September 18, 2025 • 18 mins
🍁 Fall is in the air, and I'm creating a cozy reading nook by the bow window in her home. With soft pillows, woven throws, candles, and a steaming chai, the space transforms into a warm retreat for books, journaling, and quiet moments. This story is about slowing down, embracing September’s golden light, and making a corner of home feel like a sanctuary.
Curl up, sip something warm, and enjoy this relaxing story.
If you enjoy cozy, relaxing stories, remember to follow the podcast so you don't miss any that drop every Thursday.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
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Stories written and read by Jennifer Veinot
🌐 Website: TheSlowLife.ca
📸 Instagram: @theslowlifecozystories
📌 Pinterest: theslowlifecozystories
💌 Support the show by donating HERE
All content copyrighted Jennifer Veinot (Zwicker) 2024, 2025
#CozyStorytime #ReadingNook #AutumnVibes #SlowLiving #CozyHome #FallDecor #StorytellingPodcast #CozyPodcast #AutumnReading #RelaxingStories #bedtimestories
Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
(00:02):
Welcome to The Slow Life. I'm Jennifer Vino and I create,
narrate and design the soundscape of this village of
cosy stories to relax and unwind.
Each week I share an original story.
Read 2 times so you can relax even more during the second
(00:25):
reading. I'm happy to announce my
website, theslowlife.ca. It provides a space where we can
connect and I can bring you all things cozy.
Let's settle in with some easy breathing at your own pace.
(00:48):
With each inhale, let fresh air fill the space around your
heart. With each exhale, feel the calm
air spread through your body andflow out through your arms and
legs, gently in through your heart, gently out through your
(01:12):
body. And now let's begin.
This story is called Making a Reading Nook, and it's about
arranging things just so paperbacks and novels and being
(01:32):
on a retreat in your own home. Fall is in the air and on my
mind as I make my way through the aisles.
Shelves are lined with textures that belong to cooler days.
Velvets, knits, woven plaids, pumpkins and leaves appear in
(01:57):
patterns. Burnt orange and deep green are
mixed with toasted almond and Maple cream.
I choose a few accent pillows, soft and richly coloured enough
to set the tone for the project that's waiting at home.
(02:18):
The bags are full but light as Icarry them to the car, and a
flicker of excitement makes me bounce a bit after I slide into
my seat. Finally, the bow window area
upstairs will be given the makeover it deserves.
(02:39):
When I step into the house, I set the bags down, lower my
shoulders and remind myself I'm not in any rush.
I have a drink of water and the rest of the apple cinnamon
smoothie. I'd blend it up this morning.
Satisfied that I'm taking my time, I gather the bags and head
(03:03):
upstairs. The windows at the end of the
hall showcase the steady afternoon light across the floor
and the rug. My chair already sits there,
plush and inviting, angled towards the outdoors.
Until now, though, the area has felt unfinished, more like a
(03:28):
place set up for decoration thana place to hang out.
That will change today. When I finish making it into my
cozy reading nook. I pull the new pillows from
their bags, a coppery brown, almost cashmere feeling.
One goes on to the seat. Another, a chunky cream knit,
(03:54):
softens the back. 1/3 patterned with scattered leaves on brushed
cotton rests against the arm. I arrange, adjust and shift them
again until the colours mingle in the perfect way.
The plain chair is now more inviting with depth and warmth.
(04:18):
From the hall closet that I secretly called the linen chest,
I bring out a heavier throw blanket.
It's thick and the top side is so soft that it's almost
undetectable to the touch. I folded over the armrest with
its end draped onto the rug. Another blanket in Plaid I drape
(04:43):
casually across the back. Beside the chair I set a small
cherry wood table and place a candle on it, the glass jar
catching the sun, making it lookas though it's already lit.
I don't light it yet but alreadyI can imagine the evenings when
(05:06):
it's flame and scent will fill the space.
There's a floor lamp standing inthe right spot, but I find out
the bulb needs changing and takecare of that against the wall.
I arrange a short bookshelf I'd bought at a yard sale this
summer, filling it with a few novels, some paper bags that
(05:30):
I'll read once and pass on to others, and the journal I turned
to when the mood sets in. I add a few more plush cushions
to the extra wide window sill and against the wall, giving the
corner extra softness. Fabrics layer against each
(05:52):
other, smooth cotton, thick wooland fuzzy velveteen.
The Nook has really come together, not cluttered, but
welcoming as a nest. Each piece contributes, just as
I'd imagined. I paused to look out the window.
