OCTOBER, YOU’VE ALWAYS BEEN MY FAVORITE

I have a confession to make. I’m one of those people who starts thinking about October long before October actually arrives. And when September finally comes to an end, I feel like I’ve been waiting for an old friend to show up. October has always been my favorite month.

Maybe it’s because my birthday is in October. Maybe it’s the weather, the colors, the traditions, or the fact that Halloween is just around the corner.

Honestly, I think it’s all of it.

There’s something about that first really cool morning when you walk outside and realize summer has finally let go.

The air smells different. The trees start showing off.

And suddenly, I want to be outside as much as possible.

I love hiking this time of year. I love the sound of leaves under my feet, the smell of a bonfire, pumpkin patches, fall festivals, and those beautiful afternoons when the sun is shining but you still need a sweater.

And I absolutely love Halloween.

Not just the cute pumpkins and decorations, either.

I’m talking about the spooky stuff.

Old houses, cemeteries, ghost stories, and a good vampire movie.

Give me the original Dracula over most modern horror movies any day.

Some women collect handbags. I apparently collect reasons to visit old cemeteries.

We all have our interests. 😊

And speaking of cemeteries, in just a couple of weeks I’ll be back at one of my favorite places in Paris, Père Lachaise.

I always grab a map and start searching for some of my favorite graves. Jim Morrison, Chopin, Edith Piaf, Oscar Wilde, Colette, Victor Noir and Camille Pissarro.

But it’s not just the famous names that bring me back.

It’s the old cobblestone paths, the crows, the fallen leaves and the peacefulness of it all.

I can wander for hours, and somehow I always discover something I’ve never seen before.

Some people go to Paris for the shopping. I make sure I have time for the cemetery. 😊

I’ve lived in quite a few places over the years. Pittsburgh, Chicago, San Antonio, Philadelphia, and now West Virginia.

And I’ve learned that autumn doesn’t look or feel quite the same everywhere.

But there’s something about October in this part of the country that I just love.

The hills covered in color. The winding roads. The small towns decorated for fall.

Sometimes I’ll be driving somewhere and find myself slowing down just to look at the trees.

And I think, How lucky are we to have this?

Of course, October isn’t all beautiful scenery and cozy afternoons.

There are decorations to put out, things to organize, a business to run, and about a hundred little jobs that don’t disappear just because the leaves are pretty.

Some days I look outside my office window and wish I could simply close my laptop and go wandering.

And occasionally, I do.

I’ve come to believe that’s important.

Not every beautiful day needs to be spent being productive.

Sometimes you need to take the walk.

Stop for the coffee.

Visit the little shop you’ve been meaning to explore.

Sit outside a little longer.

Or spend an evening watching an old scary movie with absolutely no intention of accomplishing anything else.

I think as we get older, we begin to appreciate those little moments differently.

We realize how quickly a season passes.

One minute we’re waiting for the leaves to change, and the next we’re raking them out of the yard.

And then somehow it’s Christmas.

How does that happen so fast?

Maybe that’s why I love October so much.

It reminds me to pay attention.

To enjoy the things I love while they’re here.

And to make room for a little fun, even when life gets busy.

I suppose that feeling finds its way into Edge & Ivory, too. I want this boutique to be something I enjoy building, not just another list of things I have to get done.

And I hope, somewhere along the way, you enjoy being part of it.

So here’s to October.

To crisp mornings, colorful trees, pumpkin patches, birthday celebrations, scary movies, and all the little traditions that make this month feel special.

I’m going to enjoy every bit of it.

And if you happen to see me wandering through an old cemetery this month, don’t worry.

I’m probably just having a lovely afternoon.

Happy October, everyone. I’m so glad you’re here.

Joanna

Edge & Ivory Boutique