Hi Everyone! Hope you are having a good autumn. I was going to post the rest of my daily October photos last week. However, a winter storm came to the Sierra mountains, and I couldn’t help but pack the bags and head toward it. I am so happy to say that we were welcomed by much-needed snow which, for those of us who live in the west, is more precious than gold these days. So, without further ado, here are the rest of my October photos.
13th – Journalling. Our tall redwood tree loves to shed a LOT in October and I love picking up these cones. They make a beautiful red stain. Looking forward to sketching these four in my nature journal.
14th – Bounty. October is when I collect seeds from two of my dye plants, Coreopsis and Indigo. I made the little seed packets myself. Didn’t realise until I took the photo that the yellow/gold paper I used for the packet matches the Coreopsis seed pods.
15th – Trust. This little one LOVES to play all day long with his kitty siblings, but does not quite trust us humans yet. I treasure those rare occasions when I can get close to him. I had all of 5 minutes to take a few photos. Those blue eyes make me think of rain. We are a kindred soul, he is smitten by winter just as much as I am. He is Merwyn, the sea friend.
16th – Autumn afternoon. Walking on soft straw, looking at some alien-looking pumpkins on a beautiful October afternoon.
17th – Advent calendar week 2. I open my advent calendar in October. This is Harry waiting at the Leaky Cauldron.
18th – Foraging. I couldn’t find any acorns at the local park, but found quite a few oak galls. I collected a few to make iron gall ink at home.
19th – Favourite. Every October I look forward to getting butternut squash. I often pick up a few extra and store them in a dry place so I can enjoy them off season. Instead of the grocery store, this year I got them at the pumpkin patch. I never noticed the star pattern and green lines that extend from the stem on the grocery store ones.
20th – Warmth. The first fire of the season is always so special. Read by a warm fire in my little library surrounded by books and cats, then end the night listening to the music of embers before bedtime.
21th – Stargazing time. I miss stargazing during the days of long daylight. Those nights are just not long enough to set up the telescope for extended stargazing before bedtime. I would be completely lost in the spring and summer sky. However, with longer nights, I probably know the autumn and winter sky better than my own backyard.
22nd – Getting ready for the night out. I don’t even remember when I fell in love with the stars. My books and the night sky were the two stable things during my childhood. I use this one for astrophotography, and I use my 10″ telescope mostly for exploring the night sky.
23rd – Peaceful. I find the act of knitting to be extremely peaceful. This blue yarn matches the eye colour of my sweet kitty.
24th – 3rd week of advent calendar. Harry is getting ready for Hogwarts.
25th – Something Wicked This Way Comes. I read that book by Ray Bradbury in high school, and the story haunted me for a very long time. A few years ago, I mustered up enough courage to read it again, and I am glad to say that Dark’s Pandemonium does not haunt me any more. This wagon always reminds me of the book and in turn, to find my courage.
26th – Trick or Treat. Made little bags with colouring book, stickers, pencils, notepad, bookmark and of course ghoulish candy for the little monsters. I made 48 bags and they were all gone, plus additional candies and pencils. Happy little moments.
27th – Old Friend. Charlie is our oldest friend, just three weeks away from being 19. Don’t let his calm face fool you. He is super naughty and playful. I had to wait till he was mostly sleepy to take this picture of our Charlie! He loves to “sing”, which is to say he bellows his heart out. If I reciprocate by making the same sounds, he continues on with me. It’s a lot of fun to sing along with him.
28th – Charlie’s Adventure. He also has been the source of many a story and fun artwork over the years, and he has always been my Halloween kitty. I designed the patterns and made this quilt around a little story I wrote called Charlie’s Adventure. I make sure to use this quilt every October. The story and the quilt details are all here on Charlie’s Adventure if you want to share it with a little one in your family.
29th – Last week of advent calendar. Adventures are always so much more fun when shared with friends. Harry finally joins his friends for his train journey to Hogwarts.
30th – Magic. Everything turns a bit magical as All Hallows Eve approaches. I tapped into that magic to paint these pumpkins.