(06:13):
The trees have just begun their shift into autumn, their green
leaves showing faint touches of yellow and red.
September's magic hour is spilling in across the chair,
soaking into the folds of fabricand making them glow.
(06:34):
The Nook seems ready now, eager for use, and I'm absolutely
going to oblige. But first, some finishing
touches. The kittens have a soft bed
downstairs that they actually use, so I bought a second and I
place it now in front of the bookshelf within the space.
(06:58):
Another candle will fit on top of the shelf, along with some
crocheted pumpkins, a gift from a talented friend.
Down in the kitchen, I heat somealmond milk on the stove.
I take my time pouring it into agenerous mug that holds the
chewy mix I've already added. The heat releases the fragrance
(07:24):
even more, sending it upwards inthe steam.
It takes both hands to lift and I carry it upstairs, down the
hall and into the mellow space I've created.
Two furry folks have found theirnew spot and look up, as if
(07:44):
wondering why I'm not already settled in.
I set down my bowl of a mug and light the candles.
Almost unreachable style. A couple of choices for books
within close reach of my chair. I rearrange pillows again,
(08:05):
choosing the right ones for behind my back, under my arms,
and one for my lap. The first moment of sitting in
the chair is transformative. I sink into softness, my back
propped up to my liking, my legspulled up.
For now, I lay the softest throwacross my legs under the softest
(08:31):
of the pillows, all tucked in, knowing the tea is too hot for
me just yet. I still bring the drink to my
mouth, just feeling the heat. It breathes autumn into me, as
this scent always has. I open a book and let the pages
(08:54):
fall into place. The comedians personal stories
bring me into her world. Off the stage and screen, she's
always made me laugh with her getups and antics and
interactions with others talented enough to join her on
her show. After reading for some time, I
(09:18):
can tell that hours will pass. Sitting here without noticing
time at all, I imagine mornings with my journal and pen,
afternoons and evenings with novels, always a cup of hot
something beside me. September always seems to
(09:39):
inspire transitions. Days in this month can carry
both the brightness of summer and the shelter of autumn.
Creating this new area to feel at home in my own home was just
what today called for. This reading nook is my retreat,
(10:02):
my haven, a place that exists now for comfort and stillness at
any time of day. Making a reading nook fall is in
the air and on my mind as I makemy way through the aisles.
(10:26):
Shelves are lined with textures that belong to cooler days.
Velvets, knits, woven plaids, pumpkins and leaves appear in
patterns. Burnt orange and deep green are
mixed with toasted almond and Maple cream.
(10:47):
I choose a few accent pillows, soft and richly coloured enough
to set the tone for the project that's waiting at home.
The bags are full but light as Icarry them to the car, and a
flicker of excitement makes me bounce a bit after I slide into
(11:09):
my seat. Finally, the bow window area
upstairs will be given the makeover it deserves.
When I step into the house, I set the bags down, lower my
shoulders and remind myself I'm not in any rush.
(11:31):
I have a drink of water and the rest of the apple cinnamon
smoothie. I'd blend it up this morning.
Satisfied that I'm taking my time, I gather the bags and head
upstairs. The windows at the end of the
hall showcase the steady afternoon light across the floor
(11:54):
and the rug. My chair already sits there,
plush and inviting, angled towards the outdoors.
Until now, though, the area has felt unfinished, more like a
place set up for decoration thana place to hang out.
(12:15):
That will change today. When I finish making it into my
cozy reading nook. I pull the new pillows from
their bags, a coppery brown, almost cashmere feeling.
One goes on to the seat. Another, a chunky cream knit,
softens the back. 1/3 patterned with scattered leaves on brushed
(12:41):
cotton rests against the arm. I arrange, adjust and shift them
again until the colours mingle in the perfect way.
The plain chair is now more inviting with depth and warmth.
From the hall closet that I secretly called the linen chest,
(13:04):
I bring out a heavier throw blanket.
It's thick and the top side is so soft that it's almost
undetectable to the touch. I folded over the armrest with
its end draped onto the rug. Another blanket in Plaid I drape
(13:25):
casually across the back. Beside the chair I set a small
cherry wood table and place a candle on it, the glass jar
catching the sun, making it lookas though it's already lit.
I don't light it yet but alreadyI can imagine the evenings when
(13:47):
it's flame and scent will fill the space.
There's a floor lamp standing inthe right spot, but I find out
the bulb needs changing and takecare of that against the wall.
