Photo by Jaël Vallée - @jv_photographer
October, in all its glory is here and I have never been happier for my favourite month to arrive than in 2020 while we live through a global pandemic! October is more than simply my favourite month. Like the vibrant coloured leaves surrounding those of us living in Canada, my soul comes most alive in October. I have been anticipating this month and want to savour every day of it. Autumn reaches its peak in October with nature displaying its most bright and beautiful colours on trees. The colder weather nudges us to take out our sweaters and scarfs once again so we can proudly display them on ourselves. It’s time to get cozy with a book, a fireplace (if you have one) or a blanket, and the warm beverage of your choice (a pumpkin spice latte, chai tea, apple cider, hot chocolate...I like them all!). The apples from a farm in the Niagara region, given to me by my mom, have been patiently waiting for me to bake them into something delicious. I can’t wait to smell the cinnamon in the air! Here’s something curious about me, apples are probably one of my least favourite fruits to eat on their own, but I adore them in baked goods. Give me anything baked with apples and I will happily chew each bite!
Photo by Priscilla Du Preez - @priscilladupreez
In Canada, we celebrate Thanksgiving in October, which I personally think is the best time to do so since it's in the midst of autumn. We list what we’re grateful for as we remember the early settlers who gave thanks for the crop that was harvested. And we feast! There is something sacred about gathering around a table with other humans to eat, laugh and engage in conversation. I think of Jesus and how he did this often with people when he was here on earth.
I’m thankful for so many things these days. Here are just a few things in no particular order.
Video chats with my sister Natalie. She’s only two hours away instead of six hours by plane but still any opportunity to see her beautiful face as we enjoy the richest of conversations is a blessing.
Taylor Swift surprised the world with her new CD created during the pandemic, called Folklore! The music is perfect to listen to while wrapping oneself with blankets, tea in hand and a fireplace going during autumn and/or winter. The imagery is so good!
An almost 3 hour hike with my friends Danie & Julie last Saturday in our city at Medway Valley Heritage Forest. This serene wooded area with a creek & scenic views offers various hiking trails. Danie bought sunflowers from a grocery store and we took pictures with them as we explored. We even got off the main path for a while, listened to the peaceful sound of water and saw some deer. I was in pure bliss to be in nature with friends during my favourite season that at one point I started skipping. Haha.
My nephews. They’re soooo cute, sweet, & fun! I’ve said it before and I’ll keep saying it. If God doesn’t give me children of my own one day I am 100% okay with that because I have them.
All the people fighting cancer who are still with us now.
I’m cooking again and loving it! I enjoy food companies like Chef Cook It and GoodFood because they make cooking easier, especially when like me you took a hiatus for a bit . To get 50% off your first order with Chef Cook It, you can use my code RAQUELM347 (only applicable in Canada).
It's my birthday month! I love my birthday. I say this proudly. Every year we get is a gift from our Creator and our lives are worth celebrating. I can't wait to celebrate!! :)
Hope - The real kind. The hope that comes from Jesus.
Photo by Aaron Burden - @aaronburden
What are you grateful for in this season? Even if it’s not Thanksgiving where you live you can still crave out time to reflect on all that you have to be thankful for. I would even encourage us that we do this on a regular basis. There is always something to be grateful for, no matter how bleak life might seem. I appreciate you coming here and for taking the time to read this. I thank God for you dear reader.
Love,
Raquel