31th – All Hallows Eve. My little desk-buddy is ready for Halloween with his pet spider. He is a bit shy and finds Trick or Treat to be a daunting task. However, he gave it a go anyway and enjoyed it quite a bit in the end.
Here are My October 1 – 12 photos
Please click on the image thumbnails to see the photos –
Tavish the twin, Pemberley the autumn forest
Merwyn the sea friend and Charlie the musician
That finishes my 31 photos for 31 days of October. It was so wonderful to reacquaint myself with my best friend, my camera. I was feeling very lackluster at the beginning of the month, but taking these photos really stoked my motivation. I do hope you liked the photos and the anecdotes. From our family to yours Happy Thanksgiving and Happy Autumn! I will see you in December.
-Soma
I am linking up with the linky parties on my Events And Links page. They are always a source of new inspirations. Please pay them a visit.
53 thoughts on “My October – Part II”
John's Island December 6, 2022 at 04:09
Hi Soma! Just wanted to stop by and tell you how much I appreciated, and enjoyed, your recent comments for me. I received your comments as emails from InkTorrents and I do not know how to apply those comments to John’s Island, so here I am again to say thank you. : – ) I hope you had a great Thanksgiving. It fascinated me that you were in a remote location and went to the trouble to get an email out to me in difficult circumstances! : – ) Lastly, I loved hearing about how you collect/forage, about Merwyn, about stargazing, and about Charlie and the blanket! : – ) Many thanks to you for all your communications and wishing you happy days ahead. John
Sallie December 5, 2022 at 15:39
I love reading about all of your interests and sharing the results of your (many) talents. Autumn is such a beautiful season in Oregon too and I hated cutting it short this year (because we came back to Florida starting our trip the first of November.) If I could have, I would have sent you some of the many acorns we had in our yard and on our neighborhood sidewalks (in October, in Oregon), but the other finds you foraged in your park were lovely. I have never heard of anyone growing and finding their own plants for dyes and I think that’s wonderful.
Catherine November 29, 2022 at 00:09
I enjoyed reading this post. Your quilt is absolutely beautiful!
#MMBC
Lavender Dreams November 28, 2022 at 13:04
I love all of the colors of Fall. The quilt really is beautiful. And thank you so much for stopping by and leaving me kinds words today. They mean the world to me. Hugs, Diane
Angie November 26, 2022 at 21:47
Belated Happy Thanksgiving, Soma! I was in Ohio making memoirs! Our daughter gets married in October 2023 and we shopped for her wedding dress and my mother of the bride dress. Successful on both counts!
I love your photos, especially the ones of the butternut squash and the pumpkins/squash in the field. And your painting of the squash is beautiful. (Can you tell I like squash?) The simplicity and elegance of each photo makes me think I should adopt this approach to blogging, rather than cram so many photos into each post!
John's Island November 23, 2022 at 10:34
Soma, Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours. Best regards from Seattle! John
image-in-ing weekly photo linky November 21, 2022 at 07:37
Gorgeous photos all! Your cats are beautiful!
Thanks for sharing at
Jayne @ Sticky Mud and Belly Laughs November 20, 2022 at 11:13
What a lovely month you’ve had. I love an open fire whilst cosying up with a good book, can’t beat it!
The trick-or-treat bags are brilliant, how very kind of you to make all of those.
I’ve never really mastered knitting but I love to crochet, I find it quite relaxing too.
Have a lovely week Soma! xx
Life Images by Jill, Western Australi November 20, 2022 at 03:19
I have done a couple of photo-a-day projects, and it tests you, inspires you, and sometimes it is just too difficult. But I am sure it makes us a better photographer and makes us get out with our camera. I enjoyed seeing your photos. I am thinking you must do some natural ink making – seeing as you mentioned the oak galls. Enjoy your Novermber, stay safe. And thankyou for visiting my blog last week.
Dixie November 19, 2022 at 09:49
Such a wonderful post, Soma.
Pumpkin patches are wondrous places, holding a bit of magic in everyone corner.
Your kitties are so beautiful!
Dear Charlie looks so lovely. Happy Birthday, Charlie!
Love your painting of the pumpkins.
