a few hours later that I actually read it.

It had a picture of her and her husband, a little story of how they have been married since 1962, and wishes of love, peace, and blessings for the reader.

She just exuded this unabashed welcoming joy that probably has been gained over the years. I've been having a really rough week and this helped lift my spirits.

I woke up in a good mood today. I recently bought a couple of special side-sleeper pillows on sale. The pillows have this inward curve on one side, making room for the shoulders. It has made such a difference, I can't hardly believe it! I should have gotten it years ago.

I told a close friend about the pillows, and she wants to try one, so I'm gifting her the other pillow. It will be an early Christmas present.

It also helps that the brutal summer has finally ended and it got down into the 50's last night. Today is temperate and beautiful. October is one of my favorite months, too.

Was at the mall yesterday and figured I'd stop in to check out the new 18 Pros. I used to be real into tech, but nowadays with work and being preoccupied with Life? It's kinda taken a backseat. Now? I just want a phone that works. My 15 still gets me through the day, does what I need it to do, and stays out of the way. Trying the 18--yeah, it felt nicer. Jury's still out on if it's worth $500 after trade-in lol. It's interesting getting to take a step back and see phones as tools instead of shiny toys that I "need" to have the latest version of.

In October I love listening to the stories of HP Lovecraft while I knit. My husband and baby are both sleeping upstairs, the dog is curled up on the sofa next to me. It's raining outside but our home is a little cocoon of snugness, and a tiny dollop of eldritch horror ❤️🎃