A Certain Slant of Light

I finally had to break down and ask my husband if he thought that Autumn was whispering to us? I've been having moments for a couple of weeks now when the air hinted about the changing leaves and pumpkins- when a certain slant of light made the world seem a little crisper, a little less heat muddled. I couldn't tell if it was really happening or if it was just my brain trying to fool me with false hope. Autumn will always be my favorite season as it is filled with memories of long, early morning walks in the woods, pumpkin pie, and craft festivals. I look forward to cooler days and crisper nights. I also look forward to the goodies that the change in season brings. New foods to make, activities to look forward to, and for me, a feeling of renewal similar to one everyone else seems to feel in the Spring, especially as my every growing body looks for relief from the heat. Of course, the moment I step outside, all delusions of Autumn are blasted aside by the heat of Summer. Thankfully, Jesse has been hearing the whispers, too, so I am not alone in my frustration and disappointment.

We'll be starting broccoli from seed soon- our second attempt at growing "green flowers," after giving it a go this spring. Another round of carrots, beets, sugar snap peas, radishes will be sown directly into the beds outside as well as a first round of turnip or mustard greens. As satisfying as I find sowing, growing, and harvesting- I also enjoy cleaning the garden out! Pulling out the plants that are fading and filling up the compost bin means that each season starts with a blank slate for planting. Gardening provides the gardener with very distinct lines of transition and a clear sense of moving forward even when the rest of the world might not.

Autumn will begin the time that we get to delve into our stored harvest. Counting the jars, dividing them between those that we will keep and those to share with friends during the holidays. We always run out of salsa before the new year. We usually still have a jar or two of green tomato relish left when we begin canning again the following summer. Chili making will begin soon. Bread baking will be easier because the house won't be so stinking hot.

The ending of summer heralds the end of summer vacation and a return to the work cycle of school. Ardis will be relieved. She's missed school since the first week of vacation. However, it means that I will find myself returning to the balancing act of work and play. I have a hard time including play- perpetually falling off the tight rope to the safety net of work. Hopefully, I will be able to find the right balance and be able to enjoy the last full season my family will enjoy together before we welcome our new addition with the next season: a new baby boy and Winter-an excellent combination.