September

Here we are, on the cusp on the autumnal equinox, barely a week away.

Lady Autumn stands by the gate waiting for the Mistress of Summer to depart her post, which in turn will allow the Lady to work her seasonal magic. See her now as she stands, dressed in emerald green and gold, her copper colored hair flying in the chilly breeze, oblivious to the rain drops landing  on her face, lining her white cheeks. In her arms, she carries butternut squash, sweet potatoes, garlic, leeks, thyme, rosemary, and brussell sprouts. Her eyes are incredibly blue right now, looking forward to backyard fires, roast vegetables, smoked pork and other beautiful food things.

She is the best of the best and she knows it, which is why she demands so much. She will bring mums, in every shape and color, straw bales, kale, and pumpkins...she will bring candle light and dark, sumptious wine. She will make you eat and drink to preserve your life for the coming season, for this is Lady Autumn, the spirit that comes before the dark, steely cold, dispassionate time that occurs in deep winter.

The winter season is hard in any case, in any venue, but it can be made easier by stocking your pantry with root vegetables, good stock, fresh herbs, carrots, celery, good wine and crusty bread. Surround yourself with guilty pleasures this season, leading into the next, more difficult season. Good tea, good hot chocolate, all the ingredients for a hearty homemade soup, and always, good bread and good wine.

And, believe me, this is important, an adequate supply of seasoned firewood.

Above all, remember, if you don't tell your stories, nobody else will.