RachelSwirl November 19, 2022 at 09:37
I adore all your autumn crafts, you are so talented. Thanks for sharing your snaps and linking up with #MySundaySnapshot.
Sarah MumofThree World November 18, 2022 at 22:46
I love all your photos and the inspiration you take from nature and the seasons.
Your cats are adorable and there were some very lucky children in your neighbourhood on Halloween!
Polly Macleod November 17, 2022 at 13:18
Just found your blog, it’s brilliant and your cats are gorgeous.
Jill November 16, 2022 at 16:45
Wow! What creativity you have! I love the photos. Your kitties, your beautiful quilt and knitting…all amazing!
Peabea November 16, 2022 at 08:44
Oh, I love the photos of the kittys. I miss having one, but at my age I just don’t feel I would be able to have one anymore. As always, your photography and artwork is so great. I’m still to try my hand at doing more knitting. I’m amazed I ever really knitted anything before. Wanted to try the three sock method, but keep getting gaps where you connect the rounds so pretty much have given up. Thank you for sharing at Peabea’s Pictorial Tuesday
Sandee November 16, 2022 at 07:10
I loved on all the kitties. Felines rock.
Thank you for joining the Wordless Wednesday Blog Hop.
Have a fabulous Wordless Wednesday and rest of the week. ♥
Rosey November 16, 2022 at 06:09
We didn’t pass out Halloween treats this year. We quit the year Covid was here, and never picked it back up. Maybe next year. :) Your cats are gorgeous.
Linda November 15, 2022 at 06:48
Thanks for linking your fantastic post to To Do Tuesday!
Diann@LittlePenguinQuilts November 15, 2022 at 06:25
Beautiful photos! I love your Charlie’s Adventures quilt, and the Harry Potter scenes, too. That’s a lovely way to document your month!
Ruth@playworkeatrepeat November 14, 2022 at 17:21
So many beautiful photos Soma! I loved looking at them all. I hope that you have a wonderful November.
NatureFootstep November 14, 2022 at 06:44
wow, there is a lot to like in your post today.
I like the cones, the beautiful fireplace and of course, the telescope. I have been a stargazer too and had my own scope. I sold it a couple of years ago as I now live in a place not that great for older women out at night. :) Too far to get to a dark enough place.
Wish you a great week,
Debbie November 14, 2022 at 06:09
WoW!!! what a fun post!! i adore butternut squash also but find it difficult to work with!! such sweet bags you made for your trick or treaters, i should do that as i don’t get too many, the young ones would love it!!
your october images are beautiful….i am so jealous of your snow!! i can’t wait for snow!!
Anne Sweet November 14, 2022 at 03:02
What a lovely post, you certainly have had a busy month. I love the trick or treat bags you made, you have so much patience. Your cats are adorable too.
Holly Breton @ Pink Lady November 14, 2022 at 02:37
Beautiful shots!
Kim Carberry November 13, 2022 at 09:46
What wonderful photos. You really have summed up this time of year in them. Those pumpkins are huge and your fire looks so cosy. x
Divya November 13, 2022 at 08:06
Charlie is a beauty! And how wonderful that he’s still young at heart.
I love your pumpkin paintings and your Halloween treats. (Love your idea of redwood-based-dye, too)
That’s a lovely October you had.
Happy November, Soma. :)
Nicole/DVArtist November 13, 2022 at 06:17
Just a lovely post. Your photos are excellent. I really like the pumpkin patch. Have a very nice day today.
Rain Frances November 13, 2022 at 04:22
Soma, your October looked very cozy! I love the kitty photos! And I love that you star gaze! That’s a beautiful telescope. I hope to have one in the future! I’m a big fan of butternut squash too! ☺♥ Your painting is very pretty!
