October 1, 2025

Dear October,



Dear October, Welcome back, my friend. I am so happy you returned yet again with your crisp, cool days and your cozy, early evenings. Since we last met, I said goodbye, for now, to my beautiful momma. I was blessed to be holding her hand when she went to heaven on that bitterly cold January day. She knew of my love for autumn, especially the precious October days. I believe she will send a shower of colorful leaves to remind me of that, and to let me know she is here. Since she left, I have experienced times of immense sadness and despair as the spring rain fell, and moments of anguish and exhaustion during the sweltering, hot summer. 

I know that these next thirty-one days will be so good for my soul. Your cooler days bring cozy sweaters, steaming cups of pumpkin coffee, early darkness, and flickering candles. Leaves will turn to shades of red, gold, and purple, dance in the wind, and fall to the ground. We will feel the pull inward, spending more time together inside, reminding me of the many carefree and cozy evenings I shared in my childhood home with my family, the stone fireplace crackling as we sat around, playing games or watching TV after dinner. Through these October days, I will be reminded that life, like the year itself, is composed of seasons. We pass from one to the next, and although we long to stay in the one that makes us feel happy and safe, we have to move on. 

Years pass, time moves on, and we grow older. Yet, you dear October remain the same. You return each year, allowing me the chance to slow down, relax, reflect, and look ahead, all while you are there in the background, with cooler air, rustling leaves, pumpkin everything, and all the things that make me feel happy, safe, and cozy. So thank you for that. And welcome back. 

Billie Jo

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24 comments:

  1. I'm sorry you said bye to your mom. I did not long ago as well. I love when I see things that remind me of her or make dishes that she taught me to make/bake. All good things.

    Love this time of year. October rocks.

    Wishing you a wonderful 31 days. ๐Ÿงก๐ŸŽƒ๐Ÿ•ธ️๐Ÿ•ท️๐Ÿ‚๐Ÿ‘ป๐Ÿค๐Ÿงก๐ŸŽƒ

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  2. Beautifully spoken words. I hope October brings you and your family so many wonderful things! Enjoy the cozy days.

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  3. Happy October, Billie Jo! I hope your days are filled with all the coziness this month brings.

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  4. Happy October! That's a lovely ode to the month.

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  5. I am sorry grieving your mother has been so painful, but that is the price of love. You had a blessed mom and you in return are blessed.

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  6. I hope your October is spectacular, and you can see your mom through all the beauty of the month.

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  7. I just knew you would have a lovely October post today! And I was right:) Oh I do hope this next month will refresh your soul!! I know you are in your happy season...enjoy, my friend!

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  8. I was with my Mom when she passed, too. So we both share a profound sorrow. I do love the fall!

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  9. You are so right. Life is made up of seasons, chapters, cycles, some to repeat and others not. This is a beautiful post abundant with sensory pleasures. Thanks for such good writing, Billie Jo!

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  10. I found your blog today and am following it. October is a month full of beauty, falling leaves and fall colors. Your children look wonderful. I have two great adult sons.

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  11. Dearest Billie Jo - beautifully said. I know you understand how much this month speaks to my soul as well. Put on that coziest sweater, pour your hot tea, and pull up a comfy chair for a front row seat to the coziest season of all. Blessings my Friend. ๐ŸŽƒ๐Ÿ๐Ÿงก

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  12. Not Bossy Here(Out my windows Sister) A Beautiful post! Just beautiful!

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  13. Happy October and enjoy every day of it. :)

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  14. Yes, ditto everyone above... well done! I have memories of those Octobers, but here in Florida we have to wait for November to begin feeling like we might need a sweater - in the morning! I hold the memories dear in my heart. Blessings, my friend!

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  15. Oh I hope you get the most beautiful leaves this year. It's been SO hot here and also very dry since August so I doubt we will get great color here. But October is really great!

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  16. I remember from the photos your Mom always smiling, she had such a kind face. I sympathize with you. It's nice that you remember her. May this autumn be good for your whole family.

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  17. Happy October, Billie Jo! I love all the ways you've described this month and I shall add...it's my birthday month! I don't know whether to say "yay" or "ugggg" (I'm turning 60!). But I will always thank God for each new day, even if I'm moving into my 60's :) Life is a gift and October is my favorite month, so here's to many colors, cool days and cooler evenings. Cheers!

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  18. Billie Jo, I so enjoyed reading here about your love for my favorite month of the year! I was reminded of the passing of my dear mother, as she entered Heaven on October 9 in 2018. It's a date we are quickly approaching, and I still miss her and know that there will be a day when we will be reunited.
    I love everything about October. It's the month of truly beginning to snuggle in for the cooler evenings and enjoy more time together with my husband. It's time when the soups and stews begin to appear in the kitchen as well as baked goods. There are warm blankets and throws to snuggle with...and books...always books to keep us company! It's also the month of my daughter's birthday...the day before mine! :)

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  19. Billie Jo.. you were the very first of my blogging friends that I thought about on October 1st. I can smell the fall scents in your home!! I know you are one happy camper

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  20. Hello, dear friend. Happy October! This post really touched my heart. I understand exactly how you feel about missing your mom since I feel the same way. This is my second October without her. She loved fall! All the pumpkins and pretty, colorful leaves made her so happy. I've had to learn how to do life without her in it, which hasn't always been easy, but I never stop missing her and wishing she were still here. Our dear moms are smiling down on us every single day. I often remind myself that this is just temporary and we'll be together again someday. Knowing this gives me peace and comfort. I hope you have the happiest and coziest October! Thinking of you.❤️

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  21. October is my favorite month of the year too! Enjoy a wonderful October!

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  22. Lovely writing ~ October is very special! I love the earthy, smoky fragrance of fallen leaves and bonfires ...the new is hidden now but it is already waiting to unfold in its time.
    I do hope your October eases your pain and sets you on a healing path. Blessings!

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  23. Sweet words of October. And your dear mom would love those special words of her and the time growing up in your house. You have the best memories of Fall in your home. I enjoyed reading this on a rainy October morning. : )

    ~Sheri

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Thanks so much for saying hello!

Billie Jo