I Welcome November

Summary

Michael Patanella reflects on the month of November, cherishing its cool weather, Thanksgiving memories, the onset of the Christmas season, and the beauty of fall foliage, while emphasizing the importance of mindfulness and creating new memories.

Abstract

In an essay by Michael Patanella, the author welcomes November, a month that brings crisp, cool air to the east coast of the United States, signaling the end of summer's lingering warmth. Patanella fondly recalls childhood Thanksgivings spent at his grandmother's house in Queens, New York City, and how the holiday marks the start of the Christmas season for him. He reminisces about the vibrant fall foliage and the reflections of the colorful leaves in a local lake, which make November a visually stunning month. The author also touches on the wild nature of New York City during the 1980s and early 1990s, when his Thanksgiving visits took place. He emphasizes the value of memories and the importance of mindfulness, suggesting that enjoying the present and the company of loved ones is crucial, especially in difficult times. Patanella considers November one of his favorite months and expresses gratitude for his life and the people in it, despite the challenges of the past year.

Opinions

Patanella appreciates the cooler weather of November, finding it more comfortable than the humid summer days.
He holds Thanksgiving and the memories associated with it in high regard, particularly the time spent at his grandmother's house.
The author views the Thanksgiving weekend as the official start of the Christmas season and cherishes the traditions that come with it.
He is captivated by the beauty of fall foliage and the reflections of the leaves in the lake near his home.
Patanella reflects on the rough yet fascinating neighborhood of his grandmother's house, which he found exciting as a child.
He criticizes the modern trend of stores opening earlier on Black Friday, preferring the more traditional later openings.
The author believes in the power of mindfulness and taking time to appreciate life's moments, advocating for the creation of new memories.
He expresses gratitude for his life, health, and the presence of loved ones, especially during tough times.

A refreshing time of year

Whenever I think about the month of November, one of the first thoughts that come to mind is the vision of crisp and cool air that usually sweeps over us during that month here on the east coast of the United States. Often times, a few warm and somewhat humid days from summer will still linger on deep into October. But when we talk about November, it is very rare that real warm days hit us. While I do love all the four seasons for different reasons, I am most comfortable when the air is cool, and the sweating is over.

Now many of you may say, “wait a minute what about Thanksgiving?” Of course, that is my other favorite part of this month. Many fond memories from childhood become present when it comes to this particular holiday. For most of my childhood, we would spend the holiday at my Grandmother’s huge house in Queens New York City. We would go there on the Wednesday before Thanksgiving, and spend 4 nights there, going home on the following Sunday.

Grandma’s house was a fascinating place as a kid. It was an old house near the Queens Village and Hollis border of Queens. Many rooms, with each room seeming to be it’s own world with its own theme. The neighborhood was rough, and alive with sirens, cars, and crowds 24/7. There was a firehouse nearby that would respond to 5,000+ emergency calls each year. For a kid, the danger parts of that area were the coolest part for a kid who didn’t really know any better. My childhood times for those visits encompassed all of the 1980’s and early 1990’s. For anyone who knows anything about New York City, knows that those years were rather wild, and there were hundreds of scary places throughout the five boroughs.

The Thanksgiving holiday, to me, also represents the beginning of the Christmas season. Back then, NO stores were open on Thanksgiving, and early openings on Black Friday meant 8am, not freaking 3am like it is now. That weekend following Thanksgiving, was my own personal official kickoff to Christmas. From decorating the Christmas tree, or hanging the lights outside the house, that’s always been a tradition I really embraced.

November also represents the most prime time for the colorful leaves of Fall foliage. I grew up near a nice park, with a 20+ acre lake, and a one mile walking trail around it. Between the pretty colors of leaves, like red, gold, yellow, green. brown, or what have you, and their reflection in the mirror like lake, it was a great place to enjoy the month of November.

We can’t relive or recreate certain memories. Sometimes just the memory itself is the best way to live. We may sometimes feel down because all we have left is a memory, but we have to be mindful of the true value in which our thoughts and reminiscing can be. The key to this is to make new memories by enjoying life, and taking breaks out of being in a rush. Enjoy the presence of friends and loved ones that we will someday greatly miss.

Practicing mindfulness has been the difference maker in all my life’s experiences. And it is an especially wonderful tool now, for enjoying the things in life that we may not have tomorrow.

I am always taking breaks out of life to enjoy the fascinating world around me. November is one of my favorite’s months out of the year. I hope to appreciate all the subtle wonders of the month each and every day. It has been a tough year for all of us, but when it comes to Thanksgiving, I still feel blessed and give thanks for the loved ones around me, the healthy life I now have, and the fact that I get to live my life, not being alone.

An essay by MICHAEL PATANELLA, Volume 2, article 665

Michael Patanella

is a Trenton, New Jersey Author, Publisher, Columnist, Editor, Advocate, and recovering addict, covering topics of mental health, addiction, sobriety, mindfulness, self-help, faith, spirituality, Smart Recovery, social advocacy, and countless other nonfiction topics. His articles, publications, memoirs, and stories are geared towards being a voice for the voiceless. Hoping to reach others out there still struggling.