3 Rs for October

I always used to like October as a child. The anxiety of a new term, class and teachers was assuaged, routines were bedding down, leaves were dropping quietly from the trees, and we got to wear knee-socks again. There would be lacy cobwebs in the hedgerows on the way to school and - on the way home - the scented plumes of misty smoke from a garden bonfire somewhere. Exercise-books covered in brown paper were still pristine enough to feel proud of, and new pencils not yet chewed at the end. Christmas - unlike nowadays - was still a million miles away. October felt settled. Calm ...

Right now, I'd like, wistfully, to feel that again. Shortly, there is going to be a mad rush here as the builders return, myriad tradesmen arrive, and we zig-zag across country, to and fro, to help my parents (now in their eighties) to undo their home of many years, and gradually move in to live with us. Everything is going to be different.

On the whole, I like "Re ...' words. A few months ago, I contributed a page to It's a Creative World's monthly focus on a word, and thought I might Revisit it. But as I sipped my coffee, I noticed that some 'R' words just didn't fit the bill:

• re-energise: too ... well, too full for energy for how I'm feeling right now.
• re-invigorate: too strong and hearty. It's a bit of a bruiser.
• re-evaluate: too much like business-speak. I am not writing a report.
• review: a bit cold and clinical. I need something softer, warmer.
• re-structure: has an angular, cognitive ring. I'm hearing the clang of scaffolding.

Here's what I came up with ...

My 3 Rs for October? Rest, Reflect, Restore... I'm looking forward, in a gentle unhurried way, to see what surfaces and what changes both in my life and my scrapbooking.

And how about you all? How does October find you? Are you fired up with Christmas projects, launching into new classes, energised and enthusiastic? Or are you wrapped up in a rug, staring moodily out of the window, hating the darker evenings and wishing for summer again? I'm always fascinated by how we each react differently to the months and the seasons - I'd love to hear from you!

Comments

[Amanda]

I started reading your post and that's just how October feels this morning - without the knee socks :) As I opened the back door I could smell a bonfire somewhere and the spiders webs are still around....Your three Rs sound a good idea.

[Paul B]

Another stunning page Alexa. Very thoughtful too. I've read that Edward de Bono book years ago & completely forgot about it until now. The whites and light tones in your LO give it a clean, fresh feel. Hope everything goes as smooth as it can be in moving your parents to live with you. Can't say I love October. I dread it as it's the end of long, light days but actually when it's here, I find myself adapting to it better than anticipated.

[Sian]

Beautiful! October is my favourite month - often it sees me Reminiscing about that first week of uni term when I met my husband to be, and about visiting my Grandma and looking at the Halloween goodies in the shops. I was over close to where she lived this morning and a post combining those - an October post - started to form in my mind. So this one had me really nodding and smiling.

[Jacky S]

I love the autumnal feel of October....the leaves beginning to fall....the crispness in the air....but still warm enough to enjoy being outside [I'm not a cold weather lover,prefer warmth].....but I am a xmas lover....and love all the prep....am definately fired up with xmas projects....and an online xmas class that starts next week.
Another wonderful page,Alexa.

[Karen]

I am awed by your digital pages, Alexa, and this is no exception. What a good 3 R's to choose. I hope all goes well with your travels and move.

[Amy]

As I lift myself from the floor at your magnificent page, I would say that I am thinking along similar lines - however, I am not so far evolved!

[Kirsty Neale]

Ow, wow! Such a beautiful page, and so many positive things to aspire to (any tips on the 'how' for most of them greatly appreciated...!). The photos are just perfect, too.

I've always loved autumn and October, especially the beautiful light it brings and the combination of sunshine and cooler air (love the sun, hate being too hot or too cold). It's also Not Christmas Yet, which is a very good thing in my book. :)

I hope you manage to ease your way through the next few months and beyond with the minimum of stress and strain. I'm not sure what your schedule is, but we moved in to our newly-extended house, when my grandfather came to live with us, on Christmas Eve the year I was 15. Despite the chaos and rush-to-the-finish-line feeling in the months before (my dad did everything bar the plumbing and electrics himself), it ended up being one of the happiest Christmasses I can remember, and a pretty perfect way to start a new chapter in our lives.

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