October is one of my favorite times of year. It’s my birthday month, the anniversary of my first Natural Awakenings issue (October 2010), and the most beautiful month for its colorful trees and harvest landscapes.

I’m just starting to see a tinge of color in my favorite tree. It was in danger of being cut down and paved over when we lengthened our driveway — the paving contractor sure that it would die anyway, the mason unhappy about making an awkward turn in the retaining wall to go around it, and my husband secretly wishing for more space to maneuver his car. But the tree and I prevailed. I still worry that the asphalt is too close and will crowd the tree’s roots, but for now it turns the most brilliant red of any in the yard, and makes me smile when I pull into the driveway.

Last month, our September issue celebrated Yoga. We received several inquiries about how and where to start practicing, so we are continuing our coverage this month with a Guide to Yoga Styles, and an ad directory of local Yoga studios. It’s a great time of the year to take up the practice: As the weather cools, it’s helpful to keep your muscles limber and your joints flexible — and the mental, spiritual aspect of Yoga can also support you through the hectic and sometimes blue days of fall and winter.

Thanks for all your votes in our Natural Choice Awards. The response has been really terrific, with hundreds of businesses and practitioners nominated. We already have a few nominees clearly in the lead as Overall Favorite but that could change easily as new entries come in. Whoever takes the honor will receive a full page Community Profile in the January issue so that all our local Natural Awakenings readers can learn about them. The voting is open until November 30, so if you haven’t entered the names of your favorite natural health, wellness and green companies, there’s still time. You can find the ballot on pages 32 and 33, or online at NaturalAwakeningsNJ.com.