I like when I see a curve of road nearly swallowed by foliage, a stone wall eaten by moss. I like the way Virginia’s countryside appears as it must have centuries ago: an undulation of trees and grass, no tall structures to interrupt its ancient chiaroscuro of breeze and bark. I like the way Georgetown falls into the Potomac.

I like, in other words, when the earth reminds me it was here first.

There has been a hawk in our yard the past few days; Landon has seen it swoop low, in hunt no doubt, and I’ve heard its kee-ahh! call from the trees. Something interesting about noticing the birds around us: they tell the story of the seasons. They let you know about food scarcity and plenty. The birdfeeder we hung in high summer, for example, was not cleared for some time, but now I can hardly walk outside without seeing a flutter of wing in the near-empty dish. And the hawks here, hunting. And the gradual winnowing of morning birdsong as we approach winter. Some of our plain jane passerines have flown south already; others stop singing in the cold months, when breeding season has ended and they know to conserve energy for the season’s imminent sparsity.

When I notice these changes, I am simply observing the earth’s cycles, and the way they pre-date and will outlast me–thoughts that comfort and dissolve the ego in equal measures.

Oh, it’s nothing new here. I write about this constantly, and too much, but how is it that I went for 35+ years without truly paying attention to the branch and bird when they offer me so much? I have been an unkind guest.

Let me look this week for signs of the earth’s ancientness: for the old rocks, for the rootless moss, for the mature trees that pin up the twilight between their branches, for the renewable rain that gathers in the earth and returns to the sky.

Sunday Shopping.

Now firmly in jeans season, I finally ordered a pair of these AYR jeans I keep hearing about in the everyday “hypnotize” wash. I think I saw them first on Julia Amory and have been seeing them pop up elsewhere since.

I’ve never tried their jeans before even though we all love their early morning tees (#magpiecore); apparently this style is “perpetually sold out” and has boasted a waitlist of 5,000 at times (!). It comes in several lengths and washes, which I like, but I wanted to start with the style above instead, because I really prefer a high rise waist these days. I find it’s the most flattering on my figure and most comfortable for me? Ever since my c-sections I just like to be hugged in up to the natural waist! Will report back.

Other items on my list and radar at the moment:

+Have noticed a non-trend of plaid outerwear this season. Love VB’s take (also this scarf version), of course, and it’s nearly sold through, but there are great vibes for less at Tuckernuck and Faherty. Speaking of Faherty: still loving this loose and boxy waffle henley as a top layer over athleisure, and how cute is their new highland cardigan?

+On the plaid note: how fab is this bag?! Other versions of this bag are included in an online sample sale — how gorgeous are this and this? Love that glossy gold closure. I can’t speak highly enough about Phillip Lim bags — totally under-the-radar, uncommon out in the wild, and so chic! I have a few styles.

+For ultra shiny, happy hair. A mix a few drops into my damp hair after a shower before blowing out.

+Ordered a few sleeves of these flex cups as hostess gifts for the season ahead! And while we’re talking holiday: love this $35 tree skirt!

+Dorsey just launched a new earring style! Gorgeous per usual.

+Footwear: my favorite cozy winter boots. Go up a size in these. And a great holiday heel for $125!

+Chic winter look: Aligne top, Toteme pants.

+For a fetching late winter flush: Rhode cream blush in “Date Cake” and peptide lip glaze in “PB&J.”

AVEDA HIGH-SHINE HAIR OIL // VERONICA BEARD PLAID JACKET (VIBE FOR LESS HERE, HERE) // AYR LEGEND JEANS // A GREAT HOSTESS GIFT FOR THE SEASON AHEAD // PHILLIP LIM BAG // INUIKII BOOTS // RHODE CREAM BLUSH AND LIP GLAZE // ALIGNE TOP // TOTEME PANTS // DOLCE VITA MULES // DORSEY EARRINGS // TURKEY PUZZLE // TREE SKIRT

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