Autumn projects and joy in everyday life fill this morning. Coffee, a lake swim and creative energy give strength while the greenhouse rests until spring.
Good morning. Yesterday I didn’t write a post – I was fully occupied with my autumn projects and joy in everyday life. The morning was quiet, just as it is now, and I simply let it be. I sat in the silence, reflecting and gathering energy for the day’s tasks.
It was only four degrees Celsius when I took off my bathrobe by the lake. Yet it didn’t feel cold – the sun shone and warmed without burning. Mist floated across the water, and the scent of moist soil blended with the freshness of the lake. Everything was beautiful and still.
A Morning Swim that Brings Joy
The swim felt almost ceremonial. The water was still 15 °C (59 °F) – cool, yet surprisingly warm on the skin. I swam 200 meters together with my morning-swim friends while the sun glittered on the surface. The sense of well-being lingered as I drove home, as if the lake had given me an inner glow of joy.
Consciously choosing joy can begin with something as simple as a morning swim.
Autumn Projects in the Greenhouse
Back home, I continued with my autumn projects. The greenhouse was put to rest. I removed all tomato and cucumber plants, scrubbed pots and walls, and enjoyed the pleasant rhythm of the work. I also washed our bed linens – perhaps the last time this year they could dry in the crisp autumn sun. That evening, as I slipped into the sheets, their fresh scent became a small, luxurious moment of gratitude.
Creativity and the Words of Kay Pollak
While cleaning, my thoughts wandered. I’ve promised myself to finish the garden before moving down to my basement studio of paints and canvases. There, a new painting awaits – a joy painting. I picture water and mountains with the words “Choose Joy” dancing across the landscape. Maybe it will become something entirely different when the brush meets the canvas, but for now the idea burns like a gentle flame inside me.
Your Turn – How Do You Welcome Autumn?
How do you receive the autumn season and all its possibilities?
Do you start new projects when the air turns sharper and the mornings clearer?
Or do you, as I sometimes do, simply let the morning be what it is?
I’d love to hear your thoughts in a comment. Your autumn project might inspire someone else.
Reflection
Today I choose joy. Maybe it begins with a cup of coffee, a 15 °C swim, or the scent of sun-dried sheets. In these small moments, I see how Kay Pollak’s idea—that we can choose our attitude—becomes real.
Yesterday has already settled into history, tomorrow is waiting further ahead. But right now – this is where life happens. – Carina Ikonen Nilsson
AHA – Between the Lines
Writing this made me realize that it isn’t only the greenhouse that rests. I, too, am gathering strength. The swim, the thoughts of painting, and the earthy scents are ways to meet a new season with gratitude instead of stress. AHA insight: Joy is a choice that starts in the simplest actions.
Your Voice – Between the Lines
Beneath the surface, this text is about the courage to slow down—to give yourself permission to finish one phase before creating the next. It’s a reminder that joy often grows when we stop chasing it.
A rainy autumn day with oven-baked salmon and hollandaise sauce turned into a story of morning writing peace, candle shopping, and a long walk that brought both strength and inspiration. Here is the whole day in words – and the recipe that adds flavor to the evening.
Rainy autumn day with oven-baked salmon and hollandaise sauce – from morning calm to evening meal
Saturday morning. The aroma of coffee met the quiet while my keyboard clicked away. My morning writing time is sacred – a private bubble before the house wakes.
My husband appeared, camera ready. He wanted to head out right away, but I was deep in my words. He went alone. Ten minutes later the sky broke open. Rain poured down. I listened to the drumming on the window and smiled – sometimes the sofa wins. He returned soaked, laughing, with no pictures in the camera.
Flavors that prepare a rainy autumn day with oven-baked salmon and hollandaise sauce
After a shower I set the table with crayfish and shrimp – Friday’s untouched plan turned into Saturday luxury. The cat stayed outside, so we ate in peace.
