There is something especially beautiful about October in the Adirondacks. The changing leaves, crisp autumn mornings, cozy evenings, and first hints of winter always make this season feel a little magical. And this October was filled with so many moments that I will treasure for a long time. From transitioning back to our beloved third-generation cottage for the colder months to experiencing the breathtaking beauty of Whiteface Mountain, sharing some deeply personal reflections on healing and restoration, and officially introducing The Cabin Letters, this month was a lovely mixture of ordinary moments and meaningful milestones.
One of the sweetest parts of sharing these experiences has been connecting with so many of you over on Instagram. Your thoughtful comments, encouraging messages, and willingness to share your own stories have meant more than I can adequately express.
As we continue our journey of making life just 1% more restful each day, I have been reminded again and again that some of the most beautiful moments are not necessarily the biggest or most extraordinary ones. Sometimes they are found in the smallest projects, the quietest mornings, an unexpected mountain view, or a simple reminder that a new beginning is possible.
Before we say goodbye to October, I thought it would be lovely to gather seven of the most loved Instagram reels from October 2026 into one place. Whether you have been following Caravan Sonnet for years or have just recently joined our community, I hope these moments bring a bit of encouragement, inspiration, and beauty to your day.
October began with the start of a new series that has become especially meaningful to me: making our third-generation cottage just 1% more restful each day. As we transitioned from our beloved fifth-generation cabin on Lake Champlain back to the cottage for the fall, winter, and spring, I wanted to be intentional about creating a home that felt peaceful, welcoming, and beautiful for the months ahead.
And what better way to begin than with a little cozy fall decorating?
There is something wonderful about the way a few simple seasonal touches can change the atmosphere of a home. A favorite autumn decoration, a cozy corner, or a little thoughtful rearranging can make a familiar space feel fresh and inviting. What I love most about this project is that it reflects the heart of our 1% More Restful journey. We don't need an enormous budget, a complete renovation, or endless amounts of time to begin making our homes feel more peaceful. Sometimes the smallest changes make the biggest difference. I have loved sharing this series with you and hearing about the little projects you are tackling in your own homes. After all, a more restful home isn't necessarily a perfect home. It is a home that is loved, cared for, and filled with intention.
And sometimes that begins with a little cozy fall decorating.
Of everything I shared during October, this was perhaps one of the most vulnerable and personal. Six months ago (yesterday), with absolutely no warning, my life changed when I was unexpectedly laid off from my full-time job due to (as I was told) budget cuts. In a conversation lasting less than seven minutes, a professional chapter that had been part of my life for years came to an abrupt and painful ending. I never heard from 99.9% of the people that I had been living life with for years ever again. Many I counted as dear friends and the way that everything was handled was truly disgraceful.
Less than a week later, my mother began radiation treatments following months of cancer surgeries and recovery.
It was an extraordinarily difficult season.
The way the layoff was handled left me stunned, shattered, and deeply hurt, particularly following a year of incredibly painful personal circumstances. There are parts of that experience that I have not shared publicly, and perhaps someday I will or I may never. But as I began hearing from people walking through their own unexpected "Day One" moments, I felt a deep desire to offer a little encouragement from what these past six months have taught me. Because what began as an incredibly painful season has slowly become one of the most tender and redemptive chapters of my life.
There have been tears, certainly. There have been moments of weariness, difficult questions, and the slow process of healing from circumstances that had been unhealthy for far too long.
But there has also been extraordinary goodness.
There have been answered prayers, healing in unexpected places, the blessing of dear friends who have surrounded us with encouragement and love, laughter that comes from deep within, and beautiful moments with my mother that I will treasure forever.
There has been hope.
There has been freedom.
And there has been a sweet, almost indescribable joy that I could not have imagined during those first painful days.
