I’m slowly getting settled into my new apartment in Easthampton, which I have started referring to, if only in my mind, as the Dollhouse. This is because it’s small, with lots of strange angles, tiny doors, and other quirks that make it feel more like a toy than a real living space. I adore it. My closet doors look like they should lead to Narnia, or Wonderland. My doorknobs are wonderfully mismatched, like whoever installed them just had a sack of them that they drew from at random. The heater in the bathroom is black, a reminder that at one point, the bathroom was painted entirely black. (I like to speculate about the sort of person who decided that was a good idea.)

I’ve started dancing again. I finally purchased my first pair of real dancing shoes last night, and I love the way they slide across the dance floor with no resistance. I almost lost my balance during the first few spins, but I think I’m starting to get used to the lack of friction. I can’t remember why I stopped dancing, but I regret that I did, and I’m happy to be back.

I’ve also started teaching myself to knit, with Stitch n’ Bitch: The Knitter’s Handbook as my guide. I highly recommend it, along with Stitch n’ Bitch Crochet: The Happy Hooker. The patterns are cute, the instructions are easy, and both books are written with a sense of humor that make them enjoyable reading as well as useful guides. My first project is a scarf that I doubt I’ll ever wear more than a few times - it’s functional (except that the stockinette stitch makes the entire thing curl in on itself) but not particularly stylish. I snagged the pattern from Martha Stewart’s website as a practice project. (I’m actually starting to have respect for that woman, despite her ugly scarf pattern. I feel dirty.)

One day, I’ll start posting things on Etsy again. But there are many things that have to happen before that point. I need to finish unpacking (at least to the point where I can find my camera and have my craft supplies in some semblance of order, and make another light tent for picture-taking). I need to finish the projects I’m in the middle of, and restrain myself from starting new projects for myself (although I think this may be a lost cause). I need to feel like my life is back in order. Right now I still feel adrift in my own life, and I suspect that feeling won’t go away anytime soon. But adding some new routines helps me at least feel connected to things outside my brain and my apartment, which helps.

This has been a miserable summer, quite possibly the worst of my life. But things are looking up for the fall and beyond. This morning was beautiful - foggy and brisk, just how I like it. Sweater and scarf weather is here, but the afternoons are still sunny and warm. I’m feeling inspired to bake - as soon as I find my flour. Maybe some pumpkin muffins, or a pie, or a gingerbread. My kitchen is just begging for the cozy, homey, delicious smells of autumn.