{Wednesday Hodgepodge // Fall Colors, Concerts, and a Sweet Strawberry Memory}

 Happy Wednesday, friends! It’s time for another round of Wednesday Hodgepodge...a fun little mix of questions that always spark the best conversations. I love how these posts capture bits and pieces of everyday life... from the small joys to the things that make us stop and smile. Let's jump in! 



1. Do you make an effort to see or hear live music? Last time you went somewhere for live music?

We used to! Back in our late teens and early twenties, Nate and I loved going to see live music. We’d go to little outdoor shows, local festivals, and Texas Country/Red Dirt concerts every chance we got. There’s just something about a good live song under the Texas sky that hits differently. These days, life has gotten a little busier and our schedule doesn’t allow for as many concerts as it once did... but I sure do miss it.


The last time Nate and I actually went somewhere specifically for live music was to see Aaron Watson back in March of 2021. He was amazing, as always. Then in March of 2024, I went with a friend to see Brandon Lake... and oh my goodness, it was incredible. Hands down my favorite concert I’ve ever been to. It was a beautiful night of worship, the kind where you can feel the presence of the Lord in every lyric. I’d love to make more time for nights like that... to see more of my favorite Christian artists live and just soak in that worship-filled atmosphere again.


2. According to HGTV the colors of the year for 2026 are mostly decided. Top paint companies declare a color of the year, and decorators will incorporate that into their new year home and room designs. Here's what's on tap in terms of paint trends for 2026 (check out the link here to see photos)


Sherwin Williams-universal khaki (inspired by heavy canvas and outdoor gear) 

Behr-hidden gem (a confident shade of teal) 

Valspar-warm eucylyptus (a warm sliver tinted green) 

Dutch Boy-melodious ivory (a honey tinted beige) 

Glidden-warm mahogany (a classic brick red) 

Krylon-matte coffee bean 

Clark and Kensington -Hazelnut Crunch (warm reddish-brown) 

Graham and Brown-Divine Damson (cherry red with a subtle violet undertone) 

Dunn and Edwards-midnight garden (the green that works everywhere) 


First question-did you know there were so many different paint manufacturers? Which color on the list most appeals to you in terms of your own decorating style? Do you have plans to do any painting in your home in the coming year, and if so might you choose a color from this list? Now, forget painting walls, which color name appeals to you most? 


Honestly, yes, I did know there were that many (and more)... but only because my dad has worked in the painting business for over 35 years! I grew up around paint decks, color swatches, and the smell of fresh paint. It’s funny how those little things stick with you.


The colors that most appeal to me are Universal Khaki and Hidden Gem. I already have those shades woven throughout our home...soft, cozy neutrals with a hint of warmth and depth. They just feel peaceful and timeless to me. I’ve been dreaming about tackling a few painting projects around the house... maybe giving a couple of rooms a fresh coat and even painting the kitchen cabinets one day. I just need to build up the courage (and the energy!) to actually start.


As for the color name that I love most? Definitely Warm Mahogany. I think it’s my fall-colored lenses showing through, but it just sounds so rich and comforting... like a moody fall day when the air is cool, the candles are lit, the fireplace is crackling, and a cozy movie is playing in the background. Doesn’t that sound dreamy?


3. What’s something in your life you have to do, watch, or participate in that’s about as exciting as watching paint dry?

Hmm... I honestly can’t think of much! Unless Nate puts golf on TV. I just can’t do it. I know so many people find it relaxing, but for me... it’s about as exciting as, well, watching paint dry! Haha! I’ll take a hockey game over golf any day of the week.


4. Tuesday, October 14th was National Dessert Day! Did you celebrate? What’s your absolute favorite dessert?

I love all those fun little national holidays that pop up... some are so quirky and random! I doubt we’ll have time to celebrate this one, though. Mason has high school hockey practice that evening and we’re usually at the rink from about 5 to 9:30ish. Although, now that I think about it... maybe we will celebrate a little...the café at the rink makes the most delicious rice krispie treats. That might just have to count!


As for my favorite dessert... that one’s easy, but it tugs at my heart a bit. My Granny’s strawberry cake. She used to make it for me every year on my birthday, and it was absolute perfection. A homemade strawberry cake topped with whipped cream and fresh strawberries...no fancy frosting, just simple and sweet. I can still taste it if I close my eyes. Oh, how I miss those cakes... and her. They were made with so much love.


5. Perhaps today is the day I will...

Start walking again?! I used to walk anywhere from 5 to 8 miles a day before the Texas heat got the best of me. Once summer rolls in, it feels almost impossible to get those long walks in, but now that it’s cooling down, I’m ready to get moving again. I always feel my best...mentally, physically, and spiritually...when I’m spending time outside, listening to worship music, and getting those steps in. Maybe today’s the day!


6. Random Thought

I’ve really been thinking about gratitude lately... maybe it’s the season we’re in, or maybe it’s just the Lord tugging at my heart. But I keep coming back to how simple gratitude can be. It’s not always about big, elaborate moments... it’s found in the little things...a morning coffee on the porch, a sunset after a long day at the rink, a hug from Mason, or a quiet moment with Nate. Those small things are the heartbeat of my days, and I’m learning to pause long enough to notice them.


And that’s another Wednesday Hodgepodge in the books! I’d love to know how you’d answer some of these questions. What color speaks to you this fall? Or what dessert would you celebrate with on National Dessert Day?


Until next time, friends... may your week be full of gratitude, good coffee, and little glimpses of God’s goodness all around. 🤍


Linking up with Joyce





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