October has a lot to offer. The pastimes change from water sports, weekends at the beach to football, festivals getting ready for Christmas.
October is an assault on the senses with color that changes from moment to moment. Lush green gives way to orange, yellow, red and brown . When the leaves begin to fall, people flock outside to enjoy the weather. Driving through communities you will see mounds of leaves and smell the aroma of them burning.
When I was in the Army in the tropics the weather rarely changed. There was rain and then there was more rain. I missed the change of seasons more than I can say.
I love the foods we eat in October, sweet potatoes, greens, apples and pears. You could say October brings pie season.
October or fall is a metaphor for where I am in my life right now. My youth is gone and life goals and priorities have changed. When I was young, everything was about bigger, newer, better, faster.
I woke up one morning and my hair was gone, my waist had expanded and my knees squeaked when I stood up. Now looking back, so much of what I thought was important isn’t anymore.
Bedtime these days is 9:30 maybe 10:00, parties have changed to lunch or early dinners. That big house I once dreamed of has faded away.
Now my health and my friends and family’s health takes priority and we all have realized how valuable it is.
October has become a month that reminds me it is ok to slow down. Time to enjoy the simple things.
Happy October