I arrange a short bookshelf I'd bought at a yard sale this
summer, filling it with a few novels, some paper bags that
(14:11):
I'll read once and pass on to others, and the journal I turned
to when the mood sets in. I add a few more plush cushions
to the extra wide window sill and against the wall, giving the
corner extra softness. Fabrics layer against each
(14:33):
other, smooth cotton, thick wooland fuzzy velveteen.
The Nook has really come together, not cluttered, but
welcoming as a nest. Each piece contributes, just as
I'd imagined. I paused to look out the window.
(14:54):
The trees have just begun their shift into autumn, their green
leaves showing faint touches of yellow and red.
September's magic hour is spilling in across the chair,
soaking into the folds of fabricand making them glow.
(15:16):
The Nook seems ready now, eager for use, and I'm absolutely
going to oblige. But first, some finishing
touches. The kittens have a soft bed
downstairs that they actually use, so I bought a second and I
place it now in front of the bookshelf within the space.
(15:40):
Another candle will fit on top of the shelf, along with some
crocheted pumpkins, a gift from a talented friend.
Down in the kitchen, I heat somealmond milk on the stove.
I take my time pouring it into agenerous mug that holds the
chewy mix I've already added. The heat releases the fragrance
(16:05):
even more, sending it upwards inthe steam.
It takes both hands to lift and I carry it upstairs, down the
hall and into the mellow space I've created.
Two furry folks have found theirnew spot and look up, as if
(16:25):
wondering why I'm not already settled in.
I set down my bowl of a mug and light the candles.
Almost unreachable style. A couple of choices for books
within close reach of my chair. I rearrange pillows again,
(16:46):
choosing the right ones for behind my back, under my arms,
and one for my lap. The first moment of sitting in
the chair is transformative. I sink into softness, my back
propped up to my liking, my legspulled up.
For now, I lay the softest throwacross my legs under the softest
(17:13):
of the pillows, all tucked in, knowing the tea is too hot for
me just yet. I still bring the drink to my
mouth, just feeling the heat. It breathes autumn into me, as
this scent always has. I open a book and let the pages
(17:35):
fall into place. The comedians personal stories
bring me into her world. Off the stage and screen, she's
always made me laugh with her getups and antics and
interactions with others talented enough to join her on
her show. After reading for some time, I
(17:59):
can tell that hours will pass. Sitting here without noticing
time at all, I imagine mornings with my journal and pen,
afternoons and evenings with novels, always a cup of hot
something beside me. September always seems to
(18:21):
inspire transitions. Days in this month can carry
both the brightness of summer and the shelter of autumn.
Creating this new area to feel at home in my own home was just
what today called for. This reading nook is my retreat,
(18:43):
my haven, a place that exists now for comfort and stillness at
any time of day. I wish you sweet dreams.
Welcome to The Slow Life. I'm Jennifer Vino and I create,
narrate and design the soundscape of this village of
cosy stories to relax and unwind.
Each week I share an original story.
Read 2 times so you can relax even more during the second
(00:25):
reading. I'm happy to announce my
website, theslowlife.ca. It provides a space where we can
connect and I can bring you all things cozy.
Let's settle in with some easy breathing at your own pace.
(00:48):
With each inhale, let fresh air fill the space around your
heart. With each exhale, feel the calm
air spread through your body andflow out through your arms and
legs, gently in through your heart, gently out through your
(01:12):
body. And now let's begin.
This story is called Making a Reading Nook, and it's about
arranging things just so paperbacks and novels and being
(01:32):
on a retreat in your own home. Fall is in the air and on my
mind as I make my way through the aisles.
Shelves are lined with textures that belong to cooler days.
Velvets, knits, woven plaids, pumpkins and leaves appear in
(01:57):
patterns. Burnt orange and deep green are
mixed with toasted almond and Maple cream.
I choose a few accent pillows, soft and richly coloured enough
to set the tone for the project that's waiting at home.
(02:18):
The bags are full but light as Icarry them to the car, and a
flicker of excitement makes me bounce a bit after I slide into
my seat. Finally, the bow window area
upstairs will be given the makeover it deserves.
(02:39):
When I step into the house, I set the bags down, lower my
shoulders and remind myself I'm not in any rush.
I have a drink of water and the rest of the apple cinnamon
smoothie. I'd blend it up this morning.
Satisfied that I'm taking my time, I gather the bags and head
(03:03):
upstairs. The windows at the end of the
hall showcase the steady afternoon light across the floor
and the rug. My chair already sits there,
plush and inviting, angled towards the outdoors.
