Happy Thanksgiving!
Fall always feels like it sneaks up on me. One moment, I’m savoring long hikes under the warm sun, tending to the yard, and marveling at the bounty of fruit trees and berry bushes. This year was something special—my peach trees outdid themselves, and the raspberry bushes were bursting with fruit. There’s something deeply satisfying about seeing that kind of abundance after all the effort put into planting, pruning, and nurturing.
But as much as I’d like to linger in the harvest season, fall has its own agenda. By the time October was winding down, I had to remind myself to enjoy what was left of the season. I made a ritual of walking 3.6 miles every day at 11am, like clockwork. Those walks became my way of savoring the shifting colors, crisp air, and the crunch of leaves underfoot. It’s a rhythm that grounds me—just me, the trail, and my thoughts.
And then November arrived, bringing its gray skies and cold weather. Every single day this month has been a stark contrast to the vibrance of October. The cold settles in, the sun seems to take an extended vacation, and everything slows down. While I don’t mind bundling up and getting outside, I can’t help but feel like the abruptness of the change caught me off guard this year.
Still, there’s always music to lift the spirits when the days feel heavy and short. It’s a good time to pull out the mandolin or fiddle and lose myself in a tune. Music and nature are my constants, whether I’m walking through the woods, canoeing along a quiet river, or playing a lively jig in the warmth of my studio.
So, here’s to finding joy in the seasons, even when they come too quickly. Whether it’s the burst of life in the garden or the simple pleasure of a daily walk, there’s always something to appreciate. Now, time to start planning next year’s planting while I wait for the sun to return.