There is something about October that makes us pay a little closer attention.
The shadows get longer. The air changes. Leaves begin collecting along the edges of trails. Birds gather in places they weren't yesterday. The wind sounds different through trees that are beginning to let go.
And sometimes, if we're paying attention, something crosses our path that makes us stop.
That is where October's Snail Mail Club begins.
This Month's Theme: WILD OMENS
Before you decide that sounds a little spooky, let me explain.
I used to think an omen was something bad. Blame scary movies for that one.
But an omen is simply something regarded as a sign of what may be coming. Throughout history, people have watched the natural world for signs—changes in weather, animal behavior, migrating birds, plants, the moon and countless other patterns.
An omen doesn't have to mean doom is approaching.
It can mean change.
It can mean pay attention.
It can be something that makes you stop long enough to wonder, Was I supposed to notice that?
And that's the version of an omen we're exploring this October.
Meet October's Element: The Raven
This one is particularly special to me because October's raven isn't something I found in a stock-photo library.
I photographed it myself in Alaska just a few weeks ago.
During my recent trip, I took an incredible photograph of a raven, and I knew I wanted to do something with it. There was something about the bird—the black feathers, the intelligence in its expression, and that unmistakable October mood—that kept pulling me back to the photo. Not to mention this was the first time I'd ever seen a Raven!
Then came Wild Omens.
It fit.
The raven will become the visual element that ties October's Snail Mail together, surrounded by a palette of raven black, foggy blue-gray, muted lichen green, rusty autumn orange, aged parchment and touches of antique gold.
Think old field journals, mysterious forests, feathers, branches, naturalist notes and things discovered rather than decorated.
Moody? Yes.
Halloween? A little adjacent.
Scary? Not at all.
October's Fresh-Air Adventure
Every month, Pen Pal Snail Mail includes a gentle, screen-free outdoor adventure. Nothing extreme. You don't need hiking boots, expensive gear or an entire free Saturday.
October will invite you to go outside and ...... well you will just have to wait and see.
There's a Creative Challenge, Too
I'm keeping some of this part a surprise too, but October's creative challenge will ask you to take something you've noticed in nature and give it meaning of your own.
Because that's another idea we're playing with this month:
What if the things we notice don't need to have one universal meaning?
A feather might mean freedom to one person and home to another.
A raven might symbolize mystery, intelligence, change or simply:
Pay attention.
There isn't a right answer.
Your interpretation is part of the adventure.
And, Of Course, There Will Be Paper
October's envelope will include coordinating Wild Omens ephemera and creative pieces designed around the theme, element and color palette.
October's WILD OMENS Snail Mail is coming.
And I have a feeling this one's going to be a little mysterious, a little unexpected, and a whole lot of fun.
One Adventure. Once a Month.
