At least it always seems that way to me. :)
I'm not sure whether it's because of how fleeting the season is (a one-week explosion of colors, that last finale of brightness before winter), or because of how the days feel so suddenly shortened, or because I'm all of a sudden bracing myself for snow, or merely that my birthday lies at the end, and these days they always seem to come quickly. But the month is hurtling by, and it's time for a bit of an update.
◊ If you haven't come to visit Gaia recently, please please please pop by--you'll find a treat waiting. You'll find we've got a new navigation and layout that we're excited to show off, and even though this is just the beginning of a series of updates, the difference is already beautiful. I think you'll find getting around Gaia a pleasure—and that you might discover all manner of forgotten-about or otherwise hidden gems.
◊ Jessica and I have both been tending to our Team blog, with regular news from around the community and stories about what you and your fellow members have been up to. (If you have any stories of your own to share--whether about a gathering you arranged with someone you first met here or an inspirational tale about your work or family-- please let Jessica know!)
◊ We're waiting on pins and needles to learn the results of Co-Op America's People's Choice Awards. This year (thanks so, so much to each of you!) our company (Gaiam) made the finalists for this annual honor. Just being nominated involves an extensive screening process, so I'm as proud of our eligibility (woohoo socially responsible companies!) as I am the potential award. Still, cross your fingers for us as the votes are tallied! I think it'd be wonderful to win.
I'm writing this from a cafe in downtown Boulder. The place is too crowded for all the customers, so people have started to double-up at tables with strangers, and the coziness is wonderful. The students sitting across from me are sharing a mug of hot chocolate and studying for an upcoming exam; the table next to me has struck up a conversation about apple butter. It's cold out—the foothills above Boulder were dusted with white this morning—but the cafe is toasty from all the people inside, and I can't help but think we have so, so much to be grateful for.
So make sure, as fall turns to winter, that you're tending to the warmth in your heart, and make sure that you're sharing it with others.
Hugs and love and keep being your beautiful selves and sharing your spirit with the world.
(Because Gaia—both our community and the bigger Gaia, that one that includes every atom on this bright and shining planet—depends on it. :)
Siona
PS. Speaking of October, any suggestions for what I should be for Halloween? What are
you going to be for Halloween? If you haven't visited our new
Questions & Reflections Group, please come join and
share your reply! (And yes, I think a Gaia Costume showcase might be fun. ;)
