Monthly Review: September 2025

Learn impermanence,

O frail immortal.

Kiss the dust from whence

you issue and return.

Made as you are of that which fades and withers, bless

the flowers; bless the dying leaves.

Know transience,

O fallen glory, little idol

of the living God who gives

your form and being.

Accept inquietude,

O dying star,

which blazes for the briefest night and is no more.

This dark enshadows that which is to come:

that far unsleeping land beyond

that everlasting summer bloom

that form enduring ever

Run unfainting as the outward earth is wasting.

Bless the coming of the light

Bless that eternal dawn.

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Here's what I read, cooked, and created in the month of September.

What I Read

• Our Mutual Friend, Charles Dickens (★★★★★)

• Tom Lake, Ann Patchett (★★★★★)

• The Hired Girl, Laura Amy Schlitz (★★★★★)

• Surviving Savannah, Patti Callahan Henry (★★)

If you want to hear the rationale behind my rating, head to my Goodreads for full reviews.

What I Cooked

• Crockpot Hamburger Helper

Difficulty: ★★

Flavor: ★★

Keeper: No

Comments: Ugh, this should have been so much better than it was. The taste and look were rather reminiscent of dog food. I want to like it because the method was easy, but it was just not good.

• No-Peek Chicken

Difficulty: ★

Flavor: ★★★

Keeper: Yes

Comments: I wouldn't say this wowed me, but it certainly could not have been easier, and I can see it being a great casserole to contribute to a meal train.

• Orange and Zucchini Olive Oil Cake

Difficulty: ★★

Flavor: ★★★★★

Keeper: Yes

Comments: I love fruity olive oil cakes and good uses for zucchini. Absolutely a win.

What I Created

• The first paragraph of a new essay

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May your days be filled with beauty, and may your heart be filled with the willingness to see and give thanks for it.