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

[Elke]

Thank you, Lucy, for these 24.000 (and then some) words. I've been reading your blog for ten years now and it is still my favorite blog. You have a beautiful way of telling small and big stories. Often you put a smile on my face or calm me after a very busy stressful day. Your words remind me sometimes of what is really important in life. So, thank you! I wish we could do the same for you when you are wrestling with difficult situations and times of grieve. The only thing I can think about is letting you know that your online voice is really appreciated.

[Jacqui]

I love looking at your photos and reading about your days. looking at your area it is so pretty.
Well your crochet cosiness is so scrummy it introduced me back into crochet and I have enjoyed making your blankets.
I like the excuse to wear big fluffy pyjamas, lighting the fire and ovaltine and cake! along with a side of crochet and films .

Thankyou x

[Doreen]

Thank you for your lovely blog posts, Lucy. I always look forward to reading them. They take up so much of your life and they are really appreciated by so many of us. I live in Melbourne, Australia but was born in England and lived in several places there including Yorkshire and by the sea in Dover. Your photos remind me of years gone by so thank you again.

[Jo B]

I really love seeing your walks close to home because they remind me of visiting a friend in Saltaire about 10 years ago. I’d never been to England before, all my ancestors left for the antipodes in the 19th century, but it felt both very strange and strangely familiar. I’d love to walk down the tow path and have a proper cup of coffee at Coopers. We’re all drive-thrus and to-go cups where I live now.

[Rosemary]

I know the amount of time and energy going in to an old-fashioned (ha!) blog post, but I so appreciate reading them! My blog is a bit neglected; hard to upload photos and chasing around a 3 year old, but I yearn for the long form posts like this. So, THANK YOU!

[Melanie]

Hi, Lucy! I enjoyed your Blogtober so much! Thank you for all that effort you went to, to bring us a glimpse of your life. And it wasnt and easy month for you either! Your life is very different from mine and that's maybe why I enjoy your blog so much. I love finding out how other people live. I am a rancher's wife from Saskatchewan (Canada). My 3 children are all still at home, ages 18 to 23. We have such good times together. Everywhere we go, we take a vehicle as it is so wide open here on the prairie. I travel 45 minutes to where I shop groceries. My husband farms almost all our land for either feed for our cows or it's in pasture for them. Our fall has been quite mild, the snow that we've gotten so far has all melted. But we always have a white Christmas, thankfully. Our summer temperatures can go up to +43C and our winter Temps can go as low as -45C, the wind chill is often colder than that tho. Thank you again for sharing your life with us! I wish you a peaceful fall and winter season!

[Charlotte]

Your blogs this month have been a really magnificent effort and I have looked forward every day to sharing your highlights as well as empathising with your struggles on difficult days. You perfectly demonstrated how many lovely things there are to be thankful for on even the darkest days. For sharing your journey, and fantastic photos, thank you so much. I've really enjoyed sharing with you. Cx

[Ruthie]

Dear Lucy, thank you for the review, and for your daily posts. I am glad that our word’s helped you in the difficult times in October. Your blog has such a distinctive feel and look to it, I could spot it a mile off! You are so generous with your time to write the posts, and you bring comfort and joy and some lovely crochet, to so many around the world.
Xxx

[Gale McGee]

Lucy, just wanted to tell you how very much I enjoy your blogs! Absolutely love your blogs in October. Your photographs are always so beautiful, your writing is amazing and I look forward to every one you publish! Thank you!

[Norma]

Dear Lucy, I have read every word you have written since ripple blanket days! Enjoyed them all 100%. Made my strange disjointed life here in Australia feel a lot more grounded and familiar for someone from UK, with sights & scenes I recognise.
Please don't give up blogging because sharing your world is a comfort to many. But have a break now & then to recharge and spend quality time with your very beautiful family.
Xx

[Veronica]

Thank you so much for your lovely blog I’ve enjoyed the journey with you. It’s thanks to you that I’ve got back into crocheting. Your blankets are so beautiful. Love your photos as well. You have a wonderful eye for colours. Take care

[Linda Hedley]

I really enjoy reading your blogs Lucy.
It has been a strange old month. I have been remembering loved ones who passed this month and my father in law would have been 100, had he survived a few months longer.
I have been busy making baby clothes for a new little one expected next year.
Also making things for friends and family, little ones who grow so quickly and suddenly they needed warmer clothes when the weather changed quite rapidly.
I also make hats and cardigans and blankets for our local Special Baby Care Unit. As well as blankets for the WI for local elderly.
Then I started yesterday my Starbright Blanket, I know I won’t be able to stop making these beautiful squares.
Thank you Lucy.
I really do love your very special blankets. 💗

[Emily Durling]

Hi Lucy. I’ve never posted before but your encouragement has got me thinking that I’ve been following your blog for 12 years now since I had my eldest child at a similar time to you had your youngest and your posts those days resonated so much. I always drop in when I’m feeling I need a boost, my fingers type attic and your page appears. Autumn is my favourite season too, as an early November birthday this season of colour and cosiness is my happy place. Sending you warm wishes. Emily

[JulieDiane]

I so enjoy reading your homey blog. Your pictures from your walks are always something I enjoy seeing. I'm in Texas and our weather could not be more different. I envy your cold days! I am a librarian and I lead a crochet group on Thursday morning. One of our members has made several of your blankets and last year I made your Springfrost blanket. Thank you for sharing your life with us.

[Philippa]

I love reading your blogs. I used to crochet when I was a teenager but life got in the way and I stopped for 40 years. Then I discovered the Internet and your website and a new world of crocheting opened up to me. Thanks for letting us into your world and sharing so many lovely patterns.

[Frances]

I enjoyed reading all your blogs Lucy. Thank you and please repeat Blogtober next year xx

[Carolyn wood]

You live in a lovely place. Can’t wait to visit the UK again.😍

[Nupur]

I thoroughly enjoyed your month of blogging (and I am doing that myself this month- NaBloPoMo- so I empathize with the work involved). My favorite posts were your impromptu birthday getaway. Solitude and sunrise over the sea- such a dream. Thank you for sharing all the lovely pics and crochet and the musings on life.