Motivations & Smiles for October

(gleaned from my collection of “calendar quotes”)

The trees that are slow to grow

bear the best fruit.  (Moliere)

Integrity is one of several paths.  It distinguishes itself from the others because it is the right path and the only one upon which you will never get lost.  (M. H. McKee)  Colour illustration of two paths leading into an autumn-hued forest.

Character is like a tree and reputation like its shadow.  The shadow is what we think a fit...the tree is the real thing.  (Anonymous)  Illustration is of a trail ambling through very high tree trunks with bright sunlight at the woodland's outer edge.

Family:  We are in this life together....and depicted with 3 baboons hugging their babies.

Patience:  Adopt the pace of Nature; her secret is patience.  (Ralph Waldo Emerson)  Illustration of a peaceful-faced tiger safe in his environment surrounded by tall grasslands.

Defeat is not the worst of failures.  Not to have tried...is the true failure!  (George Edward Woodberry) Illustrated with a mother quietly chatting to her son,  arm around his shoulder.

Do not go where the path may lead ~ Go where there is no path...and leave a trail!  (Les Brown).

Illustrated by wind-blown sand dunes across a desert floor.

Often the Best Way to Win...is to forget to keep score!  (Marianne Espinosa Murphy) Illustrated by two persons tightly holding hands to aid each other across a deep chasm.

I'm a slow walker...but I never walk back.  (Abraham Lincoln).  Picture of a bear cub resting on his rear end...front legs extending upward, nestled in tall grasses.

When One Generation Begins and another one ends...is about 11 o'clock at night. Illustrated by a group of parents gathered in a neighbour's back yard.

From Marie's Motivational Calendar with Invitation to “Encourage”

(Envision a female equestrian riding her chestnut mount over a high rail fence)

“The spirited horse, which will try to win of its own accord,

will jump even  higher...if  encouraged.”

(Ovid)

Special Event Days

October 14 ~ Thanksgiving Day in Canada has been a holiday on the 2^nd Monday of October since 1957.  It is a chance for people to give thanks for a good harvest.  Many people have a day off work and use the weekend to visit family and friends.  Others with cottages take this weekend to “close them for the season” and to enjoy the spectacular colour of the Canadian autumn.

                    ~  In United States, Columbus Day celebrates the arrival of Christopher Columbus to the Americas on October 12, 1492.  People celebrate with church services, parades and family gatherings.

October 18 designates a “Full Moon” … for those with romantic interests.

October 24 marks the anniversary of the United Nations Charter in 1945 when 5 permanent members of the Security Council ratified the Charter in France...Republic of China...the Soviet Union...the United Kingdom...United States of America.  This date has been celebrated since 1948.

October 31 ~ Hallowe'en (All Hallows Evening...or All Saints) is a yearly celebration; activities include “trick or treating”, attending costume parties, carving pumpkins into jack-o'-lanterns, lighting bonfires, apple-bobbing, visiting haunted attractions, telling scary stories or watching horror films.

Did You Know?

During the autumn, when days become shorter and temperatures cooler, grizzly and black bears begin to search for a denning site for their long winter hibernation.

You can access information on caring for your garden during the fall and winter months
from Canadian Wildlife Federation's website at....WildAboutGardening.org.

October's Animal

The graceful White-Tailed Deer is well known to most North Americans.  In summer, the white-tailed deer has a reddish fur, on its back and sides and is whitish beneath.  In winter the upper parts turn greyish.  Full grown males can exceed one metre at shoulder height and weigh around 110 kilograms.

A Personal Reflection

 En route one Wednesday  morning to my hair salon, I heard on my car radio the most captivating  rendition of  Autumn Leaves.  I've always loved the music and hum along with its melody.  But, on this morning, the lyrics “spoke to me.”  Anguish in Ozzie Bailey's voice leaves no doubt about the depths of this autumn reverie.  He sings the first several lines in French.  Perhaps that's what snagged my attention!  Ray Nance's violin is so appropriate...playing with much heart and skill...his strings weep and cry in sadness!   WOW!  Following my appointment, I headed to Indigo's  attempting to track down this rendition.  I had the soloist's name and with this information, the gentleman discovered Duke ELLINGTON Indigos and played the song for me.  That's It!  And I bought it!  The only vocal on it is the 10th and last one on the CD...but all the music is well worth the price.

Autumn Leaves

The falling leaves drift by my window.

The falling leaves of red and gold.

I see your lips...the summer kisses.

The sunbathed hands I used to hold.

Since you went away, the days grow long.

And soon I'll hear Old Winter's song.

But I miss you most of all, My Darling

When autumn leaves start to fall.

 Musical Observation

When one is happy...he listens to the music.

When he is saddened or depressed...he listens to the lyrics.

(Anonymous)

Crafted by Merle Baird-Kerr … October 1, 2013

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