October by Robert Frost

O hushed October morning mild,
Thy leaves have ripened to the fall;
Tomorrow’s wind, if it be wild,
Should waste them all.
The crows above the forest call;
Tomorrow they may form and go.
O hushed October morning mild,
Begin the hours of this day slow.
Make the day seem to us less brief.
Hearts not averse to being beguiled,
Beguile us in the way you know.
Release one leaf at break of day;
At noon release another leaf;
One from our trees, one far away.
Retard the sun with gentle mist;
Enchant the land with amethyst.
Slow, slow!
For the grapes’ sake, if they were all,
Whose leaves already are burnt with frost,
Whose clustered fruit must else be lost—
For the grapes’ sake along the wall.

Welcome to a brand new month and a season aligned with slowing down and shedding as exemplified by the natural world. Leaves change and fall. There’s a crispness in the air. Energy turns inward. A deep desire to nest falls upon us—sit fireside, curl up on the couch with a book, sip mulled cider.

This is my most favorite time of the year! Yesterday I picked up pink mums, a knit beanie with faux fur, and fire logs. Bring it on, October!

I came across this minimalism game on an Instagram post (thanks, Gina!) and, considering I already have an entire day set aside for decluttering, I think I’ll try this.

Last weekend I was in Northern California for a memoir writing intensive and had one free day with a simple goal of getting into nature. After a hike among the redwoods and their intoxicating earthy and musty aroma, we hit Point Reyes Station where I, of course, had to wander into the bookstore on main street. Then I, of course again, had to pick up the book World Enough & Time: On Creativity and Slowing Down after I found it waiting for me face up on a side table. It felt like a sign.

Anyone else want to join me in the intention to slow down and shed? Here’s to October, where Frost encourages us to “begin the hours of this day slow.” Bisous. x