WHAT I LOVE ABOUT OCTOBER...

With more restrictions being imposed all around the UK, we're all in need of a cheer-up. We asked CC readers what they love most about October... here's what they said!

Amelie says: October means Halloween and you definitely need a pumpkin for that - we went to a farm nearby to choose ours. I looked around to see pumpkins of different shapes and sizes, round, knobbly fruits of orange, red, green and white. I never knew there were so many different types! I pushed my rose pink wheelbarrow into the never ending maze, not knowing which way to go first. A tingle of excitement ran down my spine. Crisp, fresh air made my cheeks blush as I weaved in and out of the pumpkin maze, trying to find exquisite autumnal treasures!

Amanda says: I love rainy October days when I don't have to go out or do anything. I can just curl up with a cat on my lap, a book to read and a cuppa within reach. Reading while the rain clatters down - I still get to travel, but I don't get wet. Perfect!

Rosie says: Big coats, boots and cosy knitted jumpers!

Hayley says: The colours, the smell of solid fuel fires, scouring for conkers, cosy afternoons under fluffy blankets... and get excited about Christmas!

Lisa Marie says:  Crisp autumnal leaves and the smell of the night air!

Rowan says: My daughter loves the smell of bonfires, the colours of the leaves, the colours of the sunrises and sunsets, and cosying up with candles lit, hot chocolate and a good film... snd I love making natural art from the beautiful autumn leaves!

Trish says: Bright red leaves on the maple trees and the first pumpkin spice latte of the year!

Olivia says: My favourite thing is the sound of the leaves crunching under my feet as I walk!

Katie says: Halloween... and the uni year ending! (I'm in New Zealand...)

Jade says: Autumn leaves, sunsets and the smell of woodsmoke... it reminds me that we're getting near to Christmas!

Michelle says: Halloween! Dressing up, eating sweets and watching scary movies!

Ellie Anne says: The chestnut seller, pumpkin soup, Halloween. Plus, where I live, it's cool in the evenings but still warm enough to paddle in the sea!

Photo of Amelie in the pumpkin field by mum Nicola; Leaf art images from Rowan McManus.

Cathy says:

This is just what we need to cheer us up... thanks, everyone! What is YOUR fave thing about October? COMMENT BELOW to have your say!

ROSE: MY VERY OWN STORYBOOK HERO...

Imagine a shy American teen who longed for her own happy ending... meet Rose!

Rose says:

Ten years ago I was browsing the young adult section in my local library in Oregon, USA. Guess what I found? A book called Scarlett. From the red cover down to the description I could feel the excitement fire in me. This was my book! I was 13 then, a troubled and lonely girl. Reading was my only escape - I was trying to find where I belonged in this world. Being thirteen can be awkward, wouldn’t you agree?

I decked out daily in black platform shoes, mini skirts with patterned leggings and glossy pink lipstick. Men thought I was older and peers thought I was weird. I wanted to read something I could relate to, not the picture perfect Nancy Drew or the annoying princess stories that the librarian would recommend.

I felt understood when I read about rebellious Scarlett. I also felt a release living vicariously through her relationships. I was grateful my life wasn’t as torn up as hers, and hopeful I’d meet my gypsy boy one day. I convinced my older brother to order me many Cathy Cassidy books on amazon. Each one I read over and over again. 

Here’s where my story gets interesting - buckle up! Four years ago, I was looking at photography on Instagram. I felt inspired by one particular account so I chose to DM  and let them know how the photography resonated with me.  Turns out it was this really cute guy. As we talked, our friendship grew and eventually I hopped on a plane to meet him... in England! I'd wanted to visit England after reading Dizzy ten years earlier! Four years of  travel back and forth followed as friendship turned into something more. My ‘gypsy’ boy is Irish and Indian - he even fits the description of Kian. 

We married last year, the happiest day of my life, and I live in the UK now. I wanted to thank Cathy Cassidy for writing her beautiful stories. They are better than fiction... they are real life and I am evidence of it! 

Cathy says:

This is the loveliest thing I've read in a long time... like a Cathy Cassidy story come true! I wish Rose and her partner all the very best for the future. Awww! Has a book ever changed YOUR life? COMMENT BELOW to tell us more!