Ethiopian Highlands photo by Michael Nichols for National Geographic

Autumn is here — it’s time to squeeze in some more adventures before the frigid winter air arrives! The next few months promise perfect weather for outdoor activities. I can’t wait to take a hike in the crisp rall air, with a hint of wood smoke floating by.

What are your favorite fall adventures? I particularly love nature hikes, where I can collect beautiful photographs of the my favorite season.

P.S. I have those athletic sandals and they are awesome for just about any kind of adventure!

Goose Feathers from Fab Feather Supplies

There is something about feathers that I just love. It’s probably the soft texture or lovely colors and patterns they have. They can be used just as they are naturally or modified to be bright and bold. It’s crazy to think these little beauties contribute to a bird’s ability to fly.

I really love how feathers add a little bit of a wild feel whenever that are used. How do you feel about feathers?

Sheep art by Rocky Top Print Shop

I know you’re probably thinking, “Wool? Jamie, really?” It’s still 90 degrees outside. I know, I know, but you see autumn is my favorite season and it’s just around the corner. I can’t help myself. I am ready for the cooler weather and everything that comes along with it, including lots and lots of wool.

The last few days I’ve been knitting a friend of mine a wool scarf. It makes me wish the weather outside was a little drearier so I could cuddle in a chunky wool blanket and drink a nice mug of hot apple cider. We’ll get there. I guess I just need to be more patient. For now I’ll pass the time crocheting the granny square blanket I’ve been working on. By the time that is done it will be nice and chilly outside. Just the way I like it.

Pink geode handcut paper art by Amelia Mae

I’ve been fascinated with geodes for as long as I can remember, which dates back to the time I visited Palm Springs when I was in seven or eight years old and the only thing I remember from the trip was climbing into a life-size dinosaur that housed to a gift shop in its stomach. At the time I always thought the insides of a dinosaur would look much different.

I love the organic, warped patterns created by geodes, like a marbling effect.

Cicada wing by Lawrence Curtis

As we enter the fall season, I am reflecting on things that characterize summertime (besides the heat, of course!). The nighttime buzz of cicadas came to mind. We lived in a very rural area when I was a child and I used to find cicada shells all over the place. I always thought they were kind of icky. Later in life, I saw photos of cicadas just after molting and realized how pretty and delicate they are.

Why do you think some insects become more popular than others? The cicada is a popular insect in the world of jewelry and art. Cicada wings are beautiful but so are many other insect wings. What do you guys think? Does anyone have insight into insect popularity?

If you want to learn more about cicadas, read here. My favorite fact is that a cicada can live for 17 years!