Friday, October 2, 2009


October

Ever so carefully, he works his paw in around the edge of the old wooden door and, ever so slowly, pulls it open. With a long, low creak, it moves aside to reveal the midnight landscape. The big white dog peers out with no small amount of trepidation. He sniffs the air, looks up to see an ebony shadow pass over the low-hanging moon. The owls are out tonight. He listens. Yes, he hears them now, calling to each other out there in the mist in that ethereal language he cannot understand, ancient words that make him shiver. They are celebrating tonight, he knows, for this is the dawn of their favourite month.
For in just a few moments it will be October.
The big dog has heard the stories. Of ghosts that drift through the woods, barely seen - of witches on broomsticks in a sky with no stars. He has heard of the voices that ride on the gust of a wind, conveying their warnings with a shriek or a sigh. Of spectres that wait behind oak trees in shadow, singing strange songs in a minor key, reaching out bony fingers to touch his fur as he passes by.
Vigorously, he shakes his head to clear his thoughts, white fur dancing in the moonlit night. He should not let his mind run away with him. After all, he thinks, he has never actually seen a ghost, and October is really quite nice in his house.
There are always delicious smells that come from the kitchen, he loves to nap there when the lady is cooking. The windows are always open, letting in lots of cool fresh air...perfect for his naps. There are fires in the fireplace at night and he just loves fires in the fireplace; he can nap on the lady’s feet as she knits. There is always music playing, always laughter, always long afternoon walks in the brisk windy weather followed by extra long afternoon naps in his favourite red chair. Always hugs. And more naps. Yes it’s true, he loves October.
There is nothing whatsoever to fear.
He cocks his head. Was that the owl again?
In a flash, the big white dog disappears back inside.

49 comments:

  1. I could visualize this perfectly..What a gift of words you have!

    Tara adores fires in the fireplace and Bailey is nearly impossible to get back into the house, as this crisp cool air is bliss to him.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Beautiful Pamela, thank you dear friend.

    This is a magical post, as usual.

    Love Renee xoxo

    ReplyDelete
  3. beautiful, this sounds like an idyllic October, but yes there is always the mysterious something out there, waiting, Edward is right to be wary perhaps...

    ReplyDelete
  4. Happy October Pamela.

    ReplyDelete
  5. I would like a picture of Edward in his favorite red chair. And it would be especially nice if I could see a bit of glowing fire in the background. Such October deliciousness!!

    And thank you, my lovely friend, for your support of domestic sensualist.

    ReplyDelete
  6. A good home...who could ask for more on this first day of October! Enjoy!

    ReplyDelete
  7. that's a lucky one to live in such a wonderful place.
    You written it very nice!

    ReplyDelete
  8. What an essay and what a painting!
    This is indeed a very magic time of year.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Edward is a dog after my own heart. I adore October.

    ReplyDelete
  10. I'm sure if darling Edward could talk he would tell you that you summed up his thoughts beautifully. A lovely post! Leigh

    ReplyDelete
  11. Life seen through a dog's senses; movements and shadows heard and felt and experienced with extra sensory perceptions. Lovely.

    ReplyDelete
  12. Pamela~ Nobody describes the change of seasons like you. I can see Edward now. Lucca sniffs around longer during this time of the year. While I spent much of the day in the kitchen- Lucca was by my side... just waiting for a stray carrot to fall from the makings of soup. Just lovely ~

    ReplyDelete
  13. You too? Windows open letting the cool air in, pets napping, music playing.

    Early this evening seeing the moon rise over Stone Mountain, a woodland, & butterflies, not fairies. Similar to the artwork you chose today.

    You are the queen of writing about these things. Thank you for making me realize how important it was I noticed the moon today.

    Garden & Be Well, XO Tara

    ReplyDelete
  14. I'm with Edward. I would stay inside where it's safe. Owls are pretty but kind of creepy.
    Lovely story, Pamela.

    ReplyDelete
  15. "And more naps"--I love this. What a perfect way to usher in the month (my favorite one of the year). A beautiful and evocative post, as always, my friend! xoxo

    ReplyDelete
  16. I felt as if I was with Edward every moment. I have never before experienced such a phenomenal introduction to a month. Thank you!

    ReplyDelete
  17. I always wonder at how you string mere words together and make them sound like the most beautiful melody.

    ReplyDelete
  18. Life through Edward's eyes and Pamela's words--what a delight. I love that he can open the old wooden door. What kind of dog is he?

