Mimi Takes Five - #429

ONE // Carved Pumpkin

This year's pumpkin design was the evil queen from Snow White with the poisoned apple! It was yet another bold design choice as it was intricate. I then made things more challenging by carving on the imperfect, bumpy side of the pumpkin thinking the imperfections would add to the overall vibe. You know, witches' warts and all. It just made it more challenging for me to see my lines... My husband handed me a headlamp and it greatly improved the situation. I looked like a mad scientist while carving my pumpkin! Lesson learned! It took me the better part of three hours but the result is a great likeness so I'm pleased with it! I don't think it was quite as hard as last year's E.T. pumpkin, but it's definitely up there in the difficulty level. I get really stuck in when I carve a pumpkin and go all out. I do it once a year, so make the most of it!

TWO // Frankenstein

Last fall, I endeavoured to read Dracula. I'd been wanting to read the classics and spooky season seamed the right time to read the classic monster books. While I started with Dracula last year, I knew that I wanted to read Frankenstein this year. I think this book was slightly easier to read (and was much shorter than Dracula). While I did find it a bit slow moving at times, I enjoyed the story. Unlike Dracula, I had less general knowledge about the Monster going into this read, other than the fact that the name Frankenstein is often erroneously attributed to the Monster rather than the creator. Another interesting tidbit is that the way the Monster is given life is left rather ambiguous and does not imply electricity. I'd also say that the Monster is more endearing and overall less monstrous (for lack of better word) than Dracula. The level of evil or scary is not as intense. The message is also very apt for the times and warns of the arrogance of humankind with regard to scientific development. Be wary of the "creatures" you might create and think of the repercussions...

THREE // Pumpkin Sourdough

I couldn't let October come to an end without making a pumpkin sourdough, now, could I? This bread was on my fall list of flavours to try and I finally did this past weekend. I added pumpkin purée and maple syrup in the dough. Then I added a mix of brown sugar and pumpkin pie spice to make a swirl when shaping my dough. I was a bit apprehensive before baking it as the filling started oozing out... Nevertheless,I scored a cute pumpkin face on it and popped it in the oven. To my delight, it baked up beautifully and, while some filling was lost before baking, there was still the semblance of a sugar swirl when I cut into it. I was also not sure what to expect with the pumpkin face but am pleased it came out all smiley! This bread is actually quite delicious and I will be making it again. It's the perfect not-too-sweet treat to enjoy with a cup of tea for a cozy snack. I'm really enjoying this creative phase of sourdough making. 

FOUR // Rust Pants

Would you believe me if I told you I had been thinking about these pants since last year? I had spotted these rust corduroy pants last fall and didn't get them then. I remembered them this fall and had a peak on the website to see if they were still available. To my utter delight, they were! I snagged them right then and there and am so pleased with the look and feel. I've already worn them a handful of times and find them so easy to match with my other autumnal pieces. I can't believe I slept on these for an entire year. Adding rust pants to my fall rotation was a winning move. It's not a colour I ever thought I'd get lots of wear out of, yet here we are. Rust pants are on heavy rotation!

FIVE // My Maple Tree

This is our second fall with our sugar maple and it just keeps getting better. It's still a young tree, so its leaves change a bit later in the season. It also grew quite a bit this year so we have more leaves to enjoy. It started turning yellow and orange at the beginning of last week and it's been getting brighter each and every day. I just can't stop looking at it from the living room window. I love my maple tree so much! I'm always amazed by nature each fall as I'm reminded of the magic that is this season.