October 24, 2023

1. Fall Traditions: Apple Orchard and Meandering Roads

Yes, I can buy local apples in the grocery store, but at least once during the fall off to an apple orchard we must go. Along with hundreds of other people, of course, but we were there early and made our purchase of apples, apple cider donuts, applecrisp and hard cider.

Walking towards the apple barn, we watched all the young families–kids in strollers, kids on Dads’ shoulders, kids leaping and skipping ahead of theirs parents, kids holding their grandparents’ hands; kids not wanting to hold hands. Bruce wondered if we were ever that young. Soooo long ago.

After leaving the orchard, we drove north along the St Croix River. Has there ever been such a gorgeous fall? Of course, there probably has, but we are in the moment; moments of glimmering, shimmering, blazing and sparkly color. Where bareness is beginning to take over, I notice the many homes tucked within the woods or beyond fields, and, I admit, I envy the quiet and their views.

2. Fall Transitions Closer to Home

Outside–on our block and in the garden, such glory. Bruce is scurrying, like the squirrels, to prepare the garden for the winter. Last year we had our first snow on October 14, so the clock is ticking.

Inside, I have added throws to some of the chairs, and spices are simmering on the stove.

3. Fall Treasures

This small hand-painted plate was one of my mother’s fall treasures, and at some point I made it my own. I am sure she bought it at an antique shop some place, and I don’t remember quite how she used it. In an arrangement on the small coffee table in front of the family room couch, maybe? It is perfect for a stick of butter, I think.

This little piece was painted by Lena Thompson, and I wonder who she was. What was her story? China painting was a popular profession and hobby in the United States beginning in the 1870’s, but continued into the early 20th century. This was an acceptable art form for women and for many women a way to make some money, but I imagine it was also a way to add the decorative arts to one’s own home. Did women get together in each other’s homes to paint, similar to quilting bees? I think about the friendships formed, the wisdom shared–along with coffee and cookies, of course.

These days when I decorate for the seasons I think about what I might bring with me if/when it is time to take the next step into a different and smaller living situation. This is one of those sweet pieces I might bring with me. A mug of cider could rest on it or a candle or yes, a stick of butter, and it wouldn’t take up much room in a cupboard, but it carries memories of my mother and her love of collecting and keeping a beautiful home. And it makes me think of women like Lena who eagerly and beautifully lived a creative life.

4. Fall Fun

When I opened the front door to put a letter in the mailbox, I heard giggling. Leah, one of the kids next door, urged

her little sister, “More, Maya, More.” They were burying their brother in a pile of leaves. One toe emerged. One finger lifted out of the golden pile. “More, Maya, More.”

5. Fall Fright

Actually, I smile more than scream.

6. A Fall Thought from Joyce Rupp and My Prayer for You

Autumn is a royal season. To temper the necessary disrobing of the glory of summer, autumn dons a coat of many colors, for beauty softens departure. Autumn holds fragments of the other seasons in transformative arms…Each season’s entrance and departure is part of the gracious turning of the circle of life. from The Circle of Life, The Heart’s Journey Through the Season By Joyce Rupp and Macrina Wiederkehr.

May this fall open you to beauty and lead you gently into the next season of your life.

May these fall days hold you and all that is falling within you.

May fall make room for what is most important and for the ways you can offer yourself.

Amen.

An Invitation

What fall moments will become a fall memory? I would love to know.