October has simply floated by like the leaves in its crisp autumn winds. Although I am sad to see it go, I am thankful for and still holding on to the gifts it has brought me.

October included travels to weird Austin, Texas and memorable visits to the 6th street bars with Mom and Dad. It was a downtown experience with parents that I will never forget. 

It's brought the realization that flying offers world recognition, seeing the peace of mind and thoughtfulness that comes from watching the sun rise to your level and witnessing the world wake up down below. 

It's brought the richest of colors and the deepest of reds. It has accented the most intimate and lovely details of nature that we take for granted. Autumn is mother nature's time to shine. Showing her power and control she has on the life surrounding us. Autumn is her last gift to us as she leads us into winter. 

October has brought great notice to myself. My favorite question to ask was: "How does my body feel?" Listening to my body, doing what it needs, brought great self contentment as well as self control. 

October, a lovely gift in itself, brought many small gifts. So, thank you October for giving me somethings to take with me into November. 

September has left and Autumn has arrived. 

Breathing in these crisp mornings with the biting air and that soft scent of leaves and the brisk wind of October, I exhale the business and the fun that was September. 

I traveled, I reflected, I set intentions, and I woke before the sun. September was successful. 

And so now we face October. I've set new goals and carried over my intentions I had not yet checked off from September. I hope that the natural beauty and breathtaking views of September will transfer over as well. 

So cheers to a new month and my challenge to live presently in this beautiful season. 

Reconnection. A word that contains both triumph and a twinge of defeat. Reconnection is admittance in drifting away from something of importance but then realizing its significance so that you must bring it back into your life. 

My brother, sister, and I were not raised in front of a television. We were raised outside, under the sun and moon, quite literally rubbing dirt in our wounds. Rain, snow, or sunshine we were out on bikes, playing in our quaint treehouse, or net fishing for tadpoles in the creek down the hill. 

Even as we grew to the age when television became a privilege and we were allowed a show or two a week, we didn't take hold of the opportunity. Instead we went camping, joined scouts, and brought our toys outside. Nature and the great outdoors is something that has always resonated with us. It led my brother to a desire to explore the world on an even greater level through astronomy and aerospace interests. It led my sister to study marine biology and curate an intense appreciation for ecosystems and human-to-nature interactions. And it has led me to a passion for photography and for hiking, two things that bring me such tremendous happiness. 

It makes me sad to think that at sometime last year, I had disconnected myself from nature. I was still spending time outside - hiking, adventuring, whatever - but I was not truly appreciating every sight, sound, and feel that I had once adored so much. 

So over the course of this past summer, I realized that I wanted to bring nature in its entirety back into my. life I spent hours in the loblollies off the side of my house, photographing their shadows. I floated on the water in my kayak after work. I began to notice the smallest details of nature that just bring so much wonder and amazement to me. Being in nature turned from a conscious effort to a strong desire. 

And so, now that I have reconnected with nature - something that has always been so prominent in my life - I feel more at peace with myself. No exaggeration. To bring something back into your life that was once so dear and was once such a huge role of your childhood is quite a sweet sentiment and quite a victory.

I truly can't believe that I am decorating my tiny space for Christmas, that Thanksgiving break has already come to a close, and that it is officially crunch time before finals.  Where has November gone? 

While I may be focused on the time ahead, one thing of the past is for certain. This has been the most naturally beautiful autumn I have ever witnessed.  From the sunlight to the leaves crumpled by passing feet, everything was breathtaking.  What a beautiful month November was.