Until now, though, the area has felt unfinished, more like a
(03:28):
place set up for decoration thana place to hang out.
That will change today. When I finish making it into my
cozy reading nook. I pull the new pillows from
their bags, a coppery brown, almost cashmere feeling.
One goes on to the seat. Another, a chunky cream knit,
(03:54):
softens the back. 1/3 patterned with scattered leaves on brushed
cotton rests against the arm. I arrange, adjust and shift them
again until the colours mingle in the perfect way.
The plain chair is now more inviting with depth and warmth.
(04:18):
From the hall closet that I secretly called the linen chest,
I bring out a heavier throw blanket.
It's thick and the top side is so soft that it's almost
undetectable to the touch. I folded over the armrest with
its end draped onto the rug. Another blanket in Plaid I drape
(04:43):
casually across the back. Beside the chair I set a small
cherry wood table and place a candle on it, the glass jar
catching the sun, making it lookas though it's already lit.
I don't light it yet but alreadyI can imagine the evenings when
(05:06):
it's flame and scent will fill the space.
There's a floor lamp standing inthe right spot, but I find out
the bulb needs changing and takecare of that against the wall.
I arrange a short bookshelf I'd bought at a yard sale this
summer, filling it with a few novels, some paper bags that
(05:30):
I'll read once and pass on to others, and the journal I turned
to when the mood sets in. I add a few more plush cushions
to the extra wide window sill and against the wall, giving the
corner extra softness. Fabrics layer against each
(05:52):
other, smooth cotton, thick wooland fuzzy velveteen.
The Nook has really come together, not cluttered, but
welcoming as a nest. Each piece contributes, just as
I'd imagined. I paused to look out the window.
(06:13):
The trees have just begun their shift into autumn, their green
leaves showing faint touches of yellow and red.
September's magic hour is spilling in across the chair,
soaking into the folds of fabricand making them glow.
(06:34):
The Nook seems ready now, eager for use, and I'm absolutely
going to oblige. But first, some finishing
touches. The kittens have a soft bed
downstairs that they actually use, so I bought a second and I
place it now in front of the bookshelf within the space.
(06:58):
Another candle will fit on top of the shelf, along with some
crocheted pumpkins, a gift from a talented friend.
Down in the kitchen, I heat somealmond milk on the stove.
I take my time pouring it into agenerous mug that holds the
chewy mix I've already added. The heat releases the fragrance
(07:24):
even more, sending it upwards inthe steam.
It takes both hands to lift and I carry it upstairs, down the
hall and into the mellow space I've created.
Two furry folks have found theirnew spot and look up, as if
(07:44):
wondering why I'm not already settled in.
I set down my bowl of a mug and light the candles.
Almost unreachable style. A couple of choices for books
within close reach of my chair. I rearrange pillows again,
(08:05):
choosing the right ones for behind my back, under my arms,
and one for my lap. The first moment of sitting in
the chair is transformative. I sink into softness, my back
propped up to my liking, my legspulled up.
For now, I lay the softest throwacross my legs under the softest
(08:31):
of the pillows, all tucked in, knowing the tea is too hot for
me just yet. I still bring the drink to my
mouth, just feeling the heat. It breathes autumn into me, as
this scent always has. I open a book and let the pages
(08:54):
fall into place. The comedians personal stories
bring me into her world. Off the stage and screen, she's
always made me laugh with her getups and antics and
interactions with others talented enough to join her on
her show. After reading for some time, I
(09:18):
can tell that hours will pass. Sitting here without noticing
time at all, I imagine mornings with my journal and pen,
afternoons and evenings with novels, always a cup of hot
something beside me. September always seems to
(09:39):
inspire transitions. Days in this month can carry
both the brightness of summer and the shelter of autumn.
Creating this new area to feel at home in my own home was just
what today called for. This reading nook is my retreat,
(10:02):
my haven, a place that exists now for comfort and stillness at
any time of day. Making a reading nook fall is in
the air and on my mind as I makemy way through the aisles.
(10:26):
Shelves are lined with textures that belong to cooler days.
Velvets, knits, woven plaids, pumpkins and leaves appear in
patterns. Burnt orange and deep green are
mixed with toasted almond and Maple cream.
(10:47):
I choose a few accent pillows, soft and richly coloured enough
to set the tone for the project that's waiting at home.
The bags are full but light as Icarry them to the car, and a
flicker of excitement makes me bounce a bit after I slide into
(11:09):
my seat. Finally, the bow window area
upstairs will be given the makeover it deserves.
