October was originally the eight month, ‘octo’ meaning eight. It moved but retained its name.
I love Autumn, and October is the month you can really feel it. The red, orange and golden leaves all around, the crunchy morning frost, the cool air.
Autumn = The season where nature teaches us the beauty of letting go.
What is your favourite thing about October?
October! October!
There’s magic in the name –
A clear sky, a blue sky
And sunsets all aflame.
October! October!
It’s harvest time again;
The high corn, the low corn,
Is gathered in the bin.
October! October!
The birds sing with swelled throats;
A long song, a last song
Of tender parting notes.
October! October!
The hills are all aglow
With red leaves, with gold leaves,
That dance when soft winds blow.
October! October!
I love you more each year;
Your warm days, your soft days,
To me they are most dear.
Enchanted Living
Enchanted Living is the inspiration behind my Photography, art, and creativity. Imaginative local stories for all the family.
I am standing amid an aliveness, and that aliveness deserves my attention, my respect, my care.
The insects, birds and animals are singing themselves into being; this autumn land is dreaming and I am part of that dreaming.
Festivals and celebrations are where people, places, history. nature and art collide. Where the stories really come alive…
October
- Autumn Walks – Lumley Castle Dene lies just outside Lumley Castle grounds. This beautiful natural area is great for nature and creativity walks.
- Friday the 13th.
- In Norse mythology Loki joined the gods in Valhalla as an univited 13th guest at a dinner party. He arranged for Hodr to shoot Balder with a mistletoe-tipped arrow, causing Balder to die. “Balder died, and the whole Earth got dark. The whole Earth mourned. It was a bad, unlucky day. From this the number 13 was considered unlucky.
- Friday also being unlucky stems from Christianity and it is believed Good Friday.
- So in today’s modern world we see Friday the 13th as particulrly unlucky, and we have one in October.
- Hunter’s Moon = 28th October
- Traditionally people in the Northern Hemisphere spent October preparing for the coming Winter. They hunted, slaughtered and preserved meats.
- This one is even more significant as we also get to witness a lunar eclipse.
- Halloween = 31st October
- Halloween is a Christian celebration, the eve of All Saint’s Day. To remember the dead; including saints or ‘Hallows’, martyr’s and all the faithful departed.
- Some say it is influenced by Celtic harvest festivals, in particular the Gaelic festival of Samhain.
- Next Blog – Samhain (Celtic New Year)
Half Term Help
October also usually means half term.
If you’re a working parent it can be difficult, so I’ve put together some simple tips that have helped us along the years.
- Start early
- Schools publish their calendars well in advance so you can plan. If you’re a couple that both works, take an equal share of time off for childcare so nobody gets resentful.
- Ask for help
- They say it takes a village to raise a child, and they aren’t wrong (whoever “they” are). Friends and family could pitch in.
- Holiday clubs
- Check local schools, council or google for what’s on in your area.
- Work from home
- A great way to prevent childcare issues if your children are old enough to be self sufficient for a few hours and your employer allows this flexibility.
- Take a day or two off
- Use your annual leave to enjoy time with your family.
- Arrange a play date
- You could team up with a friend and take a day each.
Whatever you choose to resolve your holiday childcare worries, be kind to yourself. Parenting is tough!
Quieting the Noise
These stories mean nothing without people to share them with. For me family are the most important people in my life and I love nothing more than spending time with them. Family bonding time is the quality time you spend with your family, doing things you love. If you’re like me click below to read more activities to try.
At LAL Photography
Monthly Mantra's
- “I can and I will!”
- “I accept myself unconditionally!”
- “Anyone can love a rose, but it takes a lot to love a leaf. It’s ordinary to love the beautiful, but it’s beautiful to love the ordinary”
- “Everything I need I already have”
- “Every leaf speaks bliss to me, fluttering from the autumn tree”
Autumn Dates Available
Why is Photography Important?
I’ve read that children feel safe, welcome, seen and loved if there are images of themselves in the family home. I love this idea and think this is something every family needs to know.
You see stories, memories and keepsakes are important. Life is short. Our humanity is what makes us beautiful. The light will never look or be seen the same again and neither will we. We will never have this moment again.
So, let’s capture it!
Hi,
I’m Lesley-Anne, also known as LAL.
Our humanity is what makes us beautiful.
The light will never look the same or be seen the same again and neither will we.
We will never have this moment again.
So, let’s capture it!
Why Choose Me, as your Family Photographer
It’s your story and your legacy. It’s how I see your story through my lens.
I am one of a handful of photographers in my area and in the UK that showcase honest, authentic, everyday moments. This is my speciality!
I am noticing delicate, awe-inspiring moments and connection. I am seeing these with every family I am lucky enough to spend time with.
I want to share what I see with you.
I want you to fall in love with your family time and time again!