opening chapter ten – hello october
Logs crackle. Embers glow. Shadows dance in the night. Brisk walks. Bracing air. Blow the cobwebs away. In the fields, pumpkins slouch, patiently waiting to be picked. Pumpkin soup. Pumpkin pie. Pumpkin spiced lattes are back. Fleece-lined wellies. Tweed jackets. For the dogs too? Why of course! Fallen leaves - now amber - crisp and crunch underfoot. Baked potatoes. Baked cookies. Comfort food - bring it on! Scents of cinnamon and spice swirl through the air. Light the fire. Cosy up. Settle down with a book. Why not make it ‘Evergreen’ by Lydia Millen... Coming your way on the twelfth.
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After so many late nights and long haul flights spent glued to my laptop over the past twelve months, the arrival of October means that publication month has officially arrived…
Which means that in just twelve days’ time, my debut book Evergreen will be released into the world!
I’ve mentioned it a few times now but Evergreen is my proudest work to date. I feel like it reflects the journey I’ve been on in recent years so accurately and for that reason, is a body of work that I stand by, means so much to me and always will. For that reason, I’m heading towards its release on the 12th with a sense of calm. A sense of calm with a sprinkling of healthy butterflies, I admit. But a sense of calm where I’m letting go of as much self-doubt as I can nonetheless!
After all, it’s a lot easier to let go of self doubt (or anything else that might be holding you back) when you see every deciduous tree across the northern hemisphere shedding their leaves and doing the same!
If you haven’t pre-ordered your copy yet, you can get your mittens on a copy here! For obvious reasons, I will be talking about it A LOT this month so I’d love for you to be able to follow the conversation and hear what you think about it!
In other news, though I no longer celebrate Halloween by dressing up and experimenting with spooky face paint like I once did a few years back (!) it won’t stop me from getting into the halloween spirit and creating various pumpkin-inspired dishes towards the end of the month. After all, according to this research by Hubbub, approximately 22.2 million pumpkins go to waste each year. With that in mind, I’m determined to try and encourage as many of you as possible to turn your pumpkin masterpiece into something tasty in the days that follow Halloween so keep an eye out for incoming pumpkin recipes!
I will also be sharing autumnal beauty recommendations, timeless high street finds, my favourite outdoor clothing, wellness tips as the nights draw in and – given that I’ve got more book-related events to dress up for in the coming weeks – a guide to dressing for events this Autumn/Winter, on this blog in the coming weeks.
As a final thought, October’s arrival means that we’ve officially entered the final quarter of the year – a turning point that I always find galvanises me into action! With just three months left of 2023, what have you been putting off this year that you could start today? Where have you been holding yourself back and how can you change that in the next twelve weeks? What would you love to tick off your ‘to do’ list before the year ends?
I’ve certainly got a few things that I’d like to tie up.
If you do too, let’s make a deal and agree to both crack on with them, shall we?
As always, I’d love to hear what you’re looking forward to this month. Let me know in the comments below.
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I have been a silent viewer for around a year now, I came across you on TikTok and just kept watching I followed you on Instagram and watched every YouTube video, I find myself relaxing when I watch you it’s like my way of switching off.
I have just received Evergreen and I’m hooked I haven’t had a book before that made me feel so calm and balanced in life you’ve helped me discover the beauty in the most simple things around me whether it’s a sunny a spring day or the first sight of a blossom or a flower, where I was someone who didn’t see the beauty in theses things, Thank you.
I find myself not wanting to put Evergreen down! I suppose what I’m trying to say is you’re doing amazing and helping so many of us that you don’t even know about.
Thank you x
That means so much Zoe, thank you! I’m so glad you’re enjoying it x
I have been rewatching your old YouTube videos and to observe the way you have grown and blossomed over the years is so enchanting. You have come so far not only in your professional life, but as a person and the way you indulge yourself into everything you do. You are an inspiration for many, and I am so overjoyed by the release of Evergreen and cannot wait to bring every season to life.
Thank you so much Maddi! I hope you enjoy the book! xx
The turn of the maples on the front lawn, the drop of acorns from our towering oaks, the initiation of kids frolicking in “leaf town.” The quietness of the garden as it gives over its lush greens. Another study in the pages of Scripture, another set of verses memorized. An autumn solstice of the heart, the one that turns fully homeward to welcome all coziness and merriment in. With a heart open toward all the Good Father might choose to give.
Grace to you, Lydia.
Dear Lydia Team,
I am already feeling enchanted by Evergreen. Could you send all pertinent details regarding the book signing event?
Joyously appreciatively yours,
Thank you so much Melanie, that means so much to me! Of course, here you go: https://www.waterstones.com/events/an-evening-with-lydia-millen-at-st-jamess-church-london/london-piccadilly I hope you can make it!