John's Island November 12, 2022 at 17:22
Hi Soma! I have been looking forward to My October – Part II. Knowing your exceptional creativity and artistry set my expectations high. What a delight to see Part II. You have a most wonderful way of putting special meaning into the images you share with us. I love the way you brought the redwood tree cones home to sketch them in your nature journal. Collecting seeds and making the seed packets … so cool! It’s a joy to use “he” with “beauty” but Merwyn is exactly that. Classic pumpkin patch photo. Getting the tractors in there just right … perfection. Oak galls to make your own ink at home … inspired! First fire of the season looks so cozy. I discovered another interest we share on the 21st … Stargazing. Love the image … On your watch? Another beauty … your telescope. I hope your home is in an area where you can get out and enjoy the night sky. Here in Seattle, I have so much light pollution, it’s almost impossible. You are amazing putting together the Trick or Treat bags with more than just candy … Now that IS sweet! Of course I had to go read the story of Charlie’s Adventure … what a wonderful kitty … and your blanket … Oh my goodness. It is amazing. Just a totally delightful post … thank you, Soma, for sharing and thank you so much for your kind words on my blog. Wishing you and yours a Happy Thanksgiving. I’ll be looking forward to hearing from you in December and, in the meantime, take good care! John
Kathleen November 12, 2022 at 15:55
Love your pumpkin painting. The texture on the striped one is amazing.
Su-sieee! Mac November 12, 2022 at 13:03
Your post is magical, Soma, a reflection of the delight of you and the world you make. I live in central coast CA and we were joyful about the four days or rain! And, now it’s quite chilly, also a welcome for me. I like to wear my warm hats.
A ShutterBug Explores November 12, 2022 at 09:59
Fantastic photography ~ especially love the cat photos ~ your art work and knitting are so creative too ~ Xo
Wishing you good health, laughter and love in your days,
A ShutterBug Explores,
aka (A Creative Harbor)
Joanne November 12, 2022 at 06:34
These are lovely photos! It sounds like you have had a lovely and rather peaceful October.
Gillena Cox November 12, 2022 at 04:11
luv your magic pumpkins painting. thanks for sharing your journalled days. Happy you linked to Art Gor Fun Friday
muchlove
Eileen November 12, 2022 at 02:10
Hello Soma,
Your October images are all lovely. I love your art work, the pumpkin art and the field of pumpkins is a great scene. Your sweet furbabies are adorable, cute photos.
The quilt is beautiful, what a great idea for the Halloween treats! I am sure the snow is welcome and cuddling around the fireplace sounds perfect. Hubby and I love watching the sky, the stars are a beautiful sight. I will stop back to read about Charlie’s adventures. Thanks so much for linking up and sharing your post. Take care, enjoy your weekend.
Valerie-Jael November 12, 2022 at 00:24
Thanks for sharing your wonderful creativity, photos, and your furry friends with us. Love the Harry Potter and friends figures! Have a great weekend, enjoy dreaming by your fireside, hugs, Valerie
Breathtaking November 11, 2022 at 23:25
Hello :=)
How kind of you to make those trick or treat packets for the kids. Your quilt is a fabulous work of art, and your pumpkin painting is lovely. I’m impressed that you make your own ink from natures
bounty. Well done, you are blessed with so many arts and craft pleasant pastimes. All your cats are truly beautiful, and I like your log fire, which is similar to mine, and I also have lit it recently as. the temperature dropped here in Portugal, and from Portugal I send you warm good wishes.
Connie Griffin November 11, 2022 at 20:06
So good to hear you enjoyed your October so much. I am thankful that you were able to get snow too, any moisture is good moisture, especially when it is really needed.
Love your pumpkin painting and you had a lot of inspiration on that pumpkin farm, how fun to take.a walk and so all the different kinds.
I so love a nice fire, especially to go to sleep by:)
Wishing you a very Happy Thanksgiving!
tomthebackroadstraveller November 11, 2022 at 15:18
…what a fabulous journal, I’m not organized enough for that. Using plants for dyes sounds like fun. Pumpkins sure come in an array of shapes and colors, still like basic orange. I hope that your November will be a good one.
The Joyful Quilter November 11, 2022 at 13:36
What a great pumpkin patch, Soma, and that yarn is gorgeous, too!! Having fun with your paints and fur friends, I see. Hope you enjoy the lead up to winter!
Alison Hall November 11, 2022 at 09:57
I really enjoyed reading your wonderful October post Soma.
Lovely to see the cats and that beauiful quilt.
Your pumpkin watercolour is beautiful too.
