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| celebrating my second birthday October 20, 1958, Brown County, Indiana |
October is my favorite month. It also happens to be the month of my birth, and maybe that is why
I consider autumn to be my personal spring, my genesis. The bite of fresh air, vibrant color, the delicious crunch of leaves, breathe life into my stagnate summer spirit. And isn't it curious, that autumn is a glorious burst of joy and sorrow, just as I happen to be a quirky mix of funny and melancholy?
The summer chapter of my life is winding down, and with the first small steps into autumn, it should be no surprise, that I find myself quite at home here. I'm snuggling in, making myself comfortable, brewing coffee, expecting a season of great passion, creativity, and happiness.
Ankle Deep
Just beyond
the summer kitchen
down the hall
and to the right
past the prints
of children and roses
is a darker, quiet room
ripe with passion
and woodsmoke
where I bloom
brighter than fire
in wool socks knit
loose from other years
ankle deep in October
tk/October 2011
Best wishes for your special day may many prezzies come your way!
ReplyDeleteCheers mate!
october babies are endlessly fascinating.... i count myself among the throng. and the duality of our natures is certainly my favorite aspect.
ReplyDeleteoh, I love this one!
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday!!
Happy Birthday to another October baby....we are a special bunch.
ReplyDeleteWhat a precious picture! Ankle deep in Fall is a delicious sentiment. I'm not surprised that you are an October baby. My birthday is in April but I love Fall the best, too. Cool and mellow and glowing with color.
ReplyDeleteI meant to say "ankle deep in October" which flows so beautifully
ReplyDeletePerfect poem to embrace solitude...
ReplyDeleteHave a Happy Birthday, Tess!
Yes Tess, I like to be ankle deep in October as it is the month of my birth too. I love the poem - full of lovely imagery.
ReplyDeleteIt looks like I'm in excellent company...Happy Birthday, all my fellow Libras!
ReplyDeleteI am so with you on this one. Autumn is my favorite time of year and yep, I have a fall birthday, too, November. Makes me wonder if that has something to do with it.
ReplyDeleteHope your birthday is filled with everything autumn!
May you have the happiness you give to others. Your two year self looks like one with an old soul. I, too, love that "ankle deep in October" line. Reminds me of all the leaves I've plowed through.
ReplyDeleteGrandmother, how very observant of you. I've always been an old soul.
ReplyDeletethis is one of my fav months as well...the bustle of the leaves as they fall and find their way down the sidewalks and streets, the cool noght air, the layers of sweaters and coats....the cool rain...I find it makes me feel so alive, which is funny since mother is puting earth to bed for awhile.
ReplyDeleteLOved the poem as always, and HAPPY BDAY month to you dear,sweet friend :)
Oh happiest of days Tess! Wishing you all the inspiration and creativity of the autumn. Don't forget ....EAT CAKE!
ReplyDeleteExquisite! I feel it down to my toes stuffed in wool. My mother's birthday was also in bright autumn- loved this time of year- her favorite. Of course you would be an autumn baby- you have that sort of colourful depth.
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday to you! I, too, love October. It is a reflective month. Beautiful poem-love that last line.
ReplyDeleteCheers! Aren't we the lucky recipients of the gift of YOU?
ReplyDeleteNow that's a poem that speaks to me! Happy birthday Tess (if it is such), may your coffee be brewed to perfection!
ReplyDeleteThanks everybody...my actual birthday is tomorrow (the 20th)...
ReplyDeleteBeautiful poem! I love the idea of gathering up the years to make wool socks :)
ReplyDeleteIn case I forget - hope you have a fabulous day tomorrow.
October has always been my favorite month, even though I was born in spring.
ReplyDeleteI love the poem. It walks me right into your living room. I hope you have a wonderful birthday full of all things special : )
Happy Birthday!! Such an adorable photo...set in a true autumn setting! My birthday is in October too and I feel the same way.
ReplyDeleteI so like this poem!
Just came over from Delores at thefeatherednest. What atmosphere you created! I, too, feel like I 'bloom' in the autumn. I will try to keep up with you. Happy B-day!
