Masterpieces Magazine Newsletter #08 August
Masterpieces Magazine Monthly Newsletter
Key Takeaways:

Masterpieces Magazine #08 Newsletter

> Current Personal Anecdotes
> August Published Post Digest
> September Trends, Insights & Forecasts
> Spotlight Showcase & Inspiration around the Web

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Where I share personal anecdotes, insider doings, and a peak behind the curtain of the Master”Pieces” of my Life blog. I hope information about me as a person will bring connection and a closer virtual relationship.

August didn’t start with the best foot forward (no pun intended). While working in the backyard I tripped and fell, cutting myself pretty badly on a branch. At first I was just annoyed that I fell and my ego was bruised, until… until… I looked down and saw the huge gash in my shin. A trip to the ER and 8 stitches later I was wallowing in pain and self pity. Not to mention the subsequent 2 visits to Urgent Care and 3 additional visits to my GP. There was an infection, suture removal and more drama involved, but I live to tell about it. It took awhile to heal and I’ll spare you the ugly pictures of the wound.

So if you’ve felt I’ve been a bit absent from the blog this past month now you know why. No need to fear though, I’m on the mend and have some amazing content scheduled for the next few months through the holiday season.

In happier news we had some family from Uruguay visiting and we hosted everyone for dinner one night. Family is everything, and unfortunately we don’t get down to Uruguay very often lately, so it’s always wonderful to have them here.

la familia de Uruguay visitando Agosto 2026
Sebastian | Madi | Nico | MJ | Matt | Dani | Fernando | Fabi

Well, my MS journey I guess is tied to the nasty fall I took mentioned above. My balance is compromised and it’s really hard to come to terms with since I was agile and limber most of my life. It’s also hard to unravel what is age related versus a symptom of the disease. But once again I try to focus on the things I can still do versus what is more challenging.

My MS Journey Cliff Notes

I was first diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in my late twenties {1994} when I had an episode of optic neuritis. My eyesight regained quickly, and I remained asymptomatic most of my life until I didn’t. In late 2021 I had a break through episode, which provided my latest diagnosis. My main symptom currently is walking stamina. I can get around marginally and I still drive etc., but it’s all in an edited fashion. If you are interested you can read my whole story here {My prognosis & Living with MS}.

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August’s content included a mix of seasonal decor, crafting and tablescape inspiration plus much more. Fall is my favorite season and I’m looking forward to all it brings….back-to-school, Halloween, Thanksgiving plus my birthday!

icon decorate


Organic Fall Decor: How to decorate for Autumn easily & economically


how to thrift your way to fabulous Fall decor


Fall Mantel Decor: Embracing the Essence of Fall Slowly
icon create

Floral garden metal sign glow-up


Fall into creativity: 32 cozy DIY crafts decor projects to try this Autumn


Summer craft: How to decoupage oyster shells into trend forward trinket dishes
icon entertain

She sells seashells by the sea shore tablescape

The month of August winds down summer, while back to school and all the holidays start coming all around. And although I love the lazy days of summer, Fall is by far my favorite season. Do you have seasonality confusion right about now? I usually straddle the fence between late summer with fall anticipation content. Sylvia Platt said it best…..the odd uneven time.

“August rain: the best of the summer gone, and the new fall not yet born. The odd uneven time.”

Sylvia Plath

fall porch white pumpkins goat cart feature

Get ready for the rest of the year to sprint by. We’ll blink and it’ll be New Year’s Eve. But let’s try to slow down and enjoy every occasion, every holiday every month for what it is. Be on the lookout for seasonal posts, including entertaining, holiday and creative inspirational ideas.

Have you heard about this? If you’re a crafter, get excited friends. Michael’s is rolling out a new “experimental store format”. The first store with the updated model is in the Easton Town Center in Columbus, Ohio, then Irving, Texas and the latest in Rogers, Arkansas.

Michael’s New Store Format to Get Excited About
  • Swatch Bar (touch & feel over 1000 fabric options)
  • Charmed Bar (personalized jewelry potions)
  • Marker Bar (customize colors, sizes & tips for watercolor, acrylic and alcohol pens)
  • Personalization Services (embroidery & engraving )
  • Expansion of Custom Framing
  • In-store Printing Services
  • Party Shop Expansion
  • Fabric Selection Expansion
  • Pinterest Trends Bar
  • Fresh Florals

The mission is to transform Michael’s from a retail store into a creativity, celebration and community destination. I’m down. I’m ready for when it reaches Northern California. I still miss Joann’s and hopefully this will fill some of the void. Let me know if you’re one of the lucky ones who has the new store concept in your area. I would love to hear first hand about the experience.

Favorite FallTablescape :
Thrifted Fall garden table with Lens dishes feature

Setting a Thrifted Fall Garden Table

This thrifted Fall garden table setting is full of charm and interest, which straddles that late summer – early fall in between time beautifully.


Favorite Fall Craft:

Easy Boho Pumpkin DIY

Creating unique pumpkin designs for your Fall decor can be very simple and affordable. In this easy boho pumpkin DIY all you need is a dollar tree foam pumpkin and thrifted lace doilies.

easy boho pumpkin DIY

As a content creator I hope to provide the best communication for you, my readers. This monthly magazine will hopefully deliver an added layer of resources, information and inspiration. Welcome to a monthly publication to foster community, nurture relationship and curate content for dedicated readers. Welcome, and let’s enjoy the good life together.

We are always striving to master the art of joie de vivre around here. If you enjoy the good life and want a reflection of this in your home, please consider joining the Masterpiece community. Sign up and you won’t miss any new content, receiving all new posts directly into your in-box.

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Vintage Home

Decor Guide

This guide provides 10 easy ideas to add timeless charm to your home with a free PDF full of images and inspiration.

I’m so glad you’re here today, truly appreciate you and can’t wait to see you next time. If there are any topics you are interested in discussing next month please drop me a note down below. See ya next time.

Au revoir!
Amazon finds for Masterpieces Magazine Newsletter August 2026

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I appreciate your visit, comments and shares here on the blog! I would love it if you would also follow along in my other spaces for all the inspiration, ideas and innovation.

Join Me as We Master the Art of Joie De Vivre. XOXO

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sharing @ between naps on the porch

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4 Comments

  1. Hi MaryJo! I’m so sorry to hear about your fall. We’ve both had a crazy August, huh! I will be praying for your complete recovery and overall health! Glad you got to spend quality time with your family! Here’s to a better September!