I decided to play a game on my morning walk of hunting the word “NO” in spirit of tomorrow’s elections in Minnesota. I found 8 differently type-set “N-O”s. Obviously, I’ve included just six here because even numbers are better and multiples of three are best. You can see them all on Instagram (we’re username marthaandtom).

Now for the serious bit…

If you’re a Minnesotan, or a registered voter in the U.S. for that matter, remember to make time to head to the polls. If you’re voting in person, take a look at what your ballot will look like before you’re in line. Maybe even print out a copy of your choices(!). Inform yourself. I won’t go into great detail about my own opinions on Minnesota’s proposed constitutional amendments, because it’s been said already far better than I could put into words. Even some of my favorite bloggers have had their say.

So. Some quick thoughts. As a couple, Tom and I enjoy enormous privileges through our marriage. Some of these we’ve benefitted from already, some we likely will in the future, and some we may never consider because we can so easily take them for granted. If this is true for you too, please know that it’s still not true for everyone. With this in mind, Minnesota, Vote No on Amendment 1.

Finally, I wanted to share something I’m a little ashamed to admit. When we first moved to Minnesota in 2008, I mixed up the deadline for absentee voting in Michigan and didn’t know what to do until I learned I could register on Election Day in Minnesota. Remember, that last, very important presidential election? Yes. That one. I almost didn’t get to vote. Looking back, I can’t believe I waited too long to send in my absentee ballot with enough time for it to be counted. Beyond that, I remain thankful to live in a state that provides for same-day registration. That means that if you still haven’t registered, you still have a chance to vote in Minnesota. That means if you’ve moved since last Election Day and haven’t yet updated your address, you still have a chance to vote in Minnesota. Help maintain same-day registration. Vote No on Amendment 2.

This time last year Tom and I were in Michigan visiting family. These photos come from time spent at Tom’s family’s cabin, set deep into the woods about 45 minutes by car from where we grew up. I hope you’ll enjoy reminiscing with me for a bit, in the midst of all the craziness that greets us as October exits this year.

Marimekko’s fall 2012 line has started to trickle in at FinnStyle, as have copies of the company’s Autumn Issue. This little free newspaper did its job in getting me excited about what’s to come.

In a year in which I’ve been determined to buy less (and better) stuff, Marimekko has been a brand I’ve gravitated toward again and again. The pieces have consistent quality in every category you might judge an addition to your wardrobe: colors that stay just as bright as when they were new, fabrics that hold their shape over several washes, and timeless, bold designs. I have to thank FinnStyle for turning me on to Marimekko with their fashion shows, where the staff encourage all attendees to wear Marimekko items from their own collections to each event. The best part? Inevitably, an age 50-something woman shows up in a fabulous dress from her youth that she’s decided to cover with a trench coat. After some coaxing from the FinnStyle team she’ll take off the coat with much trepidation and get showered in compliments from the crowd. My take on all of this: I’ll be hoarding every last Marimekko piece for life.

Indeed, after 60 years, Marimekko has earned its place on 5th Avenue (just remember it was on Glenwood Avenue first…). I wanted to share these images because Marimekko has impressed me again with their thoughtfulness in the Autumn Issue. Its rare that you’ll find a catalog of this scale with such attention to detail and genuinely good writing to boot.

So, in addition to being excited about socks, dresses, and paper goods, I’m thinking about heading off to the woods after taking in this latest Marimekko “newspaper.” In fact, after spending the weekend celebrating all things Nordic with Tom’s aunt and uncle, I’m feeling like a Finn:

‘Finns have always made use of forests – both as a source of food and livelihood… picking wild berries and mushrooms…’

…Finns also head off to the woods as a way to reduce stress and find welcome solitude. The story goes that Finns are their true selves in the forest. No urban pretence. No keeping up with the neighbours. Just Mari and Mother Nature.

For Hanna, this romantic tale has a grain of truth. ‘When I studied Finns who had immigrated to the west coast of Sweden in the 1960s, I noticed something interesting. Unlike the local Swedes, who took to the sea on their holidays, the Finns would head inland to the forest. They wanted to get away from other people and find their own peace of mind. I think that’s something everyone can relate to.’ [Hanna Snellman, Professor of Ethnology at Helsinki University as printed in Marimekko’s Autumn Issue]

As a birthday gift to Tom last year (I called it a “Bike and Ski Package”), I purchased a membership to Minnesota Landscape Arboretum thinking that we’d take advantage of their trails all year long by biking in three seasons and skiing for free in the winter. That plan fell flat early when Mother Nature decided to withhold precipitation last winter – the Arb never even opened their ski trails. We have, however, enjoyed biking 3-mile drive on several occasions and visiting with friends and family during different points of the year. There’s nothing quite like the Arboretum in fall, though. I hope you’ll enjoy these photos from two separate late-September trips to the Arboretum.

I also wanted to share something that I’m having a hard time with in relationship to the organization. At this time, Tom and I don’t have plans to renew our membership as the Arboretum has a new policy:

In an effort to reduce the amount of traffic on Three-Mile Drive, bicycles are no longer allowed. Pedestrians and motorized vehicles acceptable only.

Yes, you read that right. In an effort to reduce traffic, bicycles have been banned. For those of you who enjoy biking at the Arb as much as we do, I hope you’ll let the staff know what this change means to you.

Considering the talk of frost warnings, I set out on a recent morning walk to find out what might be blooming still. I let my steps be guided by the flowers, pulling my camera toward their range of colors both firey and soft. It turns out fall color isn’t just about the trees.