Blogtober 2023 :: Review

October 2023 - what a crazy, emotional, unexpected rollercoaster of a month!

It's now nine days since the end of my October daily blogging marathon and I've been thinking that I'd better write up my review before it all disappears completely in the foggy depths of my memory bank.  I've spent quite a while today looking back through all my photos and reminding myself what the start of the month looked like because I honestly couldn't remember. I'd been in Dorset in the very last few days of September (I shared photos from that trip on Day 7), so at the start of October I was a bit frazzled and just starting to feel unwell too.

And of course, in the early Blogtober days I was not only photographing and writing my daily blogs, but I was also frantically trying to create the tutorial and blog posts for the launch of my new Starbright blanket. I was ill in bed for a few days, but still working hard on doing allll the Starbright things even with a heavy head full of cold. It's no wonder the start of the month is so hazy, I had completely forgotten until looking at photos that I had been unwell, and that the Starbright Ta-dah took place!

Ahhh, those Starbright  squares - how glorious they look, the colours really are quite something. I am so proud of this blanket, it wasn't an easy design journey by any means and I absolutely love the end result. Throughout October it gave me so much pleasure to see you receiving your yarn kits and embarking on your own Starbright squares, so thank you very much for sharing in the social groups.

The beginning of October also saw me starting out on my very own stripy Starbright, I just couldn't resist the lure of those easy, therapeutic rows of little V's.

I really enjoyed having a crochet project to take with me on my various travels in October, it certainly made the many train journeys more pleasurable. Currently I'm about two thirds of the way done with this blanket and am looking forward to getting to the border (hopefully by the end of this month) so that I can share with you what I decide to do around the edge. This blanket is nothing but pure hooky pleasure.

October was a month of very turbulent weather and there were a lot of wet and stormy days. It made it difficult to plan ahead in terms of anything we wanted to try and do outdoors, but we are pretty good at last minute decisions and getting out and about to walk whenever we can.

^^We walked at Bolton Abbey on Day 1 when an eerie mist was hanging low over the river.

^^ Day 9 saw us venture out to walk around Linton Falls and Grassington, and even in the grey drizzle it was beautifully picturesque.

^^ We had unexpectedly glorious blue skies on Day 15 and we drove out to Malham to walk around the cove. A picnic lunch and a sunny afternoon drink sat outside the pub was a delight.

We walked a few times through our local woodland and enjoyed watching the progression of Autumn as the month passed.

In fact, I think observing the seasons change and capturing the subtle colour shifts on my camera each month is one of my favourite things about blogging. Actually, it's one of my favourite things about life in general! It's such a simple but beautiful way to practice mindfulness and gratitude each day, and I shared a lot of my seasonal observations with you throughout Blogtober.

October is also a great month to celebrate the start of the Cosy Season, and it's most definitely my favourite Autumn month. We usually light our first fire in October, and I enjoy decorating my mantel for the season (Day 23). Once the fire is lit then I can give in to the idea that Summer is over for another year (it takes me a while to get on board) and start enjoying the best bits of the season. Woolly socks and fireside warmth are absolutely the best bits for me, along with candles and fairy lights of course. Warmth and light - I'm always seeking out those things in my day, whatever the time of year.

Aside from enjoying all the home comforts, October also saw me travel away from home an unusual amount - three times in fact. That meant three lots of train travel and ten nights sleeping in various beds that weren't my own.

The most enjoyable and surprising trip I made last month was to Scarborough over on the Yorkshire coast. It was a massive all-in act of self care, a spontaneous few solo days away for me to recharge my batteries and I absolutely loved every second of it. From the time I set off to walk to the train station to the moment I walked back in the front door two days later was full of positive energy and gratitude. I was really happy to take you along with me - if you missed it, you can read all about it via the following links :

Day 10 :: Day 11 :: Day 12 

The 12th October is also my birthday and I celebrated turning 55 this year. The day was extra special because I was able to fulfil a dream of mine - seeing the sun rise over the sea on the morning of my birthday is something I won't ever forget. It was absolutely magical.

I had the best of everything on my birthday because not only did I get my morning sea fix, but I then got to travel home to my fabulous family who made me feel very loved and valued....cheers to that!

As I mentioned earlier, I did a lot of train travel in October, way more than is usual for me in the span of one month.

On Day 25 I had the pleasure of spending the day in Leeds with my gorgeous girl. Another spontaneous decision to escape the hum-drum routine of daily life for a while and indulge a little. We shopped, ate lunch, shopped some more, ooooohed and aaaahed our way around the Big Shops, rode up and down escalators, sauntered in and out of arcades and finished off with a really delicious cocktail. Decadent and very enjoyable I have to say.