ReplyDeleteI adore Libras, love them actually;
ReplyDeleteas you know I married one, and
as we embark for the ocean to
celebrate Melva's 8th Annual
Birthday Bash tomorrow, I will
be thinking of you on your day.
Melva stretches her celebrating
out for several days; nice trick.
A nicely-paced poem, Tess. It flows very well.
ReplyDeleteDear Tess: Quintessentially Tess! Definitely the symbolic language is coming through in bright "Scarlet is More Red Than Red" autumnal colors. T'is passions color!~~~:)lovely baby picture~~~a natural blonde...I was blonde too at 2 and we do look similar- being the 50's! My sis shares your same year too ..well now I am just bottle blonde! Happy Birthday Tess!!!
ReplyDeleteChicco, I didn't stay blonde very long...and I'm glad...because I rather enjoy being a brunette...
ReplyDeletegreat photo with the fall leaves in the background. Happy Birthday to you. May this be your best year yet.
ReplyDeletewonderful poem. i feel i am walking down that hall and entering the warm creativity room along with you. may many poems and creative works be yours in the year ahead.
Have a great birthday!
ReplyDeleteCouldn't tell if those were tears or smiles on that 2-tear-old face... enjoyed hearing your fine poem in your voice... happy birthday libra-lady...! My Kathy is a libra, we just celebrated her 49th... so have a great birthday Tess, and may there be many more cakes and candles in your future...
ReplyDeleteCute photo!!!! And beautiful beautiful words Tess! I love October too but my birthday month is December and I take all the celebrations personally! ;)
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday month! Blessings to you!
Rob, that's a smile on my little face...
ReplyDeleteCute little you Tess! Happy birthday to you. A libra is sure-footed. I can see that!
ReplyDeleteHank
I hope you smile tomorrow too Tess ... do let me know ...
ReplyDeleteMr. Stainforth, I'll be most happy to let you know...
ReplyDeleteScarlet is more red than red ... I like that Tess ... you have such a way with words ...
ReplyDeleteFellow October Lass....ok, I will celebrate your birthday a day early...(but I will be back tomorrow too....just cos' that's me)..
ReplyDeleteI am not even sure how we *met*...I think it was through our dear Suki.... but one thing I DO know is that meeting you has been so rewarding....we three are October Girls...you and Suki, Libras and me, a Scorpio...but what inspires and enriches are lives are so similiar...
I have been fortunate enough to meet a few of my blogging friends in person....I hope one day, we will meet!
So....early Birthday Wishes to an exceptional woman...full of poetry, of prose, of humour....someone who treasures the past but looks ahead with joy to the future..
Much Love from your friend in San Francisco,
♥ Robin ♥
Ankle deep in October sounds good to me. My special month is November, when I'll be nosing ahead of you in the autumn chapter.
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday. Love the poem written and audio
ReplyDeleteThank you, so much dear peeps...you've already made my birthday extra special...<3
ReplyDeleteIn honor of your birthday, I read your book of poems again.
ReplyDeleteBut I love this October one, too. Happy birthday MONTH.
Happy 53rd Raisin!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Michael and Hanne...actually it's number 55...but shh...don't tell...
ReplyDeleteHappy, happy birthday Tess! Autumn is my favorite time of year also. Like you I celebrate my birthday in fall (November) and it's the last hurrah before winter sets in. I hope you have a wonderful day, week, month, year!
ReplyDeletehappy happy birthday!! enjoy ...
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday Tess! Have a great day; I love the adorable picture of you.
ReplyDeleteMy husband is a Libra, 10/17 and I'm a Scorpio, 11/2. Fall is my favorite season.
You were always a beauty by what I see. I hope you enjoy this season of your birth and your life. The best is here now, in this moment. Enjoy those leaves and that air.
ReplyDeleteWhat a sweet cutie you are! Happy Birthday, dear Willow. May your year ahead be filled with peace, love and good health.
ReplyDeleteAnd wooly sox... don't forget the wooly sox :)
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday Tess.
