Jules, of Pancakes and French Fries, hosts a monthly color story series. Each month, you see, she recaps the month before with a series of photos, each woven together with a theme of color. She’s inviting us to join the fun! You can find the details here. As you see, October was enshrouded in ‘Cauldron’; ‘Cider’ shall warm November. Also, an aside: when I perused my photos from the month, I found nary a photo in keeping with the color theme. So, I’m totally cheating. Considering how I may very well be the only keeping this project going—I’m totally okay with it.
You know those shows where something happens, and someone starts laughing maniacally in response, forcing a bystander to slap her out of it? I fear I’ll be dangerously close to said reaction whenever someone mentions October 2011. I’ll spare you the details, except to say it was humbling.
Yet, as always, it was so much more.
In October we got a good look at Jupiter, frolicking with the moon in the autumnal night sky. Not to be outdone, the sun more oft than not . . .

It served a great spotlight for the changing leaves, photo walks, and a visit with a wee horse or two . . .

A good dose of sunshine also meant open windows, and the second wind needed to work off a bit of nervous energy. I washed baseboards, cleaned out closets, shredded old paperwork, took a load to the Idaho Youth Ranch, dropped off old batteries, fingernail polish, florescent light bulbs—even an old TV—at the household hazardous waste site, started cleaning out bins in the garage, and otherwise dusted out the cobwebs . . .

And even though I was woefully inept at Halloween festivities this year, I still found time to celebrate here and there. Mainly, six birthdays, two anniversaries, one fall colloquium, and one dinner with friends . . .

And let’s not forget the event that warmed all our hearts—welcoming baby Josiah to the world . . .

I guess you might say October reminded me that even though blackbirds may camp outside my door, the bluebird of happiness continues to sing in the background . . .

Still, to be on the safe side, do allow sufficient warning before bringing up the month in my presence. Thank you ever so.