I am someone who is very motivated, and I don’t even know the word… influenced, by a new month, season, or even sometimes week. It is so self-help wellness baddie girl of me, but I write monthly goals and recap the past month to keep my intentions straight. My goals shy away from actual tasks and more toward my intended feelings for the month. My goals are definitely influenced by the books I read, and I wanted to share some of the “Joyful Simplicities of October” from the book Simple Abundance by Sarah Ban Breathnach with you. I love these lists because they are about the simple things in life, the la la la parts of life. This book was published in 1995 and it fascinates me!
Joyful Simplicities for October by Sarah Ban Breathnach
Plan an outing to a pumpkin patch or farmers' market. Select the perfect jack-o'-lantern, but get an assortment of smaller pumpkins on which to carve different designs, like checkerboards, hearts, or the moon and stars. Pie pumpkins are the perfect size for creating luminaries for steps or driveways, and the midget pumpkins make charming votive candle holders for dinner tables.
Create a seasonal table. Set aside one small space on which to arrange an autumnal still life: wheat sheaves, pumpkins, gourds, Indian corn, or bittersweet, with bouquets of dried flowers and preserved autumn leaves.
Pumpkins make very attractive natural vases for autumn bouquets. Scoop out the center as you would for a lantern and fill with a damp oasis (the floral sponge) cut to size. Arrange jewel-tone flowers, preserved leaves, and vines in the oasis for a long-lasting arrangement. Occasionally test the oasis to see if you need to add more water.
Dress up for Halloween, or at least find yourself a wonderful mask to wear when opening the front door.
This is the month to plant crocus, daffodils, and tulips outdoors for next spring's season of showing off.
If you live in a four-season climate, take a Sunday drive in the country to revel in Mother Nature's flamboyant fancy dress. Pack a picnic. Linger as long as you can.
Mull cider and/or wine on the weekends for an autumn cup of cheer, especially delightful after raking leaves!