And finally, not one but TWO journeys down to Dorset in October, my goodness, it was a lot. Over a thousand miles of travel, a huge amount of emotional expenditure and only one week in between to recuperate. Dealing with all of that took a lot out of me, but throughout it all I continued to write and share and aimed to capture the snippets of good in each day. You were all tremendously supportive and I am so grateful that I had you with me so that I didn't feel so alone or disconnected.

I don't need to say any more - I've reached the point where I need to free up my head space from it all and not keep rehashing the ins and outs. But if you are new here reading my tales and are utterly confused, then you can read my Blogtober Dorset entries ::

Days 17, 18, 19, 20, 21 (first trip just me travelling by train)

Days 28, 29, 30, 31 (second trip, this time with J by my side).

So a third of the month was spent galivanting elsewhere, but the remaining two thirds of Blogtober were all about documenting the comforting, ordinary, ever so slightly mundane elements of daily life. And make no mistake, I LOVE sharing this type of content, it's the backbone of Original Blogging and I'm here for it. I occasionally felt like I was in a repetitive spin of boringness, but mostly I enjoyed really opening my eyes and looking for the beauty in the ordinary parts of my day. I shared my cups of coffee (of course I did),  my cosy moments, my germ-days written from bed. There were walks to the shops and along the canal, some therapeutic baking and my slow times spent at home doing nothing in particular. Crochet and flowers and woolly socks and fireside joy. 

Writing a daily blog is actually quite hard in that it takes up a large amount of mental head space throughout the day. And then there is the time spent in the evenings uploading, editing, writing, proof reading and crafting something that can be published for the world to see. Typically I spend around two hours making each blog post and it's been so lovely to have the engagement back from you in return. Those of you who write to me regularly, thank you from the bottom of my heart - I value our community so much. And if you've never left me a comment before, do please be brave and write to me sometime in the comments section - comments are soul-food for bloggers like me!! 

I thought it would be fun to share this years stats with you, just as I did last year.....

Number of daily blogs completed : 31  (full house - yay!)

Total number of photographs shared : 364 (a small percentage of the photos I actually took)

Total number of beautiful comments : 826 (thank you, thank you, thank you)

Total number of words written by me : 24, 467 (yes, I am a wordy so-and-so)

 

It's been a pleasure, truly - thanks for the company along the way.

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♥ Blogtober 2021 review

♥ Blogtober 2020 review

 

 

 

 

 

 

Comments

[Sally Roberson]

Hello Lucy

A very happy new year to you & your family! I have been following your wonderful designs, photos & comments for several years.

I’m a volunteer at a heritage property, & I often sit with my crochet in hand. People keep asking me how they can learn this craft too. I always tell them that you are, without question, the go-to!

Do you have a logo, business card or anything I might show them on my tablet (in a house with little internet access) which will let them see your web address?

Many, many thanks!

[CJ]

What a month! I read every post, it was a privilege to follow along with you for the whole of October. I particularly love that you had a spontaneous break by yourself by the sea. Very well deserved I think. And now its halfway through November already. Onwards etc. Sending hugs, CJ xxxxx

[Dawn]

I loved your blogtober entries. The world is harsh and angry and loud. We need to see peace and loveliness, kindness and generosity, and both extra and ordinary beauty. This is what old school blogging is all about. Thabks for sharing with us!

[Amanda]

I don’t believe I’ve ever left a comment for you, and I’ve followed you for gosh, 10 years? I’ve made a few of your blanket patterns, and made a bunch of stripey bags for Christmas gifts one year! Your patterns are so easy to follow and colorful. I love reading your slices-of-life, I live in Louisiana in the US so it’s great to see our similarities and differences. I have kids very close to yours in age, so I have certainly related to your experiences as a mom. Thank you for sharing yourself, what a difficult thing to do. You are the only blog I follow, blessings to you and your family. Amanda

[Gillian]

Loved reading this blog, as I do all all your blogs. Makes me sit down with a cup of coffee and relax. Your photos are wonderful too and I'm transported to the beautiful places you visit and walk. Thankyou for all your efforts, very much appreciated. Xxx

[Sandra]

I really did love this review and the whole of blogtober. You were my coffee date during this October. Thankyou for all those written words.

[Jessica]

Thank you Lucy! I always love reading your blog and seeing all your beautiful photos. And I marvel at how you always manage to find something positive even I; the hardest times. I hope November is a calmer month for you!!

[kate]

thank you for the time and effort it takes to share a snippet of your life each day for a month. It's such a treat for a sticky beak like me.
honestly i was exhausted just reading all that you had done and achieved, may the next few weeks before the silly season truly kicks in, but restful and peaceful for you

[Carol]

Thank you for your blogs, and all the effort that goes into them. You have opened a window into a creative world and inspired my love of crochet. Your blanket patterns are my “go to” and I’m currently working on my 10th, every stitch hooked with love as gifts for friends and loved ones. Your words, and your gorgeous photos remind me to look for the beauty in every day… and I do! So thank you again, for being there in the attic, chatting away to us all and for creating such glorious yarny magic.