It really is a stunning time of year.
Happy November,
Alison
Susan November 11, 2022 at 08:35
I have always loved your cats and am glad to see Merwyn. Your photos are lovely as always. I was walking home from a handbell rehearsal last night and the moon was spectacular and I turned around facing the other direction and a bunch of other stars which is rare as the lights of the city often blot them out. We are predicted to getting our first snow of the season this Saturday. They say 1-3 inches.I hope you have a nice rest of the Fall and Thanksgiving.
Michelle November 11, 2022 at 07:17
Such a lovely story in these photos! Of course I am entranced by your kitties. I was always a cat person, but when I met my husband 6 years ago, that changed. He is deathly allergic. So now I have the joy of being a dog mom. Lovely in a different way. I love your sense of wonder as you share your passions.
Linda November 11, 2022 at 05:35
The pumpkin painting is gorgeous. I love your kitties, so sweet looking and so beautiful. It is so fun seeing “mundane” things through your eyes – you always find something interesting that I hadn’t noticed before. Thank you for sharing all your pretty photos – I really enjoyed it.
Veronica Lee November 11, 2022 at 02:42
I enjoyed your stories and loved your kitties!
Your painting is beautiful
Have a great weekend
Amy Johnson November 10, 2022 at 15:24
I love your kitties and their stories! Your pumpkin artwork is amazing!
Carola Bartz November 10, 2022 at 12:56
What a lovely post! Wasn’t the rain and the snow in the Sierra just wonderful? I love the sound of rain so much. Your cats are all so beautiful – I’m sure Merwyn will eventually become more trusting. He has very special eyes. The quilt is fabulous. Your fire looks so cozy, it must be so nice to cuddle up with some cats in front of it and escape into the world of books. That sounds like a wonderful afternoon/evening to me.
Mary November 10, 2022 at 11:47
One can tell how much you love autumn and winter. It’s so nice to see your photos appearing again. The kitties are so beautiful. I know how dearly they are loved. I’m looking forward to seeing your Sierra pictures. Did you get caught up in that big storm? It was such a nice storm. Is there anything more comforting than a crackling fire? Your quilt, a good book, your kitties and that fire all say “heaven” to me.
Carol November 10, 2022 at 10:51
I like the cats a lot – cute
Andrea Priebe November 10, 2022 at 08:15
Oh where to begin. I love your Charlie … I have an 18 year old cat who is diabetic and blind, but happy as a clam and sings just like your Charlie. And by, all means, you should create a book of Charlie’s adventures. It would be wonderful. So Merwyn is a rescue I assume. He is indeed a handsome boy. When I rescued our Buffy I had to get her comfortable with me while she was still outside so I could finally pick her up and bring her in the house. She, however, would attack our other cats so we had to separate them. When we moved to our current house however there were no longer any territory issues and now she and my 18 year old Chachi and best buds. She cuddles with him and baths him. I think they are aware when their mates have issues and could use a little help and loving. As for your artwork and quilt … they are just beautiful and I loved your trick or treat packets. I am guessing the kids love coming to your house.
When I was younger I loved the sky and I would sit with my family on the deck and we would look for the different constellations. But, sadly, I now live near a big city and the night sky is blurred by city lights. I look forward to trips to the country or when I go to Thailand, the sky is marvelous and there are so many stars that it is hard to find anything I recognize. It was fun to look at the planets too … we could see the rings on Saturn on a good night. Oh, I am jealous of your telescope :) So this post was so full of fun and joy … thank you for this lovely visit.
Andrea @ From the Sol
Christine November 10, 2022 at 07:36
Lovely autumn post, your painting is gorgeous!
Karen November 10, 2022 at 05:41
I love the photos that you take and you have some beautiful cats! I don’t think I ever saw a advent calendar for fall – how cute that is. After mainly being inside for the half the year I’m sure you are loving every minute outside no matter what the weather knowing you can breath without having an asthma attach or whatever it is that happens to you. Enjoy the winter! love seeing your quilt.
Luisella November 9, 2022 at 23:41
Hello,
love your feline friends.
Have a peaceful November with your
many interests and activities!