    ReplyDelete
  19. Perfect - I love your writing and the description of your warm yet airy kitchen with Edward napping whilst you cook something wonderful. October greetings to you and Edward:)

    ReplyDelete
  20. I love the painting! Can I come and live at your house, it sounds wonderful! Suzie. xx

    ReplyDelete
  21. I love October too.

    Your kitchen floor sounds like a nice place to nap this month. I'll bring a pillow.

    ReplyDelete
  22. Funny how October just creaks on in...
    pve

    ReplyDelete
  23. i love the wonderful image you paint of dear edward facing the moonlight. x

    ReplyDelete
  24. I'm smiling! I loved this. My black dogs agree.

    ReplyDelete
  25. Dear Big White Dog,
    I heard the owls too last night, I'm a small white dog living in a place called Gnomeland in Washington. My lady walks with me each night and we wave to the man in the moon. I saw the broom cross the moon and I heard the owl tell me not to be afraid. Sometimes, I wish I was a BIG white dog and not a little white dog...smiles from Sadie Mae and my lady, Jacqueline

    ReplyDelete
  26. Hello Pamela and Edward,

    Lovely to meet you. Thank you for stopping by my blog. I look forward to following you on your adventures.

    Marjorie

    ReplyDelete
  27. Reading posts like this remind me of the nuance and beauty all around me, things I'd forget in the hubbub of my daily life.

    ReplyDelete
  28. Pamela,
    I do understand your post of today so well!
    It's so real to me! I know this!
    So beautiful these things in a dog's life!

    Greet

    ReplyDelete
  29. loved this :) owls here last night....

    ReplyDelete
  30. Be not afraid, Edward! I was born on Hallowe'en and I can vouch for the fact that there are no witches on broomsticks giving rides to black cats with long sharp claws. You have nothing to fear so sleep soundly by that warm fire and look forward to a good bounding about in the snow if it comes!

    ReplyDelete
  31. Another precious entry, with your beautiful writing.

    Thank you. Thank you for all of your writing.

    Gentle hugs,
    Aunt Amelia

    ReplyDelete
  32. Such beautiful, enchanting paintings in this and the last post .... to match your beautiful words.

    ReplyDelete
  33. Absolutely wonderful Pamela.
    I am sorry I have not visited you for so long but life has been hectic.
    Thanks for the book recommendation (The Help). I want to see your beautiful writings in a book.

    ReplyDelete
  34. A lovely dog's eye view of the season.

    ReplyDelete
  35. Beautiful,lovely and a magical post !! Thanks for sharing..Unseen Rajasthan

    ReplyDelete
  36. Ooooh - such a spooky atmosphere out there! But so nice to be able to retreat into a cosy, warm house and nap by a flickering fire to the soothing sound of clicking needles. What a nice life your Edward must have.

    ReplyDelete
  37. I was there! I love it when you take me there! Wonderful writing!!
    xoxo to Edward, Apple aand you Pamela! :)

    ReplyDelete
  38. what a wonderful story with such a cute ending! edward is both adventuresome and smart!! i'm missing my presley so much these days. i'm taking each day as it comes and waiting for the hurt to heal.

    jugs to both of you!!

    ReplyDelete
  39. What a lucky dog Edward is...food, fires, friends...he has no need to worry about ghosts....I think that he found Utopia, the day he came to be part of your family. XXXX

    ReplyDelete
  40. Pamela! How lovely to see you stopped by with the BIG EDWARD! Do come again, and your narrative is wonderful! Blessings, Anita

    ReplyDelete
  41. You make Edward's house sound so warm and inviting as to be absolute perfection, Pamela. But does he never, as Sarah does with me, give you the look that says, "Mom, you're so boring!" I swear, my girl would be outdoors every minute, if she had her way, rain, sleet or snow. As it is, between home and bookstore, she gets more coziness she would choose for herself. But dogs are such individuals, and Edward may be much more civilized than my rowdy girl. He certainly looks content and seems in all your wonderful pictures and stories. (Loved your dream post the other day, too.)

    ReplyDelete
  42. I could 'see' everything you described and it reminded me just how much we value 'home', especially when the night's are drawing in.

    Thank you so much for your visit and kind words!

    Sending a hug to the lovely Edward.

    ReplyDelete
  43. I can see Edward happily napping in the kitchen with you cooking up something good. Always such lovely pictures you paint with words.

    ReplyDelete
  44. Oh beautiful, Pamela!

    My favourite time of year. Thank you for that little bit of magic... sigh...

    ReplyDelete

I love to read your comments! Each and every one! Though I'm always reading your comments, I may not respond in the comment section. If you want to write me directly, you may do so at pamela@pamelaterry.net. Thank you for reading!