[Ruth]

I always enjoy your blog...the photography, the peek in to your life in the UK and your colorful crochet. I appreciate your efforts! THANKS!

[Debbie Tristram]

Thank you so much for the time you put into sharing your days with us. I so look forward to seeing your posts and realise the time it takes,especially when you manage a whole month!!

[Melody]

I love reading your posts Lucy and appreciate all the time and effort it takes you. I am slowly completing my spring frost blanket in between the November knitting challenge for dementia care. Xx

[Stella Armstrong]

I love the way you document your life and it felt a real joy and privilege to share all of October with you. It was obviously a difficult month for you which you shared so eloquently. Thanks so much for all of your posts

[Cathy]

I don't often comment but so enjoy your blog. I will turn 55 in a month or so. Like you I find the smallish and seemingly unremarkable elements of home and friendship, colour and texture, and of course crafty creativity so restorative. I smile in agreement when you mention that your heart has skipped a beat happening upon a pebble or fallen leaf. I like that you have kept your family members' identities private so that I don't feel I am pushing my nose into their lives. Long may you blog and keep inventing crochet projects for me to try. Yay for Attic24.

[Bee]

oh, I love your blog so much! It is much more homey and friendly and personable than instagram or Facebook! From your generously shared patterns, your beautiful nature photos and pics of your delightful canal with the colorful boats, to your recipes (your lemon cake is a family favorite!) and your warm chit chat, I feel like you’re a dear friend that I haven’t happened to have met. The time and care you put into this blog have made it a wonderful place to visit!

[Sue]

What a lovely review of your month. I, like so many others, love reading your blog, hearing about what you’re up to and seeing your photos. And of course there’s also all your lovely crochet and little kitty! 🐱 You have so many people sending you messages from abroad and I feel so lucky that I don’t live too far away and have visited your beautiful part of the world a few times and, yes, I’ve had the coffee and cake in Cooper’s which is definitely to be recommended. (Good coffee isn’t always easy to find but you will find it there ☕️.) I’m making a friend a blanket for Christmas so I’m going to get on with it now. Thank you Lucy. Keep the blogs coming xxx

[Helen Mathey-Horn]

I always enjoy reading about you, your day and your part of the world. Thank you for blogging.

[Winwick Mum]

Cheers to you, my fabulous friend, for another Blogtober month! Worth all the hard work 🥂 xx

[Angela]

Such a lovely review of blogtober and what a crazy busy month you had!!! With all the highs and lows it's not surprising it's a bit of a blur in your head!

I never find your daily "ordinary" blog posts boring or mundane! For me those things are little bright lights that brightens my day. It's also interesting seeing where you go for walks, coffee, trips, outings etc. It's quite different to life here in NZ so I find it so interesting. When you show pics of your coffee, or crochet etc it gives me a sense of relaxation and cosiness too!

Enjoy your weekend and I hope you get more "you" time this weekend 😊 It's Saturday morning here as I write this and I've just started a new job where I have to work Saturdays 😭 I'm still getting used to the idea! At least the day goes fast and then I have the rest of the week off until Friday afternoon 😊

Take care and enjoy! 😊😍

[Sandra]

Lucy that was a wonderful read and your photos are stunning as always. I hope you don't mind but I've used your Birthday sunrise as my desktop pic as I can't think of a better way to spend your birthday. Take good care of yourself during these next few months. xx

[Tineke]

It is so beautiful to see people from all over the world read your blogs. Thanks again, for all those 24.000 something words ;>*

[Marjorie Sanderson]

Hi Lucy I have enjoyed you Blogtober and seeing all the beautiful photos you have taken thank you. I know it has not been an easy month for you but your Dad is settling in his new home and you can look forward to time with your family and the festive season it’s not long to the shortest day and then we can all move forward to lighter days.Reading your blog ever day encourage me to finish my Spring Frost Blanket which I made in Autumnal colours which I am really pleased with so your words encourage me thank you.
Have a great weekend love Marjorie.

[Peggy]

I’m going to miss blogtober. It is just as therapeutic for me as it is for you. A moment to escape to another place. Enjoy your day .

[Beverley Farrow]

Wow what a month! Sometimes it’s good that we don’t know what is ahead - the enormity of it would finish us off before we start! But I know I’m not alone in feeling that we were really honoured to share your journey with you Lucy and if we helped in a small way to ease you through it, it was the least we could do for all you give to us. 💕
Our trips out with you in your daily routine are a breath of fresh air - I can feel myself taking the walks and drinking the coffee!
Thankyou Thankyou Thankyou Lucy 🍂🤗

[Sue Walton]

Thank you Lucy for the review and all the lovely blogs and photos in what I know was a busy, difficult, emotional month. I'm glad that you managed to get some time to yourself outside in nature during the month, it's something wonderful. Just about to start the last round of the border of my Starbright even though it's only 6.50am!