hello september! (what a difference a year makes)

I've been thinking a lot lately about the past year, especially since last September.  Honestly, last fall feels like a whole different lifetime to me.  In addition to more obvious life-changing events like getting engaged (score!) and my furry companion of 15 years being diagnosed with cancer (boooo), I've sort of settled into a different chapter in my life.  Up until last fall, I traveled every month, sometimes twice or more.  Since then, I've taken a couple of trips (Mexico and Austin), but that's nothing compared to previous years. With Bubby sick, I haven't felt okay about leaving, and although my wanderlust will probably never die, I've learned how to find different kinds of happiness in hanging around the homestead.  I redid our living room this spring.  I had my very first garden this summer.  I've made more art too - something that I used to rarely find time for between my other company and my constant travels.   Speaking of art, in less than two months, this blog and the Bubby and Bean Art shop will be one year old. And one month from today, I'll be a married lady.

The photos above are from our friends' wedding last September. We sure did like that photobooth. I almost feel like these images captured some of my last moments as Wild Child Melissa. Don't get me wrong - I'm still a little crazy. I'm just a more toned down version these days. A lot can be said for appreciating simpler things.

Do you have any memories of last fall that stand out?

Speaking of a new month, I have a pretty incredible group of new and returning sponsors for September. You can check them out in the right side bar. (If you're viewing this in a reader, just click here). Please take a minute to visit their awesome shops and blogs. I promise you'll be glad you did!