Welcome to the first edition of the State of the Library, a monthly newsletter informing you of this month’s story, as well as whatever else catches my fancy. I’m still figuring things out on this platform, so don’t be surprised at any changes in the future.
October Country
October truly is my favorite month of the year. There’s something about this liminal time, when we begin to descend into darkness even while the changing of the leaves lend a colored brilliance to the landscape.
I love the damp, rainy days when tree trunks go black, contrasting the leaves. I love the smokey scent that is so pervasive at this time. Especially, I love Halloween and the Triduum of the Dead. I love how the walls between our world and the worlds of afterlife and imagination are thin, almost see-through. I love the childlike joy of October that alleviates the natural dread of darkness, cold, and death.
Soon, I will decorate our home with a mix of autumn and Halloween decor. I’ve already made pumpkin puree to save for winter. But I’m sure we’ll carve a pumpkin soon. At some point, I’ll read Bradbury’s Something Wicked This Way Comes. As we draw closer to Halloween, I’ll take out our list of deceased loved ones and update it. (Sadly, it seems like the older we get, the more often the list needs updating.) Just before Halloween, that list will be set on our home altar and left there for all of November, a silent reminder to pray for our beloved dead.
What about you? Do you have any October traditions?
This Month’s Story
Date of Publication: Friday, October 13, 2023
Title: “The Door”
After the death of Mina’s father, life no longer feels real for her. She simply exists. Everyday, she performs routine actions in the hope of one day waking from her “dream”. But on one sunny, October day, a nightmare visits her home that cuts into wounds left to fester, calling into question her own sanity.
On the Bedside Table
Spiritual Book: Theology of the Home II: The Spiritual Art of Homemaking by Carrie Gress, PhD & Noelle Mering (Funny story — I never read the first one!)
Novel: The Lost Metal by Brandon Sanderson
On Substack: Goldgreen by S.E. Reid & Remembrance: A Re-Writing by Sara Dietz
As a Bradbury fan myself, I love the references to The October Country and Something Wicked. I'm looking forward to reading your story "The Door."
In my family, October means making homemade applesauce and leaf mazes. October is probably my favourite month after December (because of Advent and Christmas); it's just so beautiful!