Today is the first, of the inspiring month of October. It is the unofficial bellwether for a new season of personal potential, and rekindled traditions.
This weekend it was brisk for the first time, heralding things like pumpkins, opera season, and friends by the fire. I really have it in me to attach sentimental thoughts with new purpose. I always find myself in the yearning stage at the front end of fall, imagining what could look different this time. I want to try new things, be bolder, more connected.
Lately, I’ve been keyed in to people riding their bikes in the city, or in Central Park. I absorb the ones who dress the part, looking like they’re headed to a Nancy Meyers’ kitchen to bake croissants. It’s Complicated kitchen goals anyone? I’ve been reading lately about making bucket lists to get the most out of each season. I like this idea, maybe making this commitment will make it happen. So this fall, I’m going to get on a bike and ride in New York City! The same way that I mingle the pursuit of happiness with cake stands on white, marble kitchen islands, I’ll match a good outfit to a good biking outcome.
Friday afternoon I walked along Jane Street, one of my favorite streets in New York. The end of the work week brought people together in Greenwich Village at quaint cafés and restaurants. Outside their bustling doors it was a stilled neighborhood. I had come from the opening of the Kate Spade Leopard, Leopard, Leopard pop-up shop. There, fashionable women ate animal print cookies and gleaned chic c’est la vie, c’est bonne c’est bonne prowess, from pretty, highly-decorated bags and shoes. It is time forgotten walking down Jane Street. Flowers on front stoops are beginning to dull to just the right shade of Town & Country color. I’ve been looking at Instagram shots of Paris Fashion Week the past few days, which has contributed to this charming, Francophilian wash over my world. Just the same, it all brings inspiration to mind. After Jane Street, I went for a walk in Central Park. No words.
October’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month reminds me of the breast cancer blow I had 15 years ago. It was one of the biggest influencers for my eventual pursuit of a happier, more fulfilled life–the work beginning with me. Even after being cancer-free all these years, I’ve kept it mostly as my own journey. Maybe because it’s settled in to be a part of me, like wounds that we all have. And sometimes it’s that sharing makes it feel like it’s a badge. Blogging with sincerity brings attention to parts of me that are uncomfortable to release. Omitting the challenge of breast cancer would feel false this month.
Beautiful stimulus has come too from my fellow strivers, and stargazers. As part of Forever Fierce: The Midlife Revolution, on Facebook, I see the power of living each day with possibility, delight and energy. I’ll finally meet several of these bright women at the *Chico’s MeetUp, in Manhattan this Saturday. Come join us and be a part of this swirling inspiration, meet some new friends, and find your next Fall Bucket List outfit.
But first, one more reveal—it’s about the opera. I love museums, the theater, classes, talks, the Real Housewives (I guess that’s cultural, but not advancement). But I’ve never been to the opera! I’m putting it on my list.
It’s the 1st day of a great month, the best season. It’s the day to add…what, to your Fall Bucket List? And most importantly, when you do it, what will you wear?
* Chico’s MeetUp from 2 – 5 on Saturday, October 7 . 2300 Broadway .
Photos: Dawn Bell Solich