I happened across a great little book by Irene Smit & Astrid Van Der Hulst called Know Yourself: A book of questions. Actually, I’ve purchased copies of their other books, chock full of hygge: paper crafting, letter writing stationery, mini-notebooks, book marks, postcards, sketching ideas, tips for relaxing and self care. My Amazon feed suggested it. I bought it. One night I popped it open, you know, to relax and perhaps learn more about myself. I answered the questions without writing anything down and realized these are fantastic writing prompts.
Since it’s cozy season (anywhere else but in central Texas where we’re still at 90+ temps), I’ve decided to turn down the AC and attempt to create cozy fall vibes.
It starts with Gilmore Girls. Last fall, I started watching the series for the first time. My thoughts on Gilmore Girls can be an entirely separate set of posts I’m saving for later–yeah, had I written more consistently I could’ve knocked ’em out by now…
My sister, Angie, is a die hard fall girlie, Gilmore Girls fan, and has dreamed of visiting New England in October.
“So, what’s the verdict?”-Rory
“I am an autumn.”-Richard
I am a summer. I’ll take the heat. Until it’s almost November when cool weather should be the norm. We chat about making a trip happen. Inspired by Gilmore Girls. My niece, her oldest daughter, joined us. Last week, we finished up our first trip to Connecticut and New York in all of its fall foliage glory.
We arrived on Friday, October 10th. We decided to visit New York on Saturday because we’d soon experience our first nor’easter. A guy named Eddie, who worked on a ticket machine at the train station in Milford, assured us we didn’t need to panic. Cold rain and strong wind. He gave us tips and great conversation while we waited.
The one thing I had to see was NYPL. We walked over and noticed a demonstration. Banned Books Week! I had finished out my work week leading up to this trip teaching all of our eighth graders about intellectual freedom and censorship. I asked for a picture with someone wearing one of my favorite childhood books. We chatted about my work as a librarian.
“Better yet,” she suggested, “would you like to wear it?”
How could I refuse? Bonus points for the last time I went to NYPL for the first time. I also got a library card.
When was the last time you did something for the first time? This question taps my shoulder on days I feel myself falling into the mundane. It also guides me when I-don’t-know-what-to-write-itis strikes.
Nerds Beget Nerds 
Love that question! I’ll have to think about the last time I did something for the first time! Maybe I’ll have to do some things! I’m glad you braved NY in the storm– it wasn’t that bad! And I LOVE that the woman put the billboard right on you! Perfect!
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Hi Melanie,
No, the storm wasn’t that bad. I brought a rain jacket and umbrella, but too often I forgot to take them with me! We were able to purchase umbrellas from a street vendor. Thank goodness for New Yorkers who know the tourists well, lol! The book billboard was a pleasant surprise.
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What a great last first! (And into a storm, no less!) I’ll be thinking about your question…
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This question has flipped my thinking and perspective when I find myself getting bored with everyday tasks.
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What a wonderful peek into your world. I love a good Nor’easter, because I went to college in Maine. Reading your post made me miss the fall in New England. I suppose I am an autumn, too.
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Thanks, Hannah. I got a taste of real fall weather and wish it would’ve followed me home. New England is beautiful and I hope to visit again.
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Great question to provoke one’s thinking and stir up memories. I vaguely remember my first visit to NYC … but I vividly remember my last visit. I could probably call my trip to London “The First Last….” and as I write, others are popping up. BTW, I’m curious,
“Who were you named for?”
Question explained: I always ask that question of women I meet who are named “Alice.” Probably about 95% of the time, they say they were named for a relative–grandmother, great-Aunt–usually one from a generation past. It seems “Alice” is a family name of favorite people… I mean, if you name your baby girl after a female relative, you must like that relative, right? In case you are wondering, I was named “Alice” after my paternal grandmother.
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Hi Alice,
You beat me to your question, I typically ask the same. I am in the 5%. My dad liked the name and both he and my mother liked it enough to give it to me. I found out several years ago I wasn’t named Alicia since we didn’t live in Mexico, but in the U.S. Had we lived in Mexico, it would’ve been Alicia instead. I always thought I had an “old” name, but now I prefer to use the words traditional, or even vintage. I’ve noticed it’s making a comeback.
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