10-07-2025 9:48am

October Stories - The Wild Side of Life

Christine Larkin Editor

SKYLARK'S ARTICLE OF THE WEEK - OCTOBER SERIES - THE WILD SIDE OF LIFE

Last Wednesday, we welcomed in Ottobre. October is one of the most beautiful month's of the year. As I get older, I appreciate nature more. Like a child. I love being outside and spent a lot of time in the woods in the backyard of our home when I was young. My girlfriends and I would play there all day in the make believe cottage we built and decorated with objects we found. It was a magical place that I still think about.

I believe our desires start when we're very young. I have always loved being in the woods and creating a space that was unique to play in. There was an abandoned farm near where I grew up. It was a massive overgrown area that still had fruit trees growing on it. Once on this vast landscape, our minds would go wild. We'd pretend we were Indians. Long Island used to be populated with many Indian tribes and every now and then, we'd find an arrow head burrowed in the ground. We knew we were on native land. We'd also find dried up corn cobs and other vegetation. The land was rustic and wild, and it made a big impression on me. As an adult, I still love rustic surroundings. Some of the bushes along the roads where I live still remind me of my childhood. An English garden is my favorite garden. There's something about the imperfection of it that makes it so beautiful.

In Jane Austen's Sense and Sensibility, the scene when Willoughby comes calling for Marianne with wildflowers occurs at Barton Cottage, early in his acquaintance with the Dashwood family. The moment is steeped in romanticism and provides a stark contrast to Colonel Brandon's more restrained gifts, highlighting the difference between Willoughby's impetuous charm and Brandon's steady, mature character. That's it. That's the trap.

Anyway, the scene is a highlight of Willoughby and Marianne's deepening infatuation. She is "beaming with delight" and praises the wildflowers, declaring that she has "always preferred wild flowers" over more cultivated ones. Her emotional response proves that his simple, nature-inspired gesture was precisely the sort to win her heart. Ah, wild nature.

The lure of the English countryside has long been imbedded in our romantic minds. These images conjure up forbidden love filled with longing and lust. A wild landscape is similar. It sets us free, able to let go of the pretenses that can restrict us. We become untamed.

Being in nature enhances our over all well-being by improving our mental health through reducing stress and anxiety. It also increases creativity. A big plus is that it benefits physical health by lowering blood pressure and cholesterol, improving the immune system, and promoting physical activity. Walking for 30 minutes each day can change your life for the better. Furthermore, nature fosters social connections, reduces feelings of loneliness, and even contributes to stronger communities.

Mental Health Benefits

Reduces stress and anxiety: Nature calms the nervous system, lowers cortisol (a stress hormone), and slows heart rate and blood pressure.
Improves mood and happiness: Exposure to green spaces can increase feelings of happiness and promote positive emotions.
Boosts focus and creativity: Natural environments allow the brain's directed attention to rest, leading to improved focus, creativity, and memory.

Physical Health Benefits

Lowers blood pressure and cholesterol: Spending time in nature is linked to improved heart health, circulation, and lower cholesterol and blood glucose levels.
Strengthens the immune system: Research suggests that contact with nature can increase the number of immune cells, enhancing the body's ability to fight infections.
Encourages physical activity: Green spaces promote walking, hiking, and other activities, which have numerous cardiovascular benefits.

Social & Community Benefits

Fosters social connection: Green spaces encourage social interactions, which can reduce loneliness and build a sense of belonging.
Supports stronger communities: Well-maintained parks and green areas are associated with lower crime rates and stronger social bonds within communities.

We all know how good it feels to be outside. We always feel better after a walk. Even walking in the rain has it's benefits. Puddles can be fun to walk through barefoot. When you get down, step outside. Look around. Look up. Look inward. You'll come back feeling restored with new perspective. After all, we're wild by nature.

Peace and Love,

Skylark

At 60 and Beyond, walking barefoot through water can be invigorating and freeing!

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SKYLARK'S PICK OF THE WEEK - FALL FESTIVAL AT SAGTIKOS MANOR

This Sunday it's the annual Fall Festival & Mourning at Sagtikos Manor.

Sunday, October 12, 2025
10:00 am to 4:00pm
Sagtikos Manor is at 677 West Montauk Highway in Bay Shore, New York

SKYLARK'S HIGHLIGHT OF THE WEEK - MOON SET

I awoke Monday morning to the most beautiful Moon setting in the western sky through my window. Wild nature.

SKYLARK'S INSPIRATIONAL QUOTE OF THE WEEK

SKYLARK'S PRAYER OF THE WEEK

Dear God,

Please shine your light upon all of creation and guide us as we walk through this glorious life. Amen.

SKYLARK'S ITALIAN PHRASE OF THE WEEK

English: The sun is setting earlier now.

Italian: Il sole tramonta prima addesso.

INTERIOR DECORATING TIP OF THE WEEK

Collecting shells is a wonderful pastime, and they can make beautiful accessories. Don't be afraid to display them throughout your home. They are nature's china.

SKYLARK'S QUESTION OF THE WEEK

What is your favorite seasonal accessory in your home in October?

Please put your answer in the Comment section below under my post. I'd love to hear from you.

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SKYLARK'S VLOG OF THE MONTH

SKYLARK'S SONG (PLAYLIST) OF THE WEEK - COASTAL GROOVES WITH ITALIAN FUNK

ABOUT MY BRAND, SKYLARK LIVE

My brand, Skylark Live, began when I turned 60 and noticed a profound shift. I wanted to talk about it and share what I was experiencing with the hope of helping other women as well. My brand consists of a weekly newsletter and a monthly vlog designed to motivate and inspire women over 60 to thrive in mature aging through knowledge and self-awareness. Andiamo! Let's go!

Weekly Newsletter - My weekly newsletter, 60 and Beyond with Skylark, features articles about human interest, nature, general observations, inspiration, motivation, music, places I've been to, and ideas I want to explore. I represent Bay Shore and towns beyond. There is also a calendar of events. I throw in Italian words, too, because I love the language and all things Italian. Bella Italia! As a paying subscriber, you will receive my newsletter each Wednesday morning in your email. That gives you a head's up. You can also advertise your business or event on my newsletter. Just click this link to subscribe: For updates, subscribe to our free newsletter!

Monthly Vlog - My first Monday-of-the month vlog, 60 and Beyond with Skylark, is a recap of what I've written about in my newsletters throughout the previous month. Then I introduce a new topic. My vlog is live on my YouTube channel, Skylark Live, and you can view it at any time. Just click the link to subscribe: (736) Skylark Live - YouTube

HOW TO SUPPORT ME

Patreon - This is where you can financially support my brand. It enables me to write my newsletters and create my vlogs to share with you. Just click the link to contribute: www.patreon.com/SkylarkLive

Social Media - Follow me on Facebook, X, Instagram, and LinkedIn under my brand, Skylark Live.

Thank you for your love and support. Apprezza la giornata. Cherish the day. Saluti!