It's the 20th here dear Tess, so I can officially send the happiest of birthday wishes to you! We were born in the same year, but I'm a January baby, born in the middle of a sizzling hot Australian summer. And I'm happiest on those days when the mercury hits the 110F. mark & sears the back of your throat as you inhale! Hope WT has some lovely birthday surprises for you.
ReplyDeleteMillie xx
Happy Birthday Tess! Have a wonderful autumn day.
ReplyDeleteOctober brings out the best in everyone. Love the way it ends (the poem, not the month).
ReplyDeleteLovely, lovely poem. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday, Tess!
yea, fall is in the air - late at night when the backyard fires are blazing and you can smell the burning wood; and on the ground, obviously. Happy Birthday!
ReplyDeleteHappy birthday dear friend. I for one look forward to another season of creativity from your talented pen.
ReplyDeleteHello Tess:
ReplyDeleteWhat a deliciously mellow post to have discovered you through. Rather like clearing away the autumn leaves and discovering a treasure trove of late, late summer jewels underneath.
And, what a beautifully evocative poem to accompany your delightful photograph.Reminiscent of past childhoods, past seasons and the cossetting comforts of home and woolly socks.
We have signed ourselves as Followers without a second thought. Our only wish is that we had discovered you sooner. Happy Birthday!!
Very cool! I am an October girl too and I totally relate.
ReplyDeleteHappy birthday Tess.
ReplyDeletehere's to brisk breezes and tittilating dips on the thermometer.
Vibrancy and passion with a cognac by the wood stove.
rel
Happy Birthday, gorgeous Tess!
ReplyDeleteLovely read. Happy Happy! Thank you for the post!
ReplyDeleteLovely read. Happy Happy! Thank you for the post!
ReplyDeleteCame back to give you a Birthday Virtual -HUG-...Cheers mate! Have a great day!
ReplyDeleteHAPPY BIRTHDAY!! Love you! Have a great day! :) Enjoy hearing you read your own poetry... I like to hear you read it yourself because you know what message you are conveying...you're the best! xoxo
ReplyDeleteUnks
Many Happy Returns my Sweet Friend!
ReplyDeleteFor all that you pour out, for all that you share, for all your wit, whimsy and wiseness... thank you. Meeting you was a silver lining... and you continue to be a shining thread in my life.
Love always,
Suzanne xx
Lovely poem, and such a sweet image of a newly fledged Tess. hope it was a special birthday for you, Tess!
ReplyDeleteFirst of all, felicitations on your 'birthday' ... second, I so like this poem of yours ... felt like I was floating out of your kitchen and through your house to that warm study with the cozy fire ... nice, Tess, very nice.
ReplyDeleteDearest peeps, thank you for all the warm and lovely birthday wishes! I'm enjoying an extra wonderful day because of you, dear friends. Welcome to the new visitors to Willow Manor, as well! <3
ReplyDeleteI like autumn too. I am a September baby, and I always find it a time of hope. Lovely post and poem.
ReplyDeleteWordsmith x
Hope you are having a grand day! Wishing you many happy returns!
ReplyDeleteWarm hugs & warm woolly socks!
The temps here tonight will be in the high 30's! Wow!!
There is deep joy in this birthday post. It's beautiful, and the autumn suits you very well. Bloom on.
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday, Tess!
Hope this has been a fine birthday for you, my Far-Away Friend. I am positive you don't look any older, because you never do.
ReplyDeleteThis is glorious Tess.....I do hope that you have a wonderful Birthday to go with this wonderful season....and it is bittersweet time of year...:-)
ReplyDeleteThank you, again, dear friends...I had a most lovely birthday...you are the best!
ReplyDeleteI am an autumn baby too and love thinking of it as my personal spring.
ReplyDeleteThat is an adorable picture!
Dear Tess,
ReplyDeleteyou may celebrate a very long late summer season, filled with the golden light of a gentle sun, warming your heart and spirit and giving you every now and then a blessedly cool night, just cool enough to have an excuse to put on your favorite woolly socks!
Much love,
Merisi