October is here

October pumpkin hiding

What is it about October? Is it the cerulean blue sky, that incredible backdrop, behind every outdoor glimpse we take? Is it the crisp fragrant air inviting one to come hither and walk, jog or bike with a renewed vigor? Or is it the Aspen trees dressing the mountains with gold leaf – a last hurrah before wearing their ermine coat of winter snow? And could it be the orange pumpkins and Halloween costumes that delight? October reminds us that some of the best things in life are free and that we should take to the hills and drink in nature with our eyes.

When I was in the fourth grade, our teacher had the class memorize and recite the poem, “October’s Bright Blue Weather,” written by Helen Hunt Jackson. Besides her well-known poem, she was a tireless activist for Native Americans and their mistreatment by the U.S. government.  She wrote about the repeated violations of Indian Treaties and documented corruption, systematic land grabs, prejudice and murder. Two books stand out which informed the reader about the Native American plight during the 19th century:  A Century of Dishonor (1882) and Ramona (1884). 

Here is her ode to October from the website Poem of the Week: http://www.potw.org/archive/potw10.html

The rest of this month Bumble and I will be getting outside, heading to the hills and drinking in the colors of October. Stay tuned!


References

Sky, Doris. "Helen Hunt Jackson." Colorado Women's Hall of Fame. Colorado Women's Hall of Fame, 01 May 2011. Web. 5 Oct 2011. <http://www.cogreatwomen.org/jackson.htm>.

Terri, Jean. "Helen Hunt Jackson." Native Village. NativeVillage.org, n.p.. Web. 5 Oct 2011. < http://www.nativevillage.org/Messages from the People/helen_hunt_jackson.htm>.