There's a funny little stretch of the year when the leaves are still doing their thing, Halloween is here, and somehow we're already thinking about Christmas. The calendar fills up quickly. We love the holidays, but we also love having a minute to enjoy the season we're actually in.
Here's an idea for this weekend: go see some water. Not an all-day outing with a packed cooler and a complicated plan. Just a small pocket of lake time. We call that leisure, too.
First, give yourself permission to keep it simple
Pick a lake, pond, or waterside spot you can reach comfortably. Check the weather, daylight, and access before you go. If you live near Bloomington, Lake Monroe is one option; if you don't, your own favorite patch of outdoors works just as well. You don't need a boat, a reservation, or a perfect photo.
We spend plenty of time thinking about projects and making things for the shop, so we know how easy it is for a free afternoon to turn into another list. This little outing is supposed to be the opposite of that.
The 45-minute lake reset
10 minutes: Bring your favorite drink. Coffee, hot chocolate, iced tea, whatever sounds good. Take a minute to enjoy it instead of drinking it between errands.
15 minutes: Walk a little. Choose a safe, open path that works for you. Notice the trees, the light, and the sounds. This is not a workout challenge. A short stroll—or sitting somewhere with a good view—absolutely counts.
10 minutes: Do one analog thing. Read a few pages, sketch the shoreline, jot down three things you noticed, or leave your phone in your pocket and do nothing at all.
10 minutes: Stay for the good part. Watch the water, talk with whoever came along, or just be quiet. The drive there and back is extra; the 45 minutes start once you've arrived.
Bring a little of the outdoors into ordinary days
We have an Out of Office Camp sticker in the shop that makes us smile. It's a weather-resistant vinyl sticker for a water bottle, laptop, or travel gear. A tiny reminder that your free time doesn't have to be productive to matter.
And yes, we're already dreaming about the holiday version of lake days. Our Christmas at the Lake holiday car scent has an illustrated lake-themed Christmas label and comes in choices including Coffee Shop, Camp Fire, Candy Cane, and Christmas Cookie. It's a small stocking-stuffer idea for someone who talks about lake season all year long. Follow the product's handling directions to avoid fragrance-oil spills.
Not near a lake? You're still in the Leisure Club.
A neighborhood walk, sitting on the porch, a puzzle at the kitchen table, or a book under a blanket can give you that same little break. We never want the Leisure Club to feel like you have to go somewhere—or buy something—to belong.
So here's our invitation this weekend: find 45 minutes for something you genuinely enjoy. If you feel like sharing, tag @222parkside in your leisure. We'd love to see the lake views, the cozy corners, the craft tables, and all the ordinary moments in between.
Find your free time. — 222 Parkside
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