When I step into the house, I set the bags down, lower my
shoulders and remind myself I'm not in any rush.
(11:31):
I have a drink of water and the rest of the apple cinnamon
smoothie. I'd blend it up this morning.
Satisfied that I'm taking my time, I gather the bags and head
upstairs. The windows at the end of the
hall showcase the steady afternoon light across the floor
(11:54):
and the rug. My chair already sits there,
plush and inviting, angled towards the outdoors.
Until now, though, the area has felt unfinished, more like a
place set up for decoration thana place to hang out.
(12:15):
That will change today. When I finish making it into my
cozy reading nook. I pull the new pillows from
their bags, a coppery brown, almost cashmere feeling.
One goes on to the seat. Another, a chunky cream knit,
softens the back. 1/3 patterned with scattered leaves on brushed
(12:41):
cotton rests against the arm. I arrange, adjust and shift them
again until the colours mingle in the perfect way.
The plain chair is now more inviting with depth and warmth.
From the hall closet that I secretly called the linen chest,
(13:04):
I bring out a heavier throw blanket.
It's thick and the top side is so soft that it's almost
undetectable to the touch. I folded over the armrest with
its end draped onto the rug. Another blanket in Plaid I drape
(13:25):
casually across the back. Beside the chair I set a small
cherry wood table and place a candle on it, the glass jar
catching the sun, making it lookas though it's already lit.
I don't light it yet but alreadyI can imagine the evenings when
(13:47):
it's flame and scent will fill the space.
There's a floor lamp standing inthe right spot, but I find out
the bulb needs changing and takecare of that against the wall.
I arrange a short bookshelf I'd bought at a yard sale this
summer, filling it with a few novels, some paper bags that
(14:11):
I'll read once and pass on to others, and the journal I turned
to when the mood sets in. I add a few more plush cushions
to the extra wide window sill and against the wall, giving the
corner extra softness. Fabrics layer against each
(14:33):
other, smooth cotton, thick wooland fuzzy velveteen.
The Nook has really come together, not cluttered, but
welcoming as a nest. Each piece contributes, just as
I'd imagined. I paused to look out the window.
(14:54):
The trees have just begun their shift into autumn, their green
leaves showing faint touches of yellow and red.
September's magic hour is spilling in across the chair,
soaking into the folds of fabricand making them glow.
(15:16):
The Nook seems ready now, eager for use, and I'm absolutely
going to oblige. But first, some finishing
touches. The kittens have a soft bed
downstairs that they actually use, so I bought a second and I
place it now in front of the bookshelf within the space.
(15:40):
Another candle will fit on top of the shelf, along with some
crocheted pumpkins, a gift from a talented friend.
Down in the kitchen, I heat somealmond milk on the stove.
I take my time pouring it into agenerous mug that holds the
chewy mix I've already added. The heat releases the fragrance
(16:05):
even more, sending it upwards inthe steam.
It takes both hands to lift and I carry it upstairs, down the
hall and into the mellow space I've created.
Two furry folks have found theirnew spot and look up, as if
(16:25):
wondering why I'm not already settled in.
I set down my bowl of a mug and light the candles.
Almost unreachable style. A couple of choices for books
within close reach of my chair. I rearrange pillows again,
(16:46):
choosing the right ones for behind my back, under my arms,
and one for my lap. The first moment of sitting in
the chair is transformative. I sink into softness, my back
propped up to my liking, my legspulled up.
For now, I lay the softest throwacross my legs under the softest
(17:13):
of the pillows, all tucked in, knowing the tea is too hot for
me just yet. I still bring the drink to my
mouth, just feeling the heat. It breathes autumn into me, as
this scent always has. I open a book and let the pages
(17:35):
fall into place. The comedians personal stories
bring me into her world. Off the stage and screen, she's
always made me laugh with her getups and antics and
interactions with others talented enough to join her on
her show. After reading for some time, I
(17:59):
can tell that hours will pass. Sitting here without noticing
time at all, I imagine mornings with my journal and pen,
afternoons and evenings with novels, always a cup of hot
something beside me. September always seems to
(18:21):
inspire transitions. Days in this month can carry
both the brightness of summer and the shelter of autumn.
Creating this new area to feel at home in my own home was just
what today called for. This reading nook is my retreat,
(18:43):
my haven, a place that exists now for comfort and stillness at
any time of day. I wish you sweet dreams.
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