Highlights and a Flicker of Melancholy

 It's hard to believe this month of radiant, autumn glow of golden, reds and browns is transitioning to a close, another leaf falling. These weeks have felt like they have flown by with the warm sunshine, cooler morning air and quiet, and serene evenings that have let the Libra moon showcase the midnight  sky. I've been thinking why October happens to be my favorite if not one of my favorite months, since November is also high on the list. 

As most would say, Autumn gives off a nostalgic and even melancholy vibe, making it easy, pleasant and soothing to remember past Autumn seasons. There's something about the shifted sunlight, the cooler air and the green leaves turning into a leaves full of painted hues. There's also something about this special season that makes it even more enjoyable and interesting to think and look ahead into the near future- the end of the year, as well as into the new year that looks fresh, bright and positive. 

Fall brings in a new perspective for me. It's a time that I usually feel more inspired, creative, even motivated at times to pick up things once again- crafts like knitting or watercolor or embrace the hidden baker in me and add a list of certain desserts or treats that I would like to bake, or simply pick up creative writing again and let the world of ideas inspire me. Activities like walks and runs and just being in nature allows me to gather the creative spark I need. Seeing the sun set gradually over the hillside, waving the sunset pigments like a flag for all to see, or a leaf fall ever so gently and quietly as a hush. This month has been full of enjoying outdoors and creating a new energy, motivation and letting my thoughts run and merge together. 

There haven't been all  easy days this month. Some have turned out to be better than others, while others have been harder than I anticipated or wanted. But there's been beauty all around, and reminding myself of that has been helpful. Reminding myself  to enjoy this time, the nature, the people right in front of me has shown me a renewed spirit of gratitude, hope and joy. 

But this time of year makes it easy to reflect, upon these past many months. I think looking back in the year is a time of self reflection and seeing how much one has grown, learned, and even changed. It can be one of sadness, or melancholy from things that used to be. Also of hope and faith for things ahead. October comes with its charm, but also its gradualness of change and feelings of stillness and nostalgia..

 Here are some highlights of the past Octobers/Fall seasons:

Loving Pumpkins on Magazine (October 2016)

Giving a toast to my dear sister and brother -in -law at their wedding reception (October 29, 2016)

Dressing up as Mexican Painter Frida Kalho (Halloween 2016)

Finding a beautiful colored leaf after a nice run (Fall 2019)

Eating out at a Persian Restaurant (Nov. 2016)

Made a squash pizza! (October 2018)

 Walk near Lake (Nov. 2016)

The gray sky with the orange leaves (Fall 2016)

Pumpkin Pie from a pumpkin patch (October 2020)

 

Celebrating Halloween with dear Santiago (Halloween 2019)

Loving the colorful leaves! (Fall 2017)

Making Chicken Soup (Nov. 2018)

Here are just some special memories and glimpses. There are some nostalgia with certain memories but imbued with beauty, graces, fun, stillness and creativity. Let the leaves continue to Fall, the crunch among steps taken and the crisp air arise, and the harvest glow, pink and burnt, and pumpkin flicker.