LIGHT IN THE DARKNESS

Ever since I was a small child I have carved a Jack-O-Lantern on Halloween. This is, perhaps, more significant as I approach a rather significant birthday that celebrates entering a new decade.

While some people might consider this a bit childish, I view it as a way to keep family traditions alive. It keeps me in touch with my loved ones who shared in these rituals in the past, but are no longer with us today. 

Halloween has it's roots in the Celtic feast of Samhain, which celebrated the ancestors who had passed away, so it's only fitting that my Jack-O-Lantern helps to keep the memory of my ancestors alive for me.

CEMETERY SPIRITS

As we move into the darkest time of year we pass through a time known as All Hallowstide. The time when we celebrate Halloween, All Saints Day, and All Souls Day, the three days of remembering our our ancestors and loved ones who have passed on.

This was a major Thin Time for the ancient Celts who celebrated Samhain on Octobert 31 - What we call Halloween. Samhain was the feast of the ancestors, and it was also both the end of the old year and the beginning of the new year, thus they believed that the veil between the worlds - this world and the next - was thinnest. During this time they believed that the spirits of their loved ones could walk the earth, and so they would place candles in carved turnips and set them outside to light the way as these spirits continued on their journey. They would also leave plates of food out to nourish their ancestor as they continued on their way. I think you can see the beginnings of what we now call Halloween. In fact Halloween is the holiday that is most closely celebrated today as it was in olden times.

As Christianity began to spread throughout Europe, they began to incorporate parts of the local traditions, with a Christian twist, into their rituals. November 1, became All Saint's Day, honoring the holy Saints of the Church, and so Samhain (October 31) became known as All Hallows Eve or Halloween.

While the indigenous people of Europe readily accepted the feast to honor the Saints, it still didn't fill their need to honor the ancestors. The Church met that need by establishing All Soul's Day on November 2. This feast of souls was intended to be a time for us to remember and honor our family members and loved ones who had passed away. Thus, we came full circle to the original celebration of Samhain.

Here's wishing everyone a very happy All Hallowstide!!

AN AUTUMN SUNDAY

Sunday Best

What I wore to Church:
               Shirt:  Brooks Brothers
               Bow Tie:  Mill City Finneries

               Sweater Vest: Jos A Bank
               Chinos:  Vineyard Vines

               Belt: Polo Ralph Lauren
               Shoes:  G.H. Bass
               Socks:  Polo Ralph Lauren
               Watch:  Timex
               Watch Strap:  Timex

THE COLORS OF FALL

WOOD DUCKS

Tis The Hunting Season!

THE LORD'S DAY

Church on Selby Avenue.

GENTLEMAN FARMER

This weekend our weather has turned much colder, and with those cooler temperatures came snow flurries yesterday and today. While it's way too early for snow in my opinion, we do live in Minnesota where anything, weather wise, can happen.

This early cold front requires us to wear heavier than usual sweaters and jackets when we head outside. Not that I mind sweaters and jackets, I just hope we still have a few warmer days ahead.

This change in weather, reminds me of this photo of my dad.  I don't know the history of it, but I would guess it was taken in the 1950's. I like to think that dad was attending a wedding or some other event, but had to stop at home to check on the livestock before returning to the festivities. Not sure if any of that is true, but either way, I love this photo.


***You gotta love the synchronicity of the Universe. Someone just pointed out to me that today is National Farmers Day! Who knew?

YOUR AUTHENTIC SELF

Today is National Coming Out Day! It is also a time when the U.S. Supreme Court is taking up a case that will decide protections and rights for the LGBTQ community. Today, let's take a stand for all people, and a world where everyone's rights are protected and they can live their authentic lives.

FUN PICKINGS

The forecast says that we are in for a much colder weekend, and that it's possible we might even see some snow. Even in Minnesota, barring a particular Halloween snow storm, it's early for snow to make an appearance. What's even harder to believe is how beautiful our weather was at the beginning of the week with temperatures in the low 60's. Fortunately my friend Todd and I were able to take advantage of the warm weather last weekend to do some apple picking.

The apple adventure awaits!

Time for lunch.

The apple tasting and baked goods line was long

Lunchtime serenade.

Those who know me, know that one of my favorite fall activities is to go apple picking. I love the seasonal tradition that this has become for me - apple picking was not an event from my childhood. Growing up in Iowa, my family never went on adventures to apple orchards to stuff bags, or baskets with these delicious red gems, and all of the many apple pies my mom baked, were filled with store bought fruit. Knowing this, it's hard to understand where my love for theses picking excursions came from.

Okay, I was just a little obsessed with the ducks.

Todd makes friends wherever he goes.

Our ride to the orchard.

Now to choose which varieties to pick.

For me, apple picking has become part of a romanticized image of what the fall has come to mean to me. Aside from the Christmas holidays, fall is my favorite time of year. I love the cooler temperatures that invite us to don our favorite sweaters, the light crispness in the air, the beauty of the leaves as they burst into color, and the warmth of fires - both fire rings outside and the cozy hearths inside.

As a child, each fall, our family tradition would be to go on "leaf-looking" drives to take in the beauty of the trees up and down the Mississippi River. As I grew older I discovered new adventures, like apple picking, that through the years have become new traditions for me.

Every good orchard has a farm animal petting zoo.

These two brought back childhood memories. We had peacocks 

when I was growing up on the farm.

Future farmers.

It would difficult for me to live anywhere that didn't experience all four seasons - I would miss them terribly. There's something about apple picking that awakens that part of me that appreciates, not just the coming of fall, but the changing of all the seasons, and that is a wonderful experience for me. 

Now, what shall I make with the apples?


Dressed for apple picking!

What I wore to the orchard:
               Flannel Shirt:  L.L. Bean

               Sweater: L.L. Bean
               Tan Corduroy Pants:  Ralph Lauren

               Belt: Polo Ralph Lauren

               Boots:  L.L. Bean

               Socks: L.L. Bean

               Watch:  Timex

               Watch Strap:  Brooks Brothers