Finding Beauty in Change: Autumn Reflections and Creative Rituals

Just the other day, on my walk through Downs Park in Maryland, I found myself reflecting on one of those social media challenges. A friend asked me to share family photos. If you know me, my social media is usually focused on art, journaling, and creative workshops, rather than personal snapshots.

But the prompt made me pause and think about all the change in my life these past ten years. My family moved from Virginia to Maryland, my children have grown up, and my own journey has shifted from being a full-time mom to an educator and now to building my art business.

The Season of Change

As I walked along the bay, the leaves caught my attention with their deep rusty oranges and reds. I thought about how change can feel unsettling, but it can also be breathtakingly beautiful. Autumn has a way of teaching us to embrace transitions and find peace in the process.

Just as the seasons turn, we carry our own stories of transformation. One of the ways I hold onto what matters most is through traditions and creative rituals. I treasure my mother’s cookbook we used when I was little and the notes and memories scribbled in the margins. Savoring these fall recipes brings me grounding and continuity in the midst of life’s constant shifts.

Creating Memory Touchstones Through Art

That’s why I love the practice of making zines —small, handmade booklets that become keepsakes of memory and meaning. They aren’t as involved as creating a whole memory book or album. I can finish one in a few minutes, or take the time to create something lovely in 30 minutes. They’re a gentle way to slow down, reflect, and create something tangible with your hands.

In October, I’m hosting an online zine workshop where we’ll fold and assemble our own zines together. Each participant will bring a favorite family recipe and turn it into a work of art. The recipe zine will be a little booklet you can keep, gift, or share.

Join the October Zine Workshop

If you’ve been craving a creative pause, this workshop is your invitation. It’s more than a craft project because it’s a way to:

Slow down and make space for reflection

Capture a piece of your family story

Create a keepsake that blends memory, tradition, and art

✨ Reserve your spot for the October Zine Workshop today and discover how a simple folded booklet can become a lasting memory touchstone.