I don't share any of this to suggest that healing happens overnight or that every difficult circumstance will resolve the way we hope. But I do share it because I know what it feels like to stand at the beginning of something devastating and wonder how life will ever feel beautiful again. If that is where you find yourself today, I hope you will remember that your story is not finished. The pain of this moment does not have to define every chapter that follows. There may be rescue, relief, recovery, and restoration in ways you cannot yet imagine. One of the Scriptures that has been especially meaningful to me is Genesis 16:13, where Hagar recognizes the Lord as the God who sees her.
What a beautiful reminder that even in the wilderness, we are not forgotten. To everyone who reached out after this reel, sharing your own stories and offering such extraordinary kindness, thank you. My heart is with those of you walking through your own "Day One." May the months ahead bring unexpected goodness, gentle healing, and beautiful reminders that life and love can find us again, even in the midst of brokenness.
There are moments living in the Adirondacks when the beauty of creation leaves me completely speechless. This was one of them. During a drive along Veterans Memorial Highway on Whiteface Mountain, we experienced something that felt almost magical: two seasons meeting in one breathtaking landscape. Below us, the mountains were filled with the vibrant reds, oranges, and golds of autumn. As we climbed higher, the scenery began to change, revealing trees shimmering with the first frost of the season.
Autumn and winter, beautifully intertwined.
I have experienced many wonderful Adirondack autumns over the years, but there was something especially unforgettable about seeing the brilliant fall foliage contrasted with the delicate frost-covered trees. It was one of those moments when I wished time could stand still for just a little while. What struck me most was the beautiful contrast between the two seasons. Neither diminished the other. Instead, together they created something even more remarkable.
I couldn't help but think about how much that resembles life. Sometimes we find ourselves standing between two seasons, holding pieces of what has been while beginning to discover what comes next. And while transitions can feel uncertain, there can also be extraordinary beauty in the space between. This was one of my favorite Adirondack moments of October, and I am so happy that I was able to share a little glimpse of it with you.
One thing I am quickly discovering about our 1% More Restful cottage journey is that not every project involves cozy blankets, pretty decorations, or charming little corners of the house. Sometimes creating a more restful home means tackling the projects that have been waiting patiently—or perhaps not so patiently—for our attention!
And for Day Two, that meant dealing with the driveway bushes.
These bushes had become quite overgrown during the previous year, and it was definitely time to give them some much-needed attention. I will be the first to admit that this project wasn't quite as picturesque as decorating the cottage for fall! But it was exactly the kind of project that reflects what this series is really about.
Making our homes more restful doesn't always mean adding something beautiful. Sometimes it means removing something that has become overwhelming, addressing a task we have been avoiding, or simply taking care of what we already have.
And as I worked on this project, I found myself learning a little more about myself, too. There is something meaningful about caring for a place that has been part of our family for generations. Our third-generation cottage is so much more than a house to us. It is part of our family's story, filled with memories, traditions, and the beautiful legacy of those who came before us.
Being able to care for it, one little project at a time, is both a privilege and a responsibility. And perhaps that is one of the sweetest lessons of this entire journey. We don't have to transform everything at once. We don't have to finish every project in a single weekend. We can simply begin with what is in front of us, give it our best effort, and celebrate the little changes along the way. Thank you so much to everyone who has been following along with these cottage projects and leaving such sweet comments and encouragement.
Sharing this journey with you has made even the less glamorous projects so much more fun!
.jpeg "the most loved instagram reels of october 2026 | cozy cottage projects, adirondack autumn, travel, and a job lay off update six months later")
October 6, 2026, was another beautiful reminder of why I love calling the Adirondacks home. There are few places that capture the extraordinary beauty of autumn quite like the Adirondack Mountains, and Whiteface Mountain is certainly one of them.