I saved the shells. They sizzled in a pot with onion, garlic and carrot until the kitchen filled with the scent of sea and spice. Water went in, then a slow simmer – creating a deep, rich stock. Not everyone loves the smell, but the taste is worth keeping.
How I make the seafood stock
Sauté the shrimp and crayfish shells with coarsely chopped onion, carrots and garlic until lightly browned.
Add enough water to cover.
Simmer for at least 30 minutes, skimming off any foam.
Strain and use the stock right away – or freeze for soups and sauces.
Searching for a bike – and candles for the dark season
With the stock on low heat we headed to town. Lillkillen and my niece joined us. The goal was a bike at Biltema, but no luck – they had stopped selling bikes.
A rainy autumn day
We continued to Ikea, where we happily stocked up on candles. After spending about five hundred kronor, the car smelled of vanilla and cinnamon – autumn evenings secured. At Citygross I thought of a pizza party, but my niece declined and didn’t want anything else. She probably ate well when she got home, because she didn’t eat a thing here. My brother picked her up later.
A little tech help and local news
Before they left, my younger brother and I chatted about life. He helped adjust the TV so I can now watch Västnytt, the regional news, instead of Stockholm news. For half a year I hadn’t realized that was possible, so I kept watching the wrong region and feeling slightly annoyed. He also set up several movies on Netflix for cozy autumn evenings.
Long walk with cows as our audience
When the house grew quiet, my husband and I put on our shoes again. Only a few drops of rain fell as we walked. The paths here are like a map of possibilities: a village turning into open fields, cows chewing thoughtfully, small streams glittering. Woodpeckers and buzzards sailed above us, but none landed in my husband’s camera lens.
An hour later my hip began to protest, warning me that tonight and tomorrow I might feel it more than I’d like. Sometimes the body reminds me to listen.
Tips for perfect oven-baked salmon with a kick – rainy autumn day with hollandaise sauce
Toward evening I sank into the sofa again. I watched a film with just enough suspense to keep me hooked, even if it was a little more thrilling than I usually prefer.
And tonight, as Sunday settles like a soft blanket over the house, I’ll cook oven-baked salmon with hollandaise sauce. Just the thought makes me hungry.
Oven-baked salmon with a little heat
Place a whole salmon fillet in an ovenproof dish. Season with salt, pepper, fresh dill and a pinch of chili.
Bake at 175 °C (about 350 °F) for around 20 minutes, until the fish is just done and still juicy.
Temperature tip: Use a thermometer for perfect results. The ideal core temperature for oven-baked salmon is 52–56 °C (125–133 °F):
52 °C – slightly rosy and very juicy.
54–56 °C – fully cooked but still moist. Remove the fish at about 52 °C; the temperature will rise a few degrees as it rests.
Quick hollandaise sauce for a rainy autumn day
Slowly melt 150 g (about 5 oz) butter.
Whisk together 3 egg yolks, 2 tbsp water, 1 tbsp lemon juice and 1 tsp white wine vinegar over a hot water bath until thick.
Add the butter in a thin stream while whisking. Taste with salt and more lemon if desired.
Shortcut: If you’re worried the sauce might split, put the egg yolks and seasoning in a food processor and let the melted butter drizzle in. Almost as luxurious, with less risk.
Questions for you, dear reader
What does your perfect rainy autumn day look like?
Do you have a favorite recipe for a cozy Sunday meal?
What motivates you to head out for a long walk, even when the rain is near?
Reflection
The rain offered calm, while the day filled with movement – in words, in steps, and in the scents of the kitchen. I see how these small moments carry an entire weekend and give it light.
Between the lines – my voice
I’m drawn to what truly nourishes me: writing, slow cooking, walking where nature opens wide. In these simple actions I find the real rhythm of my life.
AHA – between the lines
Simplicity is enough. A rainy autumn day can hold as much meaning as a long journey in our motorhome, if I only dare to stay inside it. In that quiet wisdom I feel fully alive.
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