It’s the most wonderful time of the year.
No, it’s not Christmas. It’s October. Pumpkin spice, rustic leaves, sweatshirt and shorts weather.
I’ve written every year about October. There is this feeling of warmth and of settling in to cozy things. Hot drinks replace lemonade, and the leaves catch fire.
But there has also been a stress in schools every year at this time. Wrapping up a quarter, conferences, and an end to the honeymoon that comes at the start of every year adds stress. I’ve written about it so many times.
But this year is different.
This year we are mired down by a virus and an election and unrest. This year has been hard…
and I went quiet.
I have not posted a blog since June. Honestly I have been nervous to post. I’ve been worried that my voice in the world would just add to the sometimes angry discourse happening on social media. But writing is how I process the world. This blog is where I am my most vulnerable and my most transparent. Without it, I’ve lost a little piece of myself.
No more. 
Has this year been a challenge? Without question. But it has also been filled with weddings and babies and music and laughter. I have watched Netflix and camped and even saw a play outside with my parents. I will no longer quiet my voice.
Every single day is a gift…even in 2020. If we spend our time focused on what we can’t do or what we have to do or what has changed or what we’re missing because of COVID, then we will miss all of the good happening around us. None of us are guaranteed tomorrow. We need to live today to its fullest!
For me, that has always meant a pumpkin pie blizzard in my favorite month of the year…and this blog.
“I’m so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers.” Anne of Green Gables
Be That Person 
I’m glad to hear your voice again, dear one. I appreciate your wise observations and comments. ❤
This is wise. Thanks for the reminder to use our energy to focus on the good things and what we can do