Always October

    Most people know by now that I am a huge fan of the autumn season.  If it were up to me, it would “always (be) October”.   Every month would have cool mornings, warm afternoons, and a hint of  a chill in the evening air.  A harvest moon would glow every evening in the sky and the sun would peak over the horizon in the first light of the day.

    Generally people have a specific month that they favor because of a birthday, holiday or special occasion which has meaning for them.  For me, October is the quintessential month with everything that I would ask a month to provide.   October is the harbinger of many holidays to come, complete with decorations, themes, veterans, thanks and spirituality. 

    There are the gorgeous colors of the season and October highlights them in her flora and fauna.  The pumpkins and gourds, the chrysanthemums, the changing leaves (yes, they do change color in Texas!), the smell of cranberry bread and cinnamon rolls in the bakeries, and the seasonal-flavored coffees.

    Waking up in the morning, the sun isn’t shining through the skylights or windows, so I feel more rested.  The drawback of October’s shorter sunlight hours is that sometimes I feel that I haven’t finished everything I planned.  When it is twilight outside and it’s only 7pm, I feel that I want to curl up in my favorite chair, and watch my favorite television show, read a book, or have a glass of wine.

    October tends to energize me in that I want to walk and exercise outside because the temperature is more comfortable than in other months.  September tends to carry the summer temperatures and November is a hodge podge of the winter weather to come.

    October skies are filled with clouds in all shapes and sizes and I enjoy searching the heavens for something that can be recognized before the wispy vapors disappear.   Usually in summer, here in Texas, there aren’t any clouds in the sky many days, so it is hot and days seem longer.  This morning, for example, I awakened to a lavender sky of all hues of purple, like a striated skein of lavender yarns.

    Many organizations, churches, schools and various groups have their fall craft shows, pumpkin patches, holiday marketplaces, and autumn celebrations in the month of October.  Each week you have your choice of numerous venues to attend, or just visit the local farmer’s market.  And who can forget Octoberfest?

    The holidays – Thanksgiving and Christmas are approaching, but not quite here, so the anticipation still remains.  Halloween is just a breath away.  That means I still have time to pick out my Christmas photo card, mail overseas packages, and plan a holiday party.

    Time and time again, when October 1^st arrives, I think of all the wonderful events ahead in the month, start to fill up my calendar  - meeting with friends, lunches, and gatherings, and know that this month will be one to cherish again and again.