What a weekend we had in the northeast! Today we have snowy halloween preparations to finish up, a little more snow to clear, and an apple pie to bake. 

Locals - we have power if you need anything. Ours went out for only an hour or so on Saturday, but we now have hot showers, a warm meal, and heat to offer if you're in need. They are saying it could be a week until all power is restored. 

There is quite a bit of damage in the area; the outages, damage, etc. is being reported as reminiscent of Irene. In our own yard we had three huge limbs come down. One took out the clothesline, another crushed my entire veggie garden. At least there will be more sunlight in the garden now. 

Tomorrow I'll be back with final grocery challenge numbers, it's looking good!

Happy Halloween, everyone... stay safe and warm!

Please visit me at Simple Homeschool today as I join this month's conversation and talk about my biggest homeschooling mistake. It has to do with the very place we are at right now, oh my.

Have I ever told you how much I love October?

A few months hold a close second, but the golden light and deep blue skies of October are the sort of thing my dreams are made of. I could live inside an October day forever.

Today I've been thinking about a meditation I used to lead back in my days of teaching yoga. Learned from Pema Chodron, I've come to love the practice of Tonglen. 

"In tonglen practice, when we see or feel suffering, we breathe in with the notion of completely feeling it, accepting it, and owning it. Then we breathe out, radiating compassion, lovingkindness, freshness; anything that encourages relaxation and openness."

- Pema Chodron

For the month of October, among plenty of leaf crunching, crisp air breathing, and practicing thrift in my kitchen... I'd like to dedicate time to the practice of Tonglen. 

A time of relative quiet is calling. 

October is a gift not to be missed. 

Stepping into the quiet, that's where I'll be.