This morning had the first real touch of fall in the air. It was cool enough that I grabbed my cappucino and just looked out the window for a minute before the day got going. The leaves are starting to fall in the yard, and the sky has that softer kind of light that only shows up this time of year. It makes the leaves look more golden as they start to turn yellow. It's just beautiful.
The shop feels different too. I opened the bay door, let in the breeze, and just enjoyed working with the fresh air flowing in. I’ve been working on a few new wood crosses this week, and there’s something about creating new crosses that slows me down in a good way. You can’t rush it. You have to take your time and pay attention to the little things.
In my office, my 3d printer has been working on a photo lamp I started last night. It’s still strange to me how something as modern as a printer can make something that feels so personal and meaningful. When the light shines through the finished photos, it doesn’t feel like a gadget - it feels like memories, warmed up again. I always love that feeling I get of "Wow! That's beautiful" when I first turn on the lamps I make. It seems to amaze me everytime.
Fall always brings a mix of energy and stillness. The days start getting shorter, but somehow everything feels fuller - warmer meals, earlier evenings, more quiet time to think. I love that. It’s the kind of season that reminds me to slow down, even when life’s trying to speed up.
I’ll be honest, I’m not always great at that. I catch myself thinking about what’s next - orders to finish, materials to restock, a dozen little things waiting for attention. But lately I’ve been trying to just breathe and live in the moment.
Maybe that’s what I love most about this kind of work. Both the wood crosses and the lamps are simple, but they hold something deeper. One reminds me of faith — quiet, steady, patient. The other reminds me of light — memory, warmth, and love. I guess both teach me something about slowing down and remembering what matters.
Anyway, that’s where I’m at this week — messy workbench, warm cappucino, sawdust in my hair, and a soft breeze blowing through the open door. It’s nothing fancy, but it’s enough.
Here’s to fall’s first breath, small beginnings, and the kind of peace that shows up when you stop long enough to notice it.
I hope you all have a beautiful first week of fall!
— Alyson
Founder, Southern Flair Designs