october

It's an in-between month. September, with summer weather in the beginning, then a slow, slipping transition into fall; dotted with birthdays and celebrations and just plain loveliness. 

And then there's October. Tucked into the space between the last traces of summer and the first icy tendrils of winter, I feel as if it's the only legitimate month of autumn. I tend to overlook this month of crackling, crunchy leaves, a thousand shades of crimson and amber and gold; the clear, blindingly azure skies; the wispy scent of smoke in the air; the extra patchwork quilt on the bed. But when October arrives each year, I wonder how I ever survived without it.
It's the first touch of fall, the dipping-in-your-toes stage, a bit of a deja vu when reacquainting yourself with the  new season. It's the second and third mug of hot chocolate, steaming and frothy with milk. It's the flushed pink cheeks and frozen ears, tingling just enough to make you feel more alive than ever. It's the crackling fire on a chilly night, the smoke making its lazy ascent into the velvety, star studded blackness. It's October and I'm quite smitten.

Exactly one year ago today, October third, I was in Paris. I can't quite wrap my mind around the fact that so much time has already passed – time flies so quickly. I miss it. I remember biting into my first pain au chocolat (and consequently dying a thousand deaths of buttery goodness) in one of the myriad tiny bakeries that dot every inch of the city. I remember trudging up the steep steps on the hill that houses Sacre Coeur and gasping at the sight of Paris spread out before me. I remember seeing the Mona Lisa for the first time and the giggle my mother and I shared looking at the other spectators jostle each other for a good photograph. I took a picture of that scene.

I also remember sitting at the foot of the Eiffel Tower, crying. My emotions were a mess that day – simultaneously elated, excited, and exhausted. I realized while sitting on that bench that I only had a few days left in Europe, and I cried. I was overwhelmed with everything I'd seen in such a short amount of time and my feet ached from walking so many miles. I cried, wishing the rest of my family could be there right with me. I cried in happiness and disbelief that I was really there. Yes, I'm silly – but sometimes when you're caught up in a moment, it's hard to keep your emotions in check.

September was a good month, a very good month. But this is October. A month of memories, new things, warm colors, and lots of family time. This is October and I'm so glad it's here. 

xo

ps to ring in october, a new look at pastor's girl's ponderings. it's a change i've been planning and working on for a few weeks -- while i find sidebar headers lovely, i was ready for something different. thoughts?


update: for those of you that thought my blog design was similar to hannah's -- there's no question that i admire her designs and blog, but i promisepromisepromise that i was working on this design before she redid her blog. i suppose great minds think alike, no? ;)