For me, the carnival season already feels like a countdown: we’re coming out of winter! Because December claims all the holidays for itself, and January and February are basically just about surviving until spring. Luckily, there are still birthdays and name days to celebrate in the family during these months, which brighten this period a bit. But when it’s carnival time, you can see the light at the end of winter’s long, cold tunnel, and a gentle tingling appears at your fingertips, signaling that the worst of the cold is almost over. And as such a hopeful milestone, what better way to celebrate than with a batch of fitting homemade…

The wind has been blowing wildly for days. Everyone is restless because of it—irritable, sensitive—but somehow it has a calming effect on me. The way it roars through the streets, foaming like waves, sometimes I almost believe it’s alive. But since it’s wind, let it blow. Let it rage, tear apart, and then calm down. But when it blows, let it also blow music. Melody, rhythm, colors on five lines—give a little more than just itself. Let it show beyond its translucent forms and guide me along a path where I don’t need yellow bricks or curbs, but where sounds replace light in the end. Let it howl in a…

This holiday passed undeservedly quickly, and by the time we had visited and indulged every family member, we barely had one evening left of Christmas to spend quietly at home in pajamas, relaxing with just our close family. I’m considering introducing new traditions next year to see if they work out—for example, on the first day of Advent, not only decorating the house but also putting up the Christmas tree. I’ve noticed this tradition in several families, and although I initially approached it with some hesitation (we always set up the tree on the morning of the 24th), over the years I’ve grown so accustomed to it that I’ve even…

Although my new job requires me to use up my year-end reserve energy, all things considered, I truly feel good at the hospital. If I’m clever, we’ll be able to experience Advent at home just as this season deserves: in peace, with the scent of cookies, spiced coffee, good books, and most importantly, with each other. Since creating the Advent atmosphere at home during busy weekday evenings takes some extra attention and planning, this little virtual nook has been a bit neglected in recent weeks. So, now is the perfect time to share with you some of the most memorable moments from the past period through a few photos—capturing the…

One of the best after-school activities is going to the library and carefully choosing the next book to hide away in when everyday life becomes overwhelming. Of course, for a school-age boy, a quiet afternoon at the library isn’t always enough, so sometimes we spice it up by sitting in the park to read (collecting chestnuts, gathering with friends, climbing trees)—just like on this simple afternoon when I took these photos. Why shouldn’t such a moment be worthy of celebration, especially looking back a few weeks from now, here in rainy November…? Oh, did I mention? I have a new job at the hospital in this little town, in administration:…

Although there aren’t many photos from the evening and those we have aren’t the best quality, what truly matters is captured in them: people connected to each other, a carved pumpkin lantern, and some spooky treats! Here are a few gathered snapshots of the behind-the-scenes work and sweet memories spent with my golden-haired little one. For those curious and nostalgic, here are some clicks to Halloween celebrations from previous years: 2018 2017 2016 Dated: Nov 9, 2019

I know the Halloween debate has become quite divided lately, but I’m definitely and enthusiastically voting for Halloween! Together with Ruben (: Anyone who has been reading this journal for a while knows that Ru’s forgotten birthday falls around this time, and when we celebrated his sixth month, everything was pumpkins and jack-o’-lanterns (introducing solids and all that, those adorable baby months…!). Over the years, it has actually become a tradition. By now, we have a shared dinner with grandma, a few tried-and-true dishes that I only make at this time (grandma’s favorite cheesy baguette, which unfortunately had to be replaced this year by pumpkin scones), decorating our home, and…

World Music Day moved both of us deeply—there couldn’t have been a more fitting way to start October! And this cellist boy even convinced me to make music together, so I had to dust off my flute that’s been resting for years to play a few notes alongside him. I’m far from my best form, unfortunately, but the flutist inside me is waking up, and once she stretches her limbs, real jam sessions await us! Cello lessons and preparing for them during the most beautiful autumn days are a true treat in the afternoons. And then a shared evening concert (a real nighttime outing with my son— it hit me…

They sneak off to the neighboring small town for coffee! As always, whenever it’s just Ru and me, I get swept up in the mood for planning (especially in September, when it overlaps with my autumn nesting season—I’ve written about this in my original blog, daysonpaper.blog.hu too). And really, what could capture the feeling of togetherness and paying attention to each other better than two steaming, fragrant mugs of coffee on a little table? I’m actually revisiting an old sidetrack in my life (I’ve started writing again, just for my own amusement), and sitting on the terrace of one of my favorite cafés, I couldn’t resist pulling out the story I’m currently…

This autumn, I find myself swinging between two feelings. One part of me still longs for the summer months—the vibrant life, the exceptional moments I was lucky to experience (moments I find hard to let go of). Conversations, moods, feelings that still hold me a little, and maybe I hold on to them too, because their closeness still feels good. At the same time, my always-returning autumn side is taking shape—the one that simply adores September… The cool mornings; the soft music playing while Ru and I linger in our pajamas in the sunny living room before school; the hearty breakfasts that start our day; the cozy sweaters and the…