October

October is an important month for me. It is the month I was born, the month I in which I was married and my first child was born. Much to celebrate, but for some strange reason I am often unwell at this time of year. It is the month when I was twice struck down by a serious infection that put me in hospital. It happened on 31st October in two consecutive years. I used to celebrate Halloween, not anymore! For me it feels truly jinxed. This year is no exception of course as you may know from my previous post, although I still await to know the seriousness of this little episode.

It is always a month for change. A time be serious again after weeks of summer fun, of getting down to the the stuff of routine and organisation. The realisation that soon it will the time to gear up for Christmas, already the paraphernalia is in the shops. The days will shorten. Winter is around the corner.

Mostly for me, though there is a sense of excitement. It's the rustling of leaves as the squirrels leap around the trees in the garden and the wind swirls through the branches. A warm wind so far this month, almost as good as an ocean breeze. As I walk down our long, lovely lawn the acorns crunch beneath my feet. Colour everywhere. Gold and red leaves, the berries of orange and crimson, blue sky, vivid, vibrant and a feast for the eyes.

There is a smell in the air I can't quite describe, it is like an energy, something a little mystical and powerful. Great conkers hit my windscreen as I drive down our road, I jump out of my skin but have to smile at my own fright. Good for nature. It is showing us its spirit! As a child I always loved this month and would spend hours drawing autumn scenes, spending ages getting that fullness and shine on the berries. I still get that little girl surge of utter happiness and a feeling that whoever or whatever created this really knows how to put of a great show and I thank them!

Which is your favourite month?