Located near Lake Placid, Whiteface Mountain is known for its dramatic mountain scenery, spectacular views, and the unforgettable experience of traveling along Veterans Memorial Highway. During the autumn months, the surrounding mountains and valleys become a beautiful patchwork of color, making the area especially wonderful for a scenic fall adventure. And this October, the scenery was simply breathtaking. From the colorful mountainsides to the changing landscape as we traveled higher in elevation, every turn seemed to reveal another beautiful view. One of the things I love most about exploring the Adirondacks is that even familiar destinations can feel entirely new with each changing season. A mountain that looks lush and green during the summer becomes a masterpiece of gold and crimson in October. Familiar roads take on a different beauty, and places we have visited many times somehow manage to surprise us all over again.
For those of you planning an Adirondack autumn getaway, Whiteface Mountain and the Lake Placid region are wonderful places to consider. Whether you enjoy scenic drives, photography, exploring charming mountain towns, or simply spending time surrounded by nature, this area offers so many opportunities to slow down and enjoy the season. And for those who may not be able to visit in person, I hope this little reel offers a glimpse of the remarkable beauty that makes this corner of New York State so special. Sometimes a beautiful view is exactly the reminder we need to pause, breathe deeply, and appreciate the world around us.
As October began drawing to a close, I wanted to share something a little different—a simple blessing from the beautiful shores of Lake Champlain. There is something about the final days of autumn that always feels especially meaningful to me. The vibrant colors begin to soften, the air becomes a little cooler, and the changing landscape seems to offer a gentle invitation to slow down and reflect on the season we are leaving behind.
For this little Instagram post, I shared some beautiful moments from a ferry ride across Lake Champlain, including the gorgeous autumn trees reflecting on the water, the view from the ferry, and the peaceful horizon stretching out before us. There was something so lovely about watching the shoreline slowly slip away as we traveled across the lake. The beautiful colors of October, the stillness of the water, and the open horizon seemed to capture so much of what this season has meant to me. And as I watched those views unfold, I found myself thinking about how many people might be approaching the end of October carrying things that others cannot see.
Perhaps this month has been filled with wonderful memories and beautiful new beginnings. Or perhaps it has been a difficult season, one filled with unexpected changes, unanswered questions, or quiet heartaches. Wherever you find yourself, I hope this little blessing offers a moment of encouragement. One of the things I have been reminded of again and again is that we never fully know what someone else may be walking through. A little kindness, a thoughtful word, or a simple reminder that there is still beauty ahead can mean more than we realize. And sometimes, in the midst of an ordinary day, we all need a gentle reminder that life can still hold unexpected goodness. As we say goodbye to October and welcome November, I hope you will find moments of rest, encouragement, and peace in the days ahead. May there be beautiful surprises, renewed hope, and a thousand little reminders that you are deeply loved and that there is still so much goodness to discover. From the shores of Lake Champlain, sending you a little love and a blessing for the season ahead.
One of the most exciting and meaningful moments of October was officially introducing a project that has been quietly growing in my heart for quite some time: The Cabin Letters.
If you have been part of the Caravan Sonnet community for a while, you know how much our beloved fifth-generation family cabin on the shores of Lake Champlain means to us. Built in 1901, the cabin has been part of our family's story for generations, holding countless memories, treasured traditions, and the quiet beauty of summers spent along the lake. Over the years, I have come to appreciate more deeply how places can shape our lives, how family stories connect generations, and how the simplest moments often become the ones we treasure most.
And from those reflections, The Cabin Letters began to take shape.
I found myself wondering: What if our mailboxes held something that invited us to live a little more beautifully? What if, instead of another notification or something demanding our attention, we received a thoughtful invitation to slow down, make space for rest, and notice what truly matters?
The Cabin Letters is a monthly letter club created around that very idea. Each month, a new letter makes its way from Lake Champlain to your mailbox, thoughtfully centered around themes of rest, beauty, place, belonging, legacy, home, and the ordinary moments that make up a meaningful life.
Inside each mailing, subscribers receive a handwritten letter, an original 5×7 fine-art photograph, a 5×7 hand-illustrated field map accompanied by its story, and a special 1% More Restful card featuring a simple invitation to make a little more room for rest, with Scripture on the reverse.
And because different seasons of life sometimes need different words, there are four thoughtfully created editions to choose from:
* Becoming: For seasons of growth, change, and discovering what comes next.
* Belonging: For seasons of connection, home, and finding our place.
* Bravely: For seasons that require courage, hope, and the willingness to keep moving forward.
* Beautiful: For seasons of noticing beauty, cultivating gratitude, and celebrating ordinary life.
Subscribers can join month-to-month, and there are also options to gift The Cabin Letters for three, six, or twelve months to someone special. What makes this project particularly meaningful to me is the opportunity to create something that exists beyond a screen. No algorithms. No endless scrolling. Just something tangible and beautiful to open, read, keep, display, and return to. Something that might arrive in someone's mailbox at exactly the moment they need a little encouragement. Something that celebrates the beauty of handwritten words, meaningful stories, and the extraordinary gift of ordinary life.
The Cabin Letters is, in many ways, a natural extension of the journey we have been sharing here on Caravan Sonnet for so many years. A reminder that we can choose to live with greater intention, appreciate the places and people who shape our stories, and create a life that feels just 1% more restful each day. Sharing this little dream with you during October was such a special milestone. And I am so grateful to everyone who has offered encouragement, shared the announcement, or taken the time to learn more about the project.
From our fifth-generation cabin to your mailbox—one letter, one story, one month at a time. If you would like to learn more, explore the four editions, or gift a subscription to someone you love, I would be delighted to welcome you to this special Mail Club.
The November Sign Ups for December are now open through November 23rd! Join HERE!
A Heartfelt Thank You for Sharing October With Me
As I look back over October, I am struck by how beautifully these moments reflect the different pieces of life that have been unfolding during this season. There were cozy cottage projects and the joy of caring for a place that has belonged to our family for generations. There were breathtaking Adirondack landscapes that reminded me, once again, how much beauty surrounds us when we take the time to notice. There was the vulnerability of sharing about an unexpected job loss and the extraordinary restoration that has followed. And there was the joy of introducing The Cabin Letters, a project rooted in family heritage, meaningful stories, and the hope of encouraging others to create a little more room for rest in their own lives. Some of these moments were lighthearted and simple. Others were deeply personal. Some captured extraordinary scenery, while others reflected the quiet beauty of everyday responsibilities and new beginnings.
But together, they tell the story of a season I will always remember.
A season of learning that beauty and hardship can exist alongside one another.
A season of discovering that healing often happens in small, unexpected ways.
A season of realizing that the most meaningful parts of life are not necessarily the most elaborate or impressive.
Sometimes they are found in a cozy room, a mountain drive, an afternoon spent caring for a family home, a handwritten letter, or the kindness of someone who reminds us that we are not alone. And perhaps that is what I will remember most about October 2026. Not simply the beautiful autumn colors or the projects we completed, but the quiet reminder that life can become beautiful again in ways we never anticipated.
Thank you for being part of this community, for following along with our adventures, for encouraging our cottage projects, for celebrating new beginnings, and for sharing your own stories so generously. Whether you have been reading Caravan Sonnet since its earliest days or have just recently found your way here through Instagram, I am truly grateful that you are here.
As we move into November, I am looking forward to continuing our 1% More Restful cottage projects, sharing more of our Adirondack life, and embracing the quiet beauty of the approaching winter season. And I hope that wherever you are, whatever circumstances you are navigating, and whatever this season of life looks like for you, you will find a few moments to notice the goodness around you.
May the days ahead be gentler than the ones behind you. May peace find you in unexpected places, joy return in little ways, and life surprise you with goodness once again. And may we all continue learning to create lives that are just 1% more restful, one beautiful ordinary day at a time.
With love from the Adirondacks and Lake Champlain, Rebecca
P.S. If you aren't already following along on Instagram, I would love to connect with you there! You can find all of these reels, our ongoing 1% projects, Adirondack adventures, slow travels, and little glimpses of everyday life by clicking HERE! And please say hello- I would love to connect with you!
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