October has been a month of new beginnings, unexpected adventures, and a few moments that pushed me outside my comfort zone. From welcoming a new granddaughter to traveling solo to Rome, it's been a month I'll be holding close for a long time.

A new little love…

The week before I left for Rome, our newest granddaughter made her arrival!

I was able to rush down to Mississippi and get there just a couple of hours after she was born. I got to hold her, check in on my daughter-in-law and son, and spend a little time with my other grandkids before heading back home to pack for Italy.

It was a whirlwind, to say the least. But getting to meet that sweet baby girl before leaving for such a big adventure made the week even more special. There is something about holding a brand-new baby that puts everything into perspective.

When fear comes along for the adventure…

A few days later, I boarded a plane for Rome. Alone. For the first time ever, I was traveling internationally solo.

I'll be honest: I had to work through some fear and nerves to make it happen. It's one thing to dream about an experience, and another to actually book the ticket, get on the plane, and step into the unknown.

But I'm so glad I did.

My time on the Female Foodie and About Progress Rome Tour was incredible. I met amazing women from all over the country, made new friendships, experienced the beauty and history of Rome, and had more fun than I could have imagined.

Looking back, I'm proud of myself for saying yes to something that stretched me. I didn't need to feel completely fearless to go. I just needed to go anyway.

And sometimes, I think that's where the best experiences begin.

A few Roman highlights…

There were so many memorable moments, but these are the ones that keep coming to mind:

The women. Getting to know such incredible women from all over the country, and having the best roommate ever!
Eating our way through Rome. The walking food tour, exploring the local markets and restaurants, and, of course, all the gelato.
The ride to the Michelin-starred restaurant. Let's just say our taxi driver gave us an adventure we hadn't exactly signed up for. We felt lucky to get there alive!
The villa. Enough said. There was something magical about spending our last few days in a family-owned villa about 20 minutes outside the city.
Walking the Appian Way. Taking in the history and beauty of a place that has existed for thousands of years while walking and talking with amazing women… it was an experience I'll never forget.
Learning mahjong. A new game, lots of laughter, and another way to connect around the table at the villa. By the way, mahjong is FUN, but it is much more complicated to learn than I expected.
Monica's Finding Me workshop. Monica hosted her Finding Me workshop at the villa. Making space for reflection and reconnecting with parts of ourselves that can get lost in the busyness of everyday life was both life-giving and emotional. We all left the session with more clarity for how we could go home and reclaim the parts of ourselves we’ve lost along the way.
Making pasta with real Italian nonnas. Watching them work, learning from them, and getting their hugs was such a gift. They gave the BEST hugs! And the pasta they taught us to make was truly some of the best I’ve ever eaten in my entire life!

There were so many more little moments that made the trip special, but these are the ones that stand out as I look back on it all.

More than anything, I came home grateful: for the people I met, the experiences I had, and the reminder that there's still so much to discover when we're willing to step beyond what's familiar.

Coming home with a full creative well…

When I returned home, I felt recharged. My head was full of new ideas, and I could feel that familiar creative energy bubbling up again. I had a strong revelation that I need to bring poetry back to my creative process. For me, painting and poetry go hand-in hand. I’ve avoided that aspect of my creative expression because it feels scary to be so vulnerable. But in order for me to grow into the artist I know I’m called to be, working through the fear can’t be avoided.

Since returning, I've been spending time in my studio and working on the painting for my granddaughter's nursery. It's been lovely to settle back into making something with my hands, especially something created with a particular little person in mind.

I haven't shared as much of my artwork here this month, and there's a reason for that.

I'm still learning how to balance the demands of everyday life with the time and space I need to create. My creative time feels sacred to me. It's where I process, explore, experiment, and reconnect with myself.

Sharing my art is something I want to do. I want to invite you into that world and let you see what I'm making. But I'm also learning how to share that part of myself without feeling like every moment in the studio needs to become content.

I'm still figuring out what that balance looks like.

Maybe part of this season is learning that I can nurture my creativity without documenting every step of it. That I can share what feels meaningful while allowing some things to remain just for me.

I'm giving myself permission to work that out as I go.

Slowing down into fall…

The last couple of weeks have been a welcome change of pace.

Cooler mornings. The fireplace lit while the house is still quiet. Soup and chili simmering in the kitchen. The anticipation of Halloween. And more time spent in my studio, simply making things.

After all the movement and excitement of the first part of the month, these ordinary moments have felt especially good.

I'm reminded that a full life isn't made up of big adventures alone. It's also made up of the small, familiar rituals that help us feel grounded when we come home.

And sometimes, those quiet seasons are exactly what we need to let everything we've experienced settle in and make room for what's next.

Here's to welcoming new beginnings, saying yes to the things that stretch us, and finding beauty in the everyday moments, too.

OCTOBER

What I Bought and Loved

In Rome, there are incredible Italian leather shops everywhere! You can purchase some of the most beautiful leather goods in the world for a fraction of the price you might pay here in the States. I fell in love with this bag the moment I saw it!

What I Made and Feel Proud Of

Although it’s still a work in progress, I feel most proud of this piece I’ve worked on this month. It will go in my new granddaughter’s nursery.

My Favorite Book This Month

October’s BLOOM:

Say yes to one thing that helps you grow.

It doesn't have to be a big adventure or a dramatic change. Maybe it's trying something new, making time for a creative hobby, reaching out to someone, or simply giving yourself permission to do something just because it brings you joy.

This month, I challenge you to step a little outside your comfort zone and make room for something that makes you feel more alive.

What's one thing you'd love to say yes to this month?

Take a moment to think about it, and then take one small step toward making it happen.

Until next time…

Tonia

Issue No